About Us
 
Rhiwbina Amateur Theatrical Society (RATS) was formed unofficially prior to the opening of the hall in 1957, at which time RATS became officially part of the Rhiwbina Memorial Hall and Community Association which own and manage Rhiwbina Memorial Hall and is a Registered Charity. Its first production was in February 1958, Agatha Christies 'The Hollow' which was repeated in April 1989 as our 100th.

For the last 20 years or so we have put on four shows a year, with at least one evening for our patrons. We also perform a very wide variety of productions and our high standards are recognised as virtually unique for a group performing in a village hall.

Membership numbers vary, but it is usually between 60 and 70, with ages varying from 16 to 70, which shows that amateur dramatics, though hard work is also a great deal of fun for all types of people and fellow performers often become firm friends. Of course it is not just performing, a production takes a great deal of backup and running the group takes all sorts of talents.

If you think you may be interested in joining, then all you have to do is turn up to the Memorial Hall between 7.30PM and 9.30PM on Wednesdays and Sundays. You will be made welcome and shown around.

So don’t be shy. Give us a try!

Did you know about our
Patron's scheme?
 
From the early days of RATS we have operated a Patron's scheme. This is a very successful scheme but it has changed over the years. Originally we only performed three productions per year and in the summer we would put on a performance of some kind, usually a play reading for our patrons and we would provide tea, coffee, sandwiches and biscuits. Also cast were expected to stay on a while after the performance to chat to the patrons. Patrons of course in those days, as today, paid their fee in advance of the first production, but unlike today they paid more than the value of the tickets.

Trends of course change, and this became a proper performance with lines being learned, rather than read. Perhaps more importantly the fee was gradually reduced so that a good saving was made to anyone who came to the shows regularly. This reduction varied but 10 years or so ago it was decided to total the cost of two tickets for each of the years shows, deduct one third and this is the fee for the coming year, even if ticket prices rise.

Whilst the scheme was devised for couples (the fee getting you two tickets for each show) there is no specification on who your partner must be. Some years ago two husbands of members became patrons and paid the fee alternately; patrons whose partners have passed away have teamed up to become patrons, and in many cases patrons are simply two friends, all recognizing that any two people who attend regularly can save money by becoming patrons.

In all RATS' history, there has only been three patrons secretaries. The first Beatrice Craig retired in 1957 and was succeeded by our Honorary President Jean Kent, who retired from the group in 1989 and was succeeded by Mary Hampson who is still as keen as ever. Mary sees to supplying the patrons with tickets in advance of the box office being opened and does her best to accommodate the patron's personal needs along with extra tickets they may wish to purchase for their friends. We put on four full productions in addition to the patron's evening. All this for this year's fee of £36. If you are currently not a patron, then perhaps you should think of becoming one. If you are interested, then contact Mary of any front of house team member tonight and she will keep in touch with you and enrol you for our season which runs from October each year.

Mary's details are: Mary Hampson, 16 Groes Lon, Rhiwbina,
CARDIFF CF14 6JT.