Drama group helps with cancer awareness

A THEATRE company has teamed up with a not-for-profit initiative to hold free events before the opening night of its shows.

Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (HAODS) has joined forces with FOLC without Cancer, which aims to help raise cancer awareness.

The first event was held at the Bull on Bell Street last Wednesday, where artist Amanda performed a set of classics from Queen, Bryan Adams and the Jam, for free.

More than 25 people attended before they headed off to the sold-out We Will Rock You performance at the Kenton Theatre in New Street.

The initiative aims to provide support for people with and without cancer.

Activities will be aimed at building a sense of community in a social context, such as movie nights, board game nights and guest speakers on a variety of topics.

HAODS chair Julie Huntington, who lives in Fair Mile, said: “I had melanoma cancer before the covid lockdown, but it’s all good now, and I was recently signed off.

“Cancer awareness is close to my heart, and if one person recognises they should get checked, then it’s worth it.”

She said: “The idea is to hold free nights before the shows and to raise awareness, so the two combined seem to be a good idea as we sold out the first night.

“The artist gave her service for free before attending the show.”

Ms Huntington hopes to help host another free night before the society’s Footloose performance in May at the Kenton Theatre. She said: “We will be doing something similar with another artist at the Bull on Bell Street.”

To find out more email tmfm@icloud.com