The Solihull Society of Arts (S.S.A.) was formed in 1944 to promote the Arts in the borough and the Drama group was one section of that society.

 

Initially plays are performed in the Old Council House in Solihull’s Poplar Road (now a restaurant) and then at Carter Hall which was part of the newly built Civic Hall (later demolished to make way for Touchwood Shopping Mall).

 

In 1969 a property in Lode Lane was purchased as a headquarters for the S.S.A. and the building was altered to create a Studio Theatre.  The Drama group flourished there for over 30 years producing many plays from Shakespeare to modern comedies.  In 1976 the new library and theatre was built in Solihull and the Drama Section performed yearly pantomimes and occasional plays there.

 

Sadly, due to dwindling finances to upkeep, the Lode Lane property was sold in 2001 and the S.S.A. moved to Alderbrook School to be their ‘Community Involvement’ in the building of their new Arts Centre.  Rehearsals and performances are now in Alderbrook’s ‘Gantry Theatre in the Edge’ and we welcome new members who would like to get involved in amateur theatre.