Erewash Musical Society – Amateur Musical Theatre in Derbyshire
Welcome to Erewash Musical Society (EMS), the heart of musical theatre in Long Eaton and the oldest amateur theatre society in Derbyshire. What sets us apart is our dedication to fostering local talent while delivering professional-quality productions that rival larger theatre companies. Since 1895, weāve been bringing the magic of performing arts to life, one show at a time. Whether youāre looking to step into the spotlight or simply enjoy the thrill of live theatre, EMS is here to inspire and entertain.
Our story began as the Cooperative Senior Choir, singing choral concerts and competing across the region. In 1964, we became the Edacra Musical Society, a name inspired by our cooperative roots. Later, in 1978, we transitioned to our current name, Erewash Musical Society, reflecting our growing presence in Long Eaton and the surrounding community. This transition from choral concerts to musical theatre in 1930 marked a pivotal moment in our growth, allowing us to expand our creative reach and connect with a broader audience. By 1930, we embraced the spotlight of musical theatre with our first production of Merrie England. Over the decades, weāve grown into a vibrant, welcoming community theatre group that performs twice a year at the historic Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton. From timeless classics like Carousel to bold modern productions like Hot Mikado, our shows celebrate creativity, talent, and a shared love for the stage. Each production is a collaborative effort, combining the dedication of performers, backstage crews, and our passionate community.
In 2009 we established a space for young performers, Erewash Musical Society Youth Group (EMUS). EMUS also performs twice a year, meaning we have four performances each year.
The society continued to perform twice a year until 2020 when the country went into lockdown. Our production of Godspell was the last production to take place prior to the closing of the Duchess Theatre.
Supporting Local Theatre Through the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to the world of live performance, and EMS was no exception. With theatres closed and productions postponed, our community faced uncertainty. However, EMS rose to the occasion, finding innovative ways to keep the spirit of theatre alive.
When restrictions were lifted EMS returned to the stage with the āQuarantined Editionā of The Addams Family the Musical. Rehearsals were held both remotely and socially distanced with masks when allowed. We are proud of our contribution to the recovery of local theatre and continue to produce excellent productions twice a year. These efforts not only maintained morale but also showcased the resilience and ingenuity of our society. As restrictions eased, we worked tirelessly to support the recovery of local theatre by collaborating with other community groups and welcoming audiences back with safety measures in place.
Our post-pandemic productions, such as Hot Mikado, became symbols of hope and renewal, bringing people together to celebrate the power of live performance. EMS remains committed to revitalizing the arts in Long Eaton and ensuring that the magic of theatre continues to thrive for years to come.
10 Interesting Facts About EMS
- EMS was founded in 1895, making it the oldest amateur theatre society in Derbyshire.
- The societyās original name, the Cooperative Senior Choir, reflected its roots in choral music.
- The name āEdacra Musical Societyā is derived from āArcadeā spelt backwards, a nod to our cooperative origins.
- EMS transitioned to its current name, Erewash Musical Society, in 1978 to better represent the local area.
- Our first-ever musical theatre production, Merrie England, debuted in 1930 and has been performed four times since.
- EMS has won multiple NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) awards for excellence in community theatre.
- The Duchess Theatre, our home stage, is a cherished venue located in the heart of Long Eaton.
- EMS productions are entirely run by volunteers, from performers to set designers and costume makers.
- Over the years, EMS has staged over 100 productions, ranging from beloved classics to daring contemporary shows.
- EMS is proud to foster a family-like atmosphere, with some members participating across generations.
Bringing Long Eaton to Life Through Theatre
At EMS, weāre not just about the performancesāweāre about people. For example, during our recent production of Hot Mikado, beloved member Chrissie broke her ankle. To honour her on closing night, Anna wore her costume for the finale, and we included Chrissie in the thank-you applauses. Moments like these define who we are. Our society thrives on the passion of local talentāonstage and off. Whether youāre a seasoned performer, a first-timer dreaming of the spotlight, or someone who loves working behind the scenes, thereās a place for you here.
We pride ourselves on creating opportunities for all. Aspiring actors find their confidence here, while dedicated crew members build props, design sets, and manage costumes to bring each production to life. Think musical theatre isnāt for you? Think again! Our productions bring the community together, creating lifelong memories for everyone involved. From families enjoying a night out to friends bonding over shared creative efforts, EMS welcomes all.
Why Choose EMS?
- Rich History: With roots stretching back to 1895, weāre proud to be Derbyshireās oldest amateur theatre society. Our legacy includes over 100 unforgettable productions that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
- Community Spirit: Weāre more than a theatre group; weāre a family. From rehearsals to opening night, itās all hands on deck to create something truly special. Our inclusive and supportive environment fosters connections that last a lifetime.
- Local Talent, Legendary Performances: Each show is a testament to the incredible talent in Long Eaton and Derbyshire. Itās proof that community theatre can be as magical as the West Endāat a fraction of the price.
- Accessible Entertainment: Our ticket prices are designed to make live theatre available to everyone, ensuring that the magic of the stage can be enjoyed by all members of the community.
Meet Our Committee
Behind the scenes, our committee members work tirelessly to keep EMS thriving. Their efforts ensure our productions run smoothly and that we continue to engage and inspire the community through the performing arts. From managing budgets to planning events and ensuring every production is a success, their dedication makes EMS what it is today. Meet the team who make it all possible:
- President: David Allen
- Chair: Mark Robbins
- Vice Chair: Victoria Byrne
- Secretary: Hayley Wood
- Treasurer: Dave Dallard
- Production Secretary: Laurie Trott
- Membership Secretary: Kathi Ludlow
- Publicity and Marketing: Nicola Tuxford
- Social Members: Andrea Kemish, Karen Robbins
- General Members: Hayden Fletcher, Gabryl Oleshko
Join the EMS Family
Thinking of joining us? Whether you want to perform, design sets, manage costumes, or simply enjoy the thrill of being part of something magical, weād love to hear from you. Joining a musical theatre society in Derbyshire has never been easierāand trust us, you wonāt regret it.
Our weekly rehearsals are a hive of activity, buzzing with creativity and camaraderie. From learning new choreography to building stage sets, thereās something for everyone. No matter your level of experience, EMS offers the chance to develop new skills, forge lifelong friendships, and be part of something truly special.
Why not pop into a rehearsal or get in touch to learn more? Weāre all about making theatre fun, accessible, and welcoming. As we like to say, āLocal talent, legendary performances.ā Thatās what EMS is all about.
See You at the Duchess Theatre
Our next production is just around the cornerājoin us for the iconic Evita, running from March 4th to March 8th at the Duchess Theatre. Donāt miss this unforgettable show! With stirring music, compelling drama, and a cast full of talent, Evita promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Let us whisk you away with live musical theatre thatās full of heart, talent, and community spirit.
Looking further ahead? Our October 2025 production, Top Hat, will bring glamour and glitz to the Duchess Theatre stage. Keep an eye out for updates and be sure to mark your calendars for this dazzling performance.
We canāt wait to share the stage with you and create memories that will last a lifetime!