The Drama Group, 1996 to 2001

In 1996, a bright yellow poster appeared in the YMCA advertising a new drama group under the tutelage of John Magowan. This was to be the start of a new, youth-focused drama group that became a refuge, escape, and source of joy for many young people.

From an initial membership of twelve, aged between 12 and 17 years old, the group expanded and did productions not only in the YMCA, but across the city.

In 1998, the group entered the City Council’s One Act Drama Festival and the Waterside One Act Drama Festival, and won its first official honour, the “Best Comedy” award.

The group ran in the YMCA from 1996 to 2001. It staged two shows a year, including reestablishing Christmas entertainment. The young people in the group thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, and many made sure to “never miss a Wednesday night”.

Unfortunately, with changing times and demands in the organisation, the group had nowhere to practice. They were offered to become the resident drama group at the newly opened Waterside Theatre and made the move there. The group rebranded to “Ulidian” and ran under John until 2007, when it was handed over to Gemma Walker-Farren, who ran the group until 2020. The stage was eventually removed from the YMCA in 2008.