Drama society to take final bow after 70 years

By Gbam Godwin On Oct 14, 2025

Drama society to take final bow after 70 years.

After 70 years, a theater society in Leicester is getting ready for its last production.

In 1955, physicians and nurses at the Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) founded the Infirmary Dramatic Operatic and Literary Society, popularly referred to as the Idols.

Since then, the organization has created a variety of musical productions, and it believes that over 2,000 people have participated, including Bella Ramsey from The Last of Us.

Citing financial considerations, such as rising production expenses, the group has chosen to make their farewell appearance. They will do so on Saturday as their four-day engagement at Leicester’s Little Theatre comes to an end.

Supplied

Bella Ramsey, star of Game of Thrones

In 1955, the Idols debuted with The Pirates of Penzance, which featured 21 musicians in the orchestra and 39 members in the cast.

According to the society, the LRI paid for the £90 production cost.

According to Ian Phillips, president of the Idols, the society’s next productions, which will be Come from Away musicals, will cost somewhat more than £33,000 in total.

He noted that in order for the society to break even, 85% of the tickets must be sold.

The President of the IDOLS drama group Ian Phillips is smiling for the photo. He is wearing glasses and a red shirt.

Ian Phillips, president of the Idol

“It’s partly financial,” Mr. Phillips, who joined the Idols in 1971, said in reference to the decision to terminate the society.

“The production costs a lot of money, and there aren’t many individuals stepping up to support and back the show.

“Also the membership has become much more transient so it’s much harder to have a nucleus of members, so we thought if we’re going to go out, go out on the 70th year with a bang.”

Although people still desired to attend shows, Mr. Phillips added, there was a growing trend of late ticket purchases, which made it more difficult for society to create budgets.

Clare Snow is smiling for the picture. She has blond hair and is in front of a background with silver curtains. — Clare Snow joined the Idols in 1984 and said she had made “lifelong friends”

Although fewer doctors participated over time, the hospital and society maintained their ties.

Up to September 2021, Clare Snow, who joined the Idols in 1984, was employed as a cardiac physiologist.

“It has been there for me—I have a lot of friends that I met outside of society through this,” she remarked.

“To see something, we might visit the theater ourselves.

“They’re lifelong friends for me now and I really value that as much as anything.”

Carl Pearce is looking directly into camera and is smiling. He has white hair, a beard and glasses. — Carl Pearce has been a society member since 1966

The Idols’ longest-serving member is Carl Pearce, who joined the group 59 years ago.

The stage manager for the society’s last series of productions, he began his career as an actor before transitioning into backstage positions.

“I find the decision to close the Idols to be very sad,” Mr. Pearce remarked.

“It doesn’t give the opportunity to youngsters to perform in a real theatre to a more than amateur standard, that’s the sad thing about the demise of all societies.”

Mr. Pearce, however, believes that the Idols’ prolonged existence is an accomplishment.

“I don’t think there’s many societies up and down the country that can better the 70 years that Idols have survived,” he said.

The Little Theatre in Leicester will host the society’s last performance on Tuesday.