A local theatre society barn clear-out provides room for new talent.

Kingsbridge Amateur Theatrical Society recently invited their committee and friends along to a day of barn clearing, and are now looking to fill a few roles.

Last weekend, about a dozen KATS members got together to tidy up and clear out the two barns where they store costumes, props and equipment. They spent the day sorting costumes of different types into storage crates and photographing everything so that they can make a catalogue of costumes and props.

KATS chairman Jules McColl explains: “We are hugely grateful to Liz and David Raeburn who have recently allowed us to use two of their barns for storage of costumes and equipment. Our normal performance place is Malborough Village Hall but we don’t have room there to store props or costumes, so having this additional storage space is really vital to us.”

For their most recent performance, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, KATS were fortunate to enlist the help of the Kingsbridge Men’s Shed who pooled their talents and built the wooden cart for the show. KATS always has a welcome space for a carpenter, builder or anyone who enjoys DIY.

However, they are making a special appeal for anyone who would like to take on the role of wardrobe maestro. The society has hundreds of costumes and accessories, but as each show is different, it is looking for people who are good at needlework, or who enjoy browsing the charity shops looking for outfits in specific styles.

If this is something of interest, getting involved in a local theatre group and taking up a very sociable hobby is just an added bonus.

Local KATS member Pat Barlow moved to Devon in 2010, and one of the first things she did upon arrival was join the society.

Pat Barlow, who is now secretary at KATS, said: “It has given me a great social life and introduced me to many wonderful new friends.”

Now that they have a fresh start with their newly cleaned storage spaces, KATS are looking forward to their next production, ‘Murder in Play’, by Simon Brett. The comedy murder mystery is being directed by Bethan Tucker, a drama graduate from Aberystwyth University. Auditions have taken place and the cast will soon start rehearsing for the play, which is to be performed from September 19-22 at the Malborough Village Hall.

To get involved with KATS in any way, contact Pat Barlow at [email protected] or 01548 853827. To keep up to date with KATS, like and follow their Facebook page.