Formed in 2018, Cirencester Theatre Company may be one of the newest theatre companies in the county.

But in their short lifespan they have already achieved a lot, putting on near-professional productions at Cirencester College’s Sundial Theatre.

Angie Abingdon has lived in Gloucestershire for over 20 years and is the Chairman of the group.

Originally a member of Hexagon Theatre Company, based in Stroud, she explains how the Cirencester Theatre Company came about.

“My first part was playing Rita in ‘Brassed Off’, which Hexagon did brilliantly in collaboration with Chalford Brass Band at the Subscription Rooms. This was my first foray into acting since school and I got the bug!

“I have since been involved with a Cirencester am-dram group for some years and in 2018 I directed ‘Brassed Off’, this time in collaboration with Cirencester Silver Band. This production was staged at The Sundial Theatre as opposed to the usual Church Hall venue because we needed the space for the band.

“As a result of the success of ‘Brassed Off’ and the use of such a brilliant theatre as The Sundial, I wanted to continue using its facilities and become the theatre’s resident drama group. Hence Cirencester Theatre Company was formed.”

Following ‘Brassed Off’, the company staged ‘Tons of Money’, by Alan Ayckbourn, at The Sundial in April – “our aim is to stage two plays a year,” added Angie.

“We also offer acting services and have helped with student films and various other film projects, and provide pop-up theatre including a War Time Comedy afternoon at Mulberry Court.”

Cirencester Theatre Company’s next production will be coming to the stage next month, on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th November.

They will be taking on ‘Natural Causes’ – a dark comedy by Eric Chappell of ‘Rising Damp’ and ‘Only When I Laugh’ fame.

Angie said: “Directed by Mark Iredale, Natural Causes is a dark yet very funny play.

“It’s a thriller, full of mistaken identities, hilarious consequences and some great laughs.”

Rehearsals are well under way, with Angie and the rest of the cast and crew all working hard to put on another top notch performance.

She continued: “Props have had a challenge with a rubber plant – but no spoilers, you have to come and see the play to see how good it is!

“Rehearsals have proved hilarious for this production. There are around 18 group members, of all ages, many with years of am-dram experience. Everyone in our group contributes in various ways – costumes, props, set building, publicity – it’s always a great team effort.

For more information on Cirencester Theatre Company, visit www.cirencestertheatrecompany.co.uk