Welcome to blods.co.uk
BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS
CLICK POSTER TO BOOK TICKETS
Join up & join in.
Membership of BLODS is now FREE! Sign up now to be part of the cast.
Who are we?
Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society (BLODS) was originally known as Bexhill Amateur Operatic Society. Our very first production was The Mikado in 1933.
The first performance at the new De La Warr Pavilion was ‘Princess Ida’ in 1936 and productions continued there until the Second World War brought shows to a halt. The BLODS re-appeared at the Pavilion in 1946 with ‘Iolanthe’ and continued with one show per year until 1970 when two shows became the norm.
The BLODS have always endeavoured to present a high standard of musical never shirking the challenge of new shows such as the Noda Award-winning ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
“…the crackle of excitement in the air lets you know you are in for something very special… “
“…all the actors in this production were perfectly cast: each have their own characteristics and are well rounded and full…”
“…every single person on the stage seemed to bring themselves to the characters and were enjoying every moment, and the overall vision was cohesive and clear…”
“…creating amazing pictures on the stage with well-rehearsed tight and modern choreography…”
“…every single person in this show could be singled out as being brilliant and every moment on the stage could be talked about as being amazing. It’s sharp, it’s poignant, inspiring, heartfelt, wonderfully funny and also leaves you with a feeling of having attended a rock concert. A truly magnificent and professional-standard production: exceptional in every way.”
— Susanne Crosby : NODA Review of School of Rock - 2023
“…I considered ‘Shrek’, performed last year, to be an outstanding production but last evening’s magical performance was just the perfect way to start our festive holiday… “
“…exciting moves were executed with precision by the nine talented dancers, with the leads and ensemble also at ease with synchronised movement…”
“…The most amazing surprise of all was in the finale when Santa’s sleigh took to the skies – a superb remote-controlled piece of kit ….wishing us all Merry Christmas – a perfect great ending.”
“…the loveable Buddy in fine voice and well-timed comedy as well as pulling heart strings, playing with great confidence using the whole stage and extension with ease.”
“…From the moment I arrived at the foyer doors the buzz was exciting and at the end there was certainly enough belief to keep Santa flying high.”
— Anne Lawson : NODA Review of ELF The Musical - 2022
“…Suddenly, fairyland characters, now expelled from Lord Farquaad’s kingdom, arrive in his domain, much to his annoyance. “
“The well-known named fairy tale characters, too many to mention, used their individual skills to characterise these parts. Each had fantastic individual costumes. They told their stories in movement and credit to you all.”
“…a huge singing Dragon with colourful red fire bursts. Atmospheric lighting throughout, sound cues perfectly timed including some very loud farts and belching which of course the audience loved – a real bit of panto!
“An electric climax finale ended a memorable evening of much energy and buzz.”
“…managed to pull off an exceptional piece of theatre to an exceedingly high standard, and I congratulate everyone that was involved along the long road.
A great start to everyone’s Christmas. Thank you BLODS.”
— Anne Lawson : NODA Review of SHREK The Musical - 2021
“A macabre setting with dry ice effects reveals the family visiting the graveyard for their annual gathering of the Ancestors – living, dead and undecided!”
“Catchy musical numbers came thick and fast, with plenty of comedy and emotion too…"
“An open stage revealed the enshrouded tomb within the graveyard – stone, iron railings, coffins, skeletons and atmospheric fog effects. Projections of various locations with suitably creepy additions, were beautifully presented… What an exhilarating experience!”
— Anne Lawson : NODA Review of The Addams Family
“The audience walked into an atmospheric dark 1880’s hospital scene where a perplexed Dr Jekyll sings ‘Lost in the Darkness’ believing that the evil in his soul caused his illness and is determined to find out why man is both good and evil”
“The set was brilliantly simple with back projection giving a professional finish. Lighting and sound effects, dry ice, blood curdling killings so atmospheric. This was an edge of your seat production.
— Anne Lawson : NODA Review of Jekyll and Hyde
“French ambiances from the moment of arrival”
“Full of details in decor and props in abundance – garlic strings, a wonderful blow up Hitler, stuffed Edams, Swastika flags, exploding cigars, a caged stuffed cockatoo doubling as a resistance radio, and an enormous ‘sausaarge’”
“Peter Elliot from start to finish gave his all with constant patter, great confidence, speed of script utilising the whole room to move from scene to scene – he was the anchor.”
“…a hugely enjoyable, professional and ‘sell out’ ‘Allo ‘Allo. Thank you all for the much needed evening out, full of laughter.”
“…it’s très bien to be back – merci.”
— Anne Lawson : NODA Review of ‘Allo ‘Allo