Second Thoughts Drama Group

Second Thoughts is generously supported by Stratford-upon-Avon Town Trust

Second Thoughts is a community-based drama group performing in and around Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, in the United Kingdom. Our President is David Bradley, best known for his role as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films.

The RSC Visitors Season

Amadeus at The RST Swan  Theatre, Stratford, October 1997

Peter Shaffer's award  winning play deals with the rivalry between the young and brash but supremely  talented Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his then more famous contemporary. Estelle  Hand delivered a stunning production, helped along by a faultless cast and a dedicated backstage crew.

"... Amadeus was polished and professional from beginning to end. The play  was held together by Graham Tyrer's masterly portrayal of the tormented Salieri and Richard Sandle's excellent Amadeus."

".. one of the highlights of the RSC's Autumn Alternative Season.  This is the best amateur dramatic production I have ever seen; it is a triumph  for Second Thoughts and, as far as amateur dramatics goes, this is as good as it  gets."

Sara Hurst, Stratford upon Avon  Herald, 23 October 1997.

Toad of Toad Hall at The RST Other Place, October 1999

A A Milne's Toad was directed by Estelle Hand, who yet again put together a cast and production that drives the distinction between amateur and professional into irrelevance. Most  astonishing, particularly to the RST Box Office staff, the tickets were all sold  out two weeks before the first night and many Second Thoughts members never got a chance to see it.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Golden Pathway Annual, 11th-16th August 1997 at Bruntsfield Primary School, Edinburgh

Richard Sandle was 16 when he put forward the idea of directing The Golden Pathway Annual. Following a successful run in the 1996 Forest of Arden Festival, the cast and crew headed north to the Edinburgh Fringe, and came away triumphant.  Paul McCrudden from romping baby to rebellious student, Sarah Walden from teacher to vamp, Steve Farr from hopeful returning soldier to confused,  redundant parent, Ian Mclean from "Wodger" to chicken; the range and depth of  acting skill in the small cast was quite astonishing. Not to mention the Stage Fairies, the tireless backstage team and numerous other supporters.

A local review of the Stratford production suggested that one day Kenneth Branagh would need to watch out for Richard Sandle. Keep watching, Ken - only now he’s a professional, you need to look out for Richard Keynes.

"As there is a cast of only four to play 20 characters, grown men play headmasters, chickens, five-year-olds and down-and-outs to hilarious effect. It  was worth seeing for the zest with which its players performed, its clever  staging, and the delightful scenes of the first half alone."

The Scotsman, reviewed 18 August, 1997, by Victoria  Millar
 

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Copyright © Second Thoughts 1996 - 2006. The Second Thoughts web site is  designed and maintained by Phil Trory with NetObjects Fusion. First published 20 August 1996.  Link to http://www.secondthoughts.org.uk