John
Simmons - Patron (appointed 2024)
John moved to Surrey
in 1973 and within two years joined Merstham Amateur Dramatic Society
(MADS) and Reigate Amateur Dramatic Society (RATS). He soon fell in
love with drama festivals, becoming RATS representative for the Betchworth
Festival in 1979. He became Treasurer of the Festival in 1982, a post
which he held until 1985 when he became Chairman. He was Chairman until
2005, running the Festival with his great friend and Secretary Betty
Bristow.
John was also Divisional
Chairman of festivals held both at the Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon and
the Secombe Centre, Sutton and Area Representative for many years.
John’s other great
love is antiques of which he is an avid collector and through this he
has been involved in dressing many sets. John also enjoys reading, music
of many different styles, visiting friends and is thrilled to be asked
to be Southern Counties Drama Festival Patron, re-connecting with old
friends and making new ones at the Barn.
Diana
Drysdale - Vice Patron (appointed 2020)
Diana 'got the bug'
for performing' when her childhood dancing school put her on stage at
the Scala Theatre in London in 1947, playing Pan. After leaving school
she had two years with East Surrey Operatic Society as a dancer but
acting being her preferred activity, she joined Merstham ADS in 1958.
MADS were founder members of the Betchworth Drama Festival (as SCDF
was originally called) and she appeared in many of their entries. Her
husband-to-be, Peter, was recruited by his father, Roy Drysdale, to
stage manage at Merstham in 1964 and they joke that they first met up
a ladder on the stage there! Roy achieved 'Best Actor' in the Festival
in 1964 and although she hoped to follow with 'Best Actress', she only
achieved a couple of nominations! However, she acted in and directed
many MADS entries over the years and they achieved Best Set, a couple
of Best Supporting Actors and a Best Actress, so she didn't do too badly!
Peter and Diana ventured to Horley Archway Theatre, where she played
in the amateur premier of the two-hander "Rattle of a Simple Man". After
seven years 'exile' in Portsmouth for Peter's work, they returned to
MADS in 1974 and she performed in many of their productions, including
entries in the now defunct Croydon Drama Festival of Full Length Plays
and productions in Redhill's Harlequin. She also appeared with RATS
(Reigate Amateur Theatre Company, which was initially formed from MADS
Members) and St. Marks Players. A couple of years ago she helped Bletchingley
Players out of a predicament by playing a batty old lady in hair rollers
- a part she felt eminently suited for now that she says age has dulled
her capabilities in the learning lines area! She was flattered to be
asked to be Vice Patron of SCDF and is looking forward to being part
of this very friendly contest.
Jill
Perry - Vice Patron (retired 2019)
Jill was in her
final year at school when she became a founder member of both the then
Student Players (now known as The Oxted Players) and the Oxted Operatic
Society. She met her husband Brian Styles when he was in charge of lighting
for the Pantomime in 1950, they were married in 1952 and continued to
work together at the Barn for many many years. During those years Jill
played most of the leads in the Operatic shows until a production of
Iolanthe in 1957 when she was seven months pregnant - definitely unsuitable
for the part of Phyllis, a ward of court!
The Betchworth Festival
was always a highlight of the year and Jill was fortunate to be mentioned
in the runners up for Best Actress many times. Then in 1979 she received
the highest accolade as Best Actress for her portrayal as the maid in
A Respectable Establishment. The opening of the play was a solo performance
by the maid with two pages of monologue.
Now Jill still delights
in being present as part of the audience in the many productions staged
at the Barn Theatre and is delighted to be Vice-Patron of this festival
which has been brought back to the high standard that we enjoy today.
Nicholas and Jill
at the Diamond Jubilee of the SCDF