New season of drama and community at MED Theatre

Dartmoor’s community theatre company, MED Theatre, is opening its doors this September with a packed programme for young people, adults, and theatre-lovers alike. The autumn season will not only see new workshops and courses begin but also the launch of the company’s new studio space in Moretonhampstead.

Founded in the 1980s by playwright Mark Beeson, MED Theatre has long been a cornerstone of Dartmoor’s cultural life, producing original community plays, youth theatre projects, and educational programmes rooted in the history, environment and folklore of the moor. Now, almost 40 years on, it continues to foster creativity across generations.

Young people’s drama clubs return

This term sees the return of Bright Nights Drama Club (for 8–12 year olds) and Wild Nights Young Company (for 13–19 year olds). Both groups will begin developing new, original theatre pieces from September, with performances scheduled for Saturday 6th December as part of DartFest.

The weekly sessions in Moretonhampstead offer young people the chance to explore performance, movement and creativity, while building confidence and friendships. MED Theatre is currently recruiting new members. Sessions run from 9th September to 2nd December.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.medtheatre.co.uk or email helengilbert@medtheatre.co.uk.

Drama for home-educated young people

Alongside its youth groups, MED Theatre is also offering two drama courses this autumn tailored for home-educated children:

• Tuesdays, 9.30am–12.30pm at the MED Theatre studio in Moretonhampstead (ages 8–16).

• Fridays, 2–3pm at the Moor Imagination Collective in Buckfastleigh (ages 8–13).

For details and costs, email education@medtheatre.co.uk.

Improvisation for adults

For adults looking to try something new, MED Theatre is running a five-week improvisation course in its new studio space. Sessions, which run from 22nd September to 20th October, are designed for beginners and focus on playful, in-the-moment games in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

“All adults are welcome, no experience necessary – in fact, it can be helpful to have none!” the company said in its announcement. The cost is £60 for the five sessions, though MED Theatre notes that support is available if cost is a barrier.

To book, email abbystobart@medtheatre.co.uk.

New studio open house and book launch

The company will also welcome the public to its new studio in The Square, Moretonhampstead with an open house on Thursday, 25th September, 5–7.15pm. Visitors are invited to drop in for a “nosey and nibble” and see the new creative space.

That evening at 7.30pm, MED Theatre will host the official launch of Dartmoor Elements, a new poetry collection by the company’s late founder Mark Beeson. The event will include readings, an introduction by the editors, and refreshments. Admission is free but booking is required via www.ticketsource.co.uk/med-theatre or info@medtheatre.co.uk.

The new studio can be accessed behind Hippo, via the external metal stairs in the lane from The Square towards Green Hill.