a unique team of like-minded and highly talented actors and technicians whose aim is to bring challenging and innovative theatre to the people of Shropshire and beyond.

He drew upon acting talent from all across the county and established a reputation for directing and producing quality and innovative drama of the highest standard. He was responsible for inspiring many young actors and encouraging them to follow stage careers. Since Bert’s death in 1992 SDC has grown in the traditions he began as

Membership of SDC is by invitation and members work together to achieve ever-higher quality in theatre. High ideals of companionship and excellence do not obscure the fact that members come together to have a good time and ‘make good noyse’! Though we work towards excellence we are not elitist, recruiting people with experience in high-level drama and with none, placing equal responsibility on all members to be the best that they can possibly be. SDC is founded as much on hard work and goodwill as it is on talent. Our expectations are that members commit to learning and, once selected, they will work hard to develop their skills and insights so that they might make a contribution to the search for excellence.

Why does SDC exist?
This team aspires to create the best that Shropshire can produce in theatre. By daring to be different we go beyond the ordinary, aspiring always to improve and to be ground-breaking both in the nature of work we do and in its execution. SDC exists to provide opportunities for members to develop, to stretch their skills and to perform work that would not otherwise be performed in this area. Our reputation for consistent quality as well as for logistical and financial competence permits SDC to provide artistic opportunities that are not generally available in local groups. In producing plays of a professional standard, SDC makes a significant contribution to the cultural life of Shropshire.

What principles underpin its work?
The work of SDC is typified by a sense of mutual support, trust and achievement whether in rehearsal, in performance or in managing projects. We believe that enjoyment comes from working together to produce something of outstanding quality. There is collective recognition that this can only be achieved if people grow their talents in whatever aspects of theatre they happen to be interested, but also if they open themselves to the opportunities for personal growth and development that any worthwhile drama affords. The fun is in the working together; the recognition is in the quality of the performance. We are committed to taking the drama, if not ourselves, very seriously indeed.

What do we want for it?
In recent times, we have achieved conspicuous success artistically and this has brought the rewards of financial security and a loyal following for our work. We continue to work towards the widening of opportunities for ourselves and our audiences by extending our sphere of influence within and beyond Shropshire. We aim to develop our skills better to meet the increasing expectations of stakeholders, but we are, fundamentally, a group of friends with a deep and common interest in good drama.

SDC continues to prosper with a growing reputation for professionalism: in 2003, to considerable acclaim, we staged Henry IV Part 1 in Haughmond Abbey as part of the Battle of Shrewsbury 600th Anniversary Commemorative Festival; in 2004 The Lion In Winter at The Edge Theatre and King Lear at Much Wenlock Festival, Inherit the Wind at St Chad’s Cathedral as part of Shrewsbury’s 2005 Darwin Festival, All's Well That Ends Well (see picture of Joanna Purslow as Helena - above) at Much Wenlock Festival in 2006 and King Richard III in 2008 (see picture of Peter beechey as Richard III - opposite).