Darland Community Theatre
“Every mention in EssentialsMAG, no matter how small, gives our ticket sales a boost. The magazine reaches our wider community in Rossett, Wrexham, and the surrounding areas, which is crucial for the success of our productions.”
Promoting plays with EssentialsMAG
An event promotion case study
Darland Community Theatre, based in Rossett, Wrexham, is a thriving amateur dramatics group that has been bringing the local community together through engaging and entertaining productions for decades. Performing at Darland High School, the theatre stages two plays annually, offering a variety of genres ranging from drama and mystery to comedy. With each production, the group strives to deliver memorable theatrical experiences for audiences across Wrexham, Chester, and the surrounding areas.
As a non-profit organisation, Darland Community Theatre reinvests all ticket proceeds back into its productions, funding set builds, equipment, and other essential resources. The theatre also supports local community initiatives, from school projects to charitable causes, making a positive impact beyond the stage. With an open-door policy welcoming members of all skill levels, both on stage and behind the scenes, the group fosters inclusivity while helping to nurture local talent.
Secretary Colin Jones, who has been a member of Darland Community Theatre for more than 25 years, highlights the significance of the theatre’s long-standing relationship with EssentialsMAG.
"We have a very loyal audience – 80% attend every production we put on. Over each play’s three-night run on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we regularly welcome 350–400 attendees, most of whom are diehard fans from our mailing list. But EssentialsMAG has helped us reach new audiences and attract new members. Some may join saying they’ll stay behind the scenes, only to gradually take on small parts and eventually larger roles. EssentialsMAG has truly helped bring fresh faces into our theatre family."
Colin also stresses the impact of additional publicity when tickets go on sale.
"Every mention in EssentialsMAG, no matter how small, gives our ticket sales a boost. The magazine reaches our wider community in Rossett, Wrexham, and the surrounding areas, which is crucial for the success of our productions. The more tickets we sell, the more funds we can raise for a wide range of local causes to nationwide charities. For example, our forthcoming play touches on breast cancer, and we’ll be donating some of the proceeds to Prevent Breast Cancer UK."
Thanks to the support of EssentialsMAG, Colin acknowledges that the theatre is able to reach a much wider audience and share its productions with even more of the local community.
"Vicky has always been extremely accommodating and responds promptly to emails and calls. She ensures our productions are included in the right edition to maximise awareness and ticket sales. That level of support has been key to our success over the years, and we are incredibly grateful to Vicky and EssentialsMAG for their ongoing commitment."
Through its ongoing partnership with EssentialsMAG, Darland Community Theatre continues to grow its audience, attract new members, and make a meaningful contribution to the local community, all while providing top-quality amateur theatre for everyone to enjoy.
Vicky Heathfield, owner of EssentialsMAG, adds:
"The What’s On guide has always been widely read by our readers as they plan their social calendars. Now also online and regularly updated, it’s become an essential resource for local groups to quickly promote events. It’s wonderful to see it helping organisations like Darland Community Theatre not only reach new theatre-goers but also potential new cast members."
For more information about Darland Community Theatre, please visit: www.darlandtheatre.com
