RoCo Dramatic Society is an amateur dramatics group held at St Andrew’s Roundhay United Reformed Church in Leeds.
We were formed in 1963 when St Andrew's was previously known as Roundhay Congregational Church, hence the name 'RoCo' (pronounced 'Row-Co'). The creation of a dramatics society was the long-held dream of Dorothy Tillison, wife of Rev Geoffrey Tillison who was minister of the church at the time. Since our formation, and with only a few exceptions, RoCo has continued to stage productions every year.
The Importance Of Being Earnest (2025)
Frankenstein (2026)
The Allotment Plot (2025)
The Play's The Thing...
We like to stage a wide variety of plays, from comedies to classics, mysteries to musicals. Most are scripts and writers that you will likely recognise, such as 'The Importance Of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde, and 'An Inspector Calls' by J. B. Priestley. Occasionally we also stage original plays written by our members.
We usually aim to stage three productions a year; two plays and a murder mystery. Performances are typically held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7:30pm, and in recent years we have also included Saturday Matinee performances too, which start at 2:30pm.
Our regular bookings and rehearsals are held on Monday and Thursday evenings, starting from 7:30pm. Rehearsal periods for each production lasts for around three months (approx). Further dates and activities are advertised once they have been arranged.
Note - it is advised that you check with us first before travelling to St Andrew's, in case RoCo isn't meeting for a session.
Ladies' Day (2018)
Death By Design (2019)
Deathtrap (2024)
Junior RoCo is available for younger participants between the ages of 8-16yrs, to take part in amateur dramatics activities. Junior RoCo provides training in various stage techniques and drama skills, developing confidence through performance-based activities, and a wider knowledge of plays and playwrights. But above all, the aim is for everyone to have fun!
The Importance Of Being Earnest (2025)
Cheshire Cats (2022)
An Inspector Calls (1981)
Further Activities
We look to arrange workshop and social activities throughout the year when we can, to give both our members and newcomers the opportunity to stay active and involved. Some of these have occasionally been led by industry professionals. We also hold an Annual General Meeting each year which members are encouraged to attend.
RoCo also encourages our members and friends to visit and support other drama groups (both amateur and professional) across the region where possible.
Make sure to keep an eye on our website for news on our upcoming events and activities. You can also join our mailing list to keep up to date with announcements when they drop.
I'll Leave It To You (2023)
Searching For Doctor Branovic (2026)
Sad Canals (2023)
Get Involved!
RoCo is made up of volunteers from across the local community, working together and taking part in activities and rehearsals in their free time away from work and other life commitments, all for the enjoyment of preparing shows for the entertainment of our audiences.
We love to welcome new members both on stage and behind the scenes, across a variety of production roles. If you are interested in treading the boards, volunteering for our stage crew team, helping with tech, make-up, wardrobe, prompting, stage management or even producing a play, we'd love to meet you!
No Dinner For Sinners (2022)
The Importance Of Being Earnest (2025)
The Return Of The Ring (2023)
Friends Of RoCo Membership
We have an annual membership titled 'Friends Of RoCo', lasting from January 1st to December 31st of each year. Anyone can become a Friends of RoCo member, whether you wish to be directly involved with RoCo productions or just support us.
You do not have to be a Friends of RoCo member to join our mailing list or to come to our shows, events and activities throughout the year - although there will be a few activities exclusive to the membership. You are only required to join the membership if you want to take part in any of our productions, whether as a member of the cast or crew.
Further info on the Friends Of RoCo membership can be found here
Summer End (2016)
Happy Campers (2018)
Aladdin (2015)
Although RoCo is officially a St Andrew's group, participants do not have to be members or worshipers of the church to be involved. We support the church and it's work in the community, and our members sometimes assist with drama related projects and performances.
St Andrew's is an open and accepting community of people from a wide range of backgrounds, and provide a variety of social activities and friendship for all ages beyond the usual church worship and services. For more information on the St Andrew's, please do visit their website.
Further fundraising for St Andrew's
easyfundraising.org
easyfundraising.org