Eight reasons for joining ‘The Club for people who love theatre’ . . .

● Enjoy a full and varied season of rehearsed playreadings
● Popular social events
● Opportunities for acting, directing and helping backstage
● Value-for-money membership fee, includes associate membership of Newman Hall Club
● Speakers
● Theatre outings
● Pleasant venue with off-road parking
● Bar facilities at reasonable prices.

That group of ultra-keen drama enthusiasts, who were responsible for founding ʻPlaygoersʼ, Bristolʼs oldest independent theatre club way back in 1911, would, one hopes, be delighted to know that their club is still flourishing 100 years later. To begin with, the main aim of ʻPlaygoersʼ was to support and promote professional theatre in the city. Group visits to local theatres were arranged, actors, playwrights and other personalities were wined and dined, and much publicity was afforded both to the productions and to the club itself. In the second season two playreadings were mounted; these proved very popular and so began a tradition, which soon developed into the clubʼs main activity.
With a growing membership, ʻPlaygoersʼ looks forward with keen anticipation to 2011/12, its centenary season. It continues to offer a great deal to anyone interested in theatre and the arts. Members old and new will, once again, be able to enjoy the widest possible range of plays in the form of rehearsed play-readings. Those who wish to take an active part, may have the chance to act, direct or help backstage. Various social events, including a Centenary Dinner on 5 November, talks and theatre visits complete the programme.
ʻPlaygoersʼ is a member of the Avon Association of Drama and many of its acting members also belong to local drama groups. They appreciate the opportunity of appearing in well-rehearsed stagings, perhaps playing a coveted role, after several rehearsals, that might otherwise demand hours of ʻmemorisingʼ

The Readings take place at Newman Hall, Grange Court Road, Westbury-on-Trym, 7.20 for 7.30 pm on alternate Tuesdays from late September to April.

To receive membership information, please e-mail  membership@bristolplaygoersclub.co.uk