About KATS

KATS stands for Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society. We’re a fun and enthusiastic local theatre group based in Thatcham, West Berkshire. We aim to produce the highest possible quality entertainment for our audiences and have a great time creating it.

Though there’s a friendly debate about the actual date, the group started off as an off-shoot of the Kennet School PTA around about 1966 so 2026 is our 60th year of entertaining.

We put on at least 2 major shows per year, usually at Bucklebury Memorial Hall, and the society’s spiritual home: Kennet School. We’re open to producing all kinds of shows, including drama, comedy, musical theatre, pantomimes, and variety. For one show each year we aim to include a junior chorus, with opportunities for 12-17 year olds.

Auditions are open to everyone, and you don’t have to be a member to turn up and give it a go. Pop on over to the homepage for information on upcoming shows and auditions. Currently we rehearse on Monday and Thursday evenings at Bucklebury Memorial Hall, Upper Bucklebury between 7.30 and 9.30pm.

We’re a registered charity, proud to be members of NODA, and are active in our community with regular performances at the Thatcham Arts Festival and the Christmas Lights switch on. With an active social events calendar in addition to our theatrical efforts there’s always something going on for members to do, whether they’re involved in the current production or not.

It’s not just about getting onstage either, we have our own set-builders (the famous Hut Crew), do our own lighting and sound, have fabulous front-of-house volunteers, and a dedicated stage crew, as well as our hard-working Committee, so whatever your interest, we’d love to hear from you.

Committee

Chair
John Hicks – chairman@kats.org.uk

Vice-Chair
Ali Brownfield

Secretary
Karen Richardson – secretary@kats.org.uk

Treasurer
Kayleigh Dibble – treasurer@kats.org.uk

Safeguarding Officer
Pam Hicks – safeguarding@kats.org.uk

Committee Members
Cindy Bunce
Emma Low
Kevin Miller
Nick Prince

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Rehearsal Venue

We rehearse at the Bucklebury Memorial Hall on a Monday and Thursday evening.

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Broad Lane, Upper Bucklebury, RG7 6QH