WARTS (Wortham and Redgrave Theatre Society) is derived from the original
Wortham Pantomime Group and the first production was written by a member of the
group Frank Sheehan, during the summer of 1984. The first play, “A Cupboard Full of
Skeletons” was performed in October 1984. The group put on their first festival play at the
Felixstowe Drama Festival in 1986. In 1987 Warts presented a drama, again written by
Frank, in the local Breckland Drama Festival at Thetford.
In 1989, WARTS decided to perform dramas and comedies by established playwrights and picked up their
first piece of silverware at the local Drama Festival. During 1991 cups for an individual performance
and for directing, set WARTS up for higher aspirations. The group was now performing
plays by Alan Ayckbourn, William Shakespeare, Harold Pinter and the like at Botesdale
Village Hall and other venues. The group has continued throughout the years to entertain
locally with polished productions and have, from time to time, performed to fundraise for
local charities.
In 2001, WARTS hosted the 27th Breckland Drama Festival at Botesdale Village Hall. It
was the first time a small village had been asked to host the event and was a great coup
for Botesdale. The honour came about as a result of major improvements to the hall
including stage extensions, lighting and sound equipment. The Village Hall Management
Committee have supported WARTS from the outset and together staged a very
successful festival.
In October 2014, WARTS celebrated their 30th Anniversary at Botesdale Village Hall.
Current members of the group, members of the Village Hall Committee, past members of
WARTS and seven founder members attended. A fantastic meal was enjoyed by all, and
the entertainment was provided by group members, together with some of our "Young
WARTS."
WARTS continues to go from strength to strength with an influx of new blood
and the future is full of success, drama and laughter.