Members of the Sutton-in-Ashfield Drama Society (SADS), which has entertained audiences with comedy and plays since 1928, say a sharp decline in audience figures over the last 10 years means they can no longer continue.

Stephanie Holland, who has been a member of the Sutton Centre-based group for 20 years, told Chad it was a big disappointment for everyone connected with the society.

"It is a very sad time for us all," she said. "We all loved theatre and had a lot of fun performing.

'Friendly'

"The group has been very friendly and members have always formed good friendships.

"Theatre is a big part of our lives and it's quite a loss. Audience numbers have declined and many elderly people do not like coming out late at night.

"It is a real shame that we have had to admit defeat. We wanted to continue, but it is now no longer possible.

"We have also been faced with competition from a lot of other entertainment areas which has not helped."

Celebration

To mark the organisation's closure a special celebration for past and present members of the club will take place at the Derbyshire Hotel, at Junction 28 of the M1, on 2nd August at 7pm.

The drama society will also donate funds to the DebRA charity in memory of Stephanie's grand-daughter Brida, who died aged 14 months after she contracted the rare genetic condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

The disease causes skin and internal body linings to blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing pain and open wounds and is a hereditary condition.

DebRA (Defeating EB by Raising Awareness) is the UK's only patient-support group and medical research charity for people living with EB.

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