This year, Ely Amateur Dramatic Society (Ely ADS) is celebrating its 135th anniversary, and what better way to mark the occasion than staging a play. 

Ely ADS are performing ‘The Madness of George III’ by Alan Bennett at The Maltings from March 16-18. The play is a witty and fast-paced take on the regency crisis. 

As the first issue of The Financial Times rolled off the press and Jack the Ripper terrorised London, a few members of Ely Reading Room Institute decided to stage an amateur production of ‘Spitalfields Weaver’, and Ely ADS was formed. 

Although the society took a while to stage further productions, by the early 20th century it was putting on at least one each year. 

By the 1960’s, two shows, and by the 1980’s three different plays. 

Speaking of the society’s next performance, director and committee member Matt Harvey said: “We wanted a great comedy drama to kick the year off with, and what better than Bennett’s brilliant play. 

“Colourful costumes, even more colourful characters, and a focus on a very modern concern for many around mental health.” 

Ely ADS will be donating £1 from each ticket sold to a mental health charity. 

Show dates are March 16 at 7:30pm, March 17 at 7:30pm, and a special Saturday matinee on March 18 at 2:30pm. 

Tickets are £13 and are available to buy from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/elyamateurdramaticsociety. 

You can also purchase tickets from Burrows Newsagent on Ely High Street. 

Society secretary Annabel Reddick said: “It’s been a real financial challenge to keep the society running in recent years due to increasing costs and the pandemic. 

“We really do appreciate those that come and see our productions and support their local theatre so we can continue to keep the society going for another 135 years!” 

Details on Ely ADS and their second production of the year will be available from April via their Facebook page.