Tel. 07383 985807 | E: info@a48theatrecompany.com
A48 Theatre Company Ltd. was set up by Ray and Kathy Thomas in May 2018 in response to their shared love of drama, theatre, literature, writing and travel. They aspire to share creative, life-enhancing opportunities with like-minded enthusiasts.
Ray brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the. company. Trained as a Drama Teacher in Barry, South Wales, Ray did a ‘Gavin and Stacey’ in 1972, moving from Barry to Billericay. Here he began a vibrant and inspirational career which saw him setting up a purpose built community theatre on The Isle of Wight, running a multi-national Arts Festival in Singapore and managing the Community Education programme for South Somerset.
Retiring in 2014, Ray undertook an MA in Drama at the University of South Wales and was invited to lecture in Directing at the Atrium, working with committed young people.
His productions include: ‘The Point’ by Harry Nilsson, ‘A Day in the Death of Joe Egg’ by Peter Nicholson, ‘Our Town’ by Thornton Wilder, ‘Endgame’ by Samuel Beckett, ‘West Side Story’ by Sondheim, Bernstein and Laurents and ‘Do Not Go Gentle’ by Patricia Cornelius.
Kathy graduated from Nottingham University and began a teaching career in Reading, Berkshire. Moving to The Peak District in Derbyshire she combined teaching English and Humanities with raising a family.
Kathy ventured into the field of directing whilst at United World College of South East Asia in Singapore, making a film of ‘Lord of the Flies’ on location in Malaysia and directing ‘The Insect Play’ by the Brothers Capek.
She held senior positions in three Somerset schools and completed an MEd focussed on managing curriculum change.
Kathy has set up ‘Living Lines’ as a discreet group of Writers within A48.
Derek’s many years of experience operating, designing and implementing computer systems, managing the standardisation of the BT computer operations platform and becoming Computer Efficiency Platform Manager enable him to bring a calm professionalism to the company.
In his ‘spare’ time, Derek has gained a wealth of knowledge of managing, stage managing and assisting managing a variety of theatre productions for Everyman, Radyr Drama, Orbit and other theatre companies. He has Chaired the Everyman Open Air Festival at St Fagan’s and toured productions in South Wales and to Czech Republic.
In 2017 Derek was Production Manager on a joint Everyman/ Drill Hall Theatre production that toured South Wales and Mullumbimby, Australia, and in 2019 on a production of “Under Milkwood” that toured Cardiff and Malta.
The Steering Group
A Steering Group meet monthly in order to evaluate our current situation and guide us through each up-coming project and production. Reports on Marketing, Finance, Company Policies, Backstage Support (i.e. costumes, stage management, rehearsal space, etc.) ‘Living Lines’, Membership, the Website and Development Initiatives help to inform the decision-making of this group.
Where and When we Meet
The Victoria Park pub, Canton, Sundays 12.00 – 2.00pm
Fairwater Community Hall, Fairwater, Mondays 7.30 – 9,30pm
Rehearsals, play reading sessions, workshops and meetings are held at ‘The Talent Shack’, Unit 17, Freemans Parc, Penarth Road, CF11 ‘Living Lines’ meet at Cathays Cemetery every other Tuesday from 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm. See ‘LIVING LINES’ on this site for information about our current programme or go to:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/200614600730332/
Membership
Membership costs £15 per year and runs from October 1st. For details on how to join, please go to ‘CONTACT’ on this site. You are welcome to come along to one of our sessions to find out more about us without joining.
Non-members are welcome to attend our Workshops, Play-Reading Sessions, Social Events, etc. This may involve a cost.