Welcome to KATS Online

A local theatre company that has been entertaining local audiences since 1901…

PLAY ON!

Rick Abbot’s hilarious take on amateur drama group putting on a production… Play On. Nothing like KATS, at all, was a real crowd pleaser! And the NODA review sums it all up very nicely…

COME FROM AWAY

The next KATS’ musical will be the remarkable true story –  Come From Away: Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway. If you would like to get involved, click below to find out how!

OUR HOUSE

Our House – definitely brought the house down! First review and front page local news – READ ALL ABOUT IT!

A little history

Previous Productions

And Then There Were None

Presented 4th – 7th October 2023

The Wind In The Willows

Presented 20th – 23rd March 2024

Sheila’s Island

Presented 25th – 28th September 2024

Our House

Presented 26th – 29th March 2025

Play On!

Presented 24th – 27th September 2025

Please Note: You must be a member of KATS to perform in our productions. Membership is £50 per year.

2026 MUSICAL

Come From Away

Come from Away is a contemporary musical, with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It is the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.

However, this is not a story about the horrific incident of 9/11 but the joyous story of the kindness of the local people of Gander who lost no time in welcoming thousands of strangers into their community without any judgement about race, culture, religion or sexuality. The story focuses on the forging of unexpected friendships and generosity of the people of Gander who expected nothing in return for their help. It is exceptionally clever, funny and beautifully poignant.

The show is an ensemble piece with each cast member playing several characters. Although there are only 12 characters in the libretto, I am hoping to stretch that to 16. Because of the unusual form of this musical there will not be any chorus.

It is a complicated and fast paced show and everyone who is selected to be part of the ensemble cast will be expected to attend rehearsals twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Dates that cannot be attended because of prior commitments must be given before the rehearsal schedule is written.) Priority will be given to actors with strong singing voices who have a good ear for harmony or those who can play an instrument to a high standard.

There will be a workshop to give a taster of the audition material and an opportunity to learn some songs from the show. If you want to audition it is not crucial for you to attend the workshop but it would be advantageous.

FUNDRAISING FOR KATS

It’s so easy…

KATS has joined a fundraising scheme called easyfundraising. It’s a simple online shopping platform that has been helping organisations, such as ourselves, since 2005 and gives cashback to good causes.

HOW IT WORKS

Whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be raising free donations for Kingsbridge Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS) with easyfundraising.

There are over 7,000 brands on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds.

ALL YOU NEED TO DO

Click here to join for free.

Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.

After you’ve checked out, the brand will make a donation to Kingsbridge Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS) at no extra cost to you whatsoever!

Get involved

Join our crew

You don’t have to a performer! We welcome talent in whatever form it takes. Maybe you have a gift for finding or making props, sewing costumes, or painting scenery?

We always need friendly faces to sell programmes, ice creams or drinks during the productions, too.

Actors

We are always looking for new aspiring cast members

Behind the scenes

Lighting to sound to making the tea – we’re looking for you…

Musicians

we’D love to hear from you

Drama writers

Begin your theatre career with KATS

General help

Volunteers are always welcome!

KATS

the theatre experience

about Us

KATS has been entertaining local audiences for over 100 years, with Trial by Jury as the first production in 1901.

All performers and crew are members of the Society, participating in the productions and enjoying plenty of social get togethers too.

Productions

And Then There Were None: 2023

My Fair Lady: 2023

Calendar Girls: 2022

9 To 5: 2022

Blood Brothers: 2019

Fiddler On The Roof: 2018

Entertaining Angels: 2017

Singin' In The Rain: 2016

Oliver!: 2015

Find out more

If you are interested in getting involved with KATS, we'd love to hear from you.

Click here with any questions and we will be in touch!