The Partnership's Dramatic Society

Illustrious to this very day, the John Lewis Partnership continues to put on both varied and exciting dramatic performances that thrill the actors and audience alike. The Dramatic society has a illustrious long history.

In 1929, The Lewis Partnership Dramatic Society as it was then known put on its very first performance, with a series of one-act plays. One critic noted of this string of performances:

Intellectual honesty prevents us from saying that we, personally, considered the pieces presented super-excellent in themselves. They were trivial, and we expect the LPDS will next time choose some sterner stuff

One particular highlight of the evening was the Partnership Song, whose last verse when something like:

Harries bought Lewis (Louise) an Austin 7.
They’re Spedan away on the road to Evan(s),
With Peter and Joan
From the square called Sloane,
Just a cheerio family

The evolution of the Dramatic Society

By the 1970’s, the Dramatic Society put on its first who-dunnit performance, with its production of Robert Thomas’s Trap for a Lonely Man. Subsequent performances would see the rise of many stars, who would become Dramatic Society regulars and stalwarts. In 1985, the Partnership was trying its hand at restoration comedy. William Wycherley’s The Country Wife was given the Partnership treatment. Despite the fact that all actors and actresses were hard working Partners, it has been noted since just how professional Dramatic society performances are. To this day, the Dramatic Society continues occupy a well loved and highly regarded position in the Partnership.

Did you remember a Dramatic’s Society performance? Or, did you act in play? If so, we would love to hear all about it!