CELEBRITIES WHO PERFORMED AT THE KENTON No.9. - Diana Dors (1931 - 1984) Actress | Henley Operatic Society - HAODS - Drama at its very best | She, Her, Film, Diana, Which - Henley Operatic Society - HAODS

Navigation

Site Search

Editor Login

Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society

Affiliated to the National Operatic & Dramatic Association. Registered Charity 259404.

President: Simon Williams.

simon williams our President HAODS was formed in 1922 and each year usually puts on two musicals and a play at Henley's Kenton Theatre and, every other year at an open-air venue. Our major shows are the musicals, usually one around April and again in November. Productions of plays varies, but we always have an entry into the Kenton Drama Festival.

We are fortunate to own the well-equipped Green Room, behind the Kenton, which is where we hold our rehearsals and social events; our extensive wardrobe is also stored there, in a recently built extension. Rehearsals usually take place three nights a week for large productions, which increase to Sunday rehearsals closer to the production date. Readings and our auditions are generally open to all. If you are a non-member and are fortunate enough to be cast in a show, you will be required to join as a performing member.

The Kenton Theatre is a Regency gem, opened in 1805, set in the heart of Henley-on-Thames. The fourth oldest working theatre in the country, the Kenton’s two hundred and thirty four seat auditorium has a warm, friendly and cosy intimacy that makes it a perfect performance space for both HAODS's large scale musicals and intimate plays. Kate Winslet and the West End's Oliver, Harry Stott are just two of the many stars who trod the Kenton stage at an early age, Harry having appeared in our production of Singin' in the Rain in 2004.

New members are always welcome – whether as budding actors, or to help backstage with set building, costumes or props – or maybe just as a supporter to enjoy the social functions. Drop into one of our Coffee Mornings, Club Room Lunches or come and see a production. You will have the warmest of welcomes and the best of times if you stay! Click here to Join Us.

Vice Presidents
Mr M Chalcroft His Worship the Mayor of Henley Mr J Luker
Mr R Hardy CBE His Worship the Mayor of Falaise Mr J A R Yeates
Mr Simon Langton Mr J Yeates Mrs A Luker

Life Members
Nansi Diamond Mary Reece

NODA Long Service Awards
1977 Mrs V Barter 1983 Mr JAR & Mrs J Yeates
1976 Mr J & Mrs A Luker 1990 Mrs J Taylor

Click here to view a list of all the Henley Operatic shows from 1922 to today

CELEBRITIES WHO PERFORMED AT THE KENTON No.9. - Diana Dors (1931 - 1984) Actress

Written by Bill Port

No.9. - Diana Dors (1931 - 1984) Actress

When Diana Dors was very young, under school age in fact, she and her mother spent a lot of time at the cinema. They would go as often as four times a week and as a result, Diana soon became hooked on Hollywood style movies.

She was born Diana Mary Fluck in Swindon on October 23rd 1931. It was a difficult birth and both mother and child almost lost their lives. By the time she was fourteen she had convinced her parents that she wanted to be an actress and succeeded in becoming the youngest ever student at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She excelled at LAMDA in her first year and, when a change of name was suggested she adopted Dors, her grandmother's maiden name. She dyed her hair blonde and, almost immediately, was offered small film roles. The first of these was as Mildred in "The Shop at Sly Corner" and, by the time she joined the J Arthur Rank School for young actors, she was already an established name. Her first major role came in the 1948 film "Here Come the Huggets" in which she played Diana Hopkins and, a year later, she had the leading role of Dora in "Diamond City". The film which launched her as a sex symbol in 1951 was "Lady Godiva Rides Again", in which she played the bikini babe Dolores August.

By 1956 Diana had become Britain's highest paid film star and was probably ready to make the trip to Hollywood. Bad press, however, concerning what was described as "a scandalous affair" with Rod Steiger, did not improve her popularity and a further article about her stormy marriage caused her to be denounced by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Her career went into decline. Offers of worthwhile film roles dried up and she was forced into bankruptcy. A marriage and divorce from her second husband, comedian Dickie Dawson, did nothing to improve the situation. A third marriage, to actor Alan Lake was more successful and she appeared with him on the West End stage in " hree Months Gone". This seemed to revive her career but she began to accept roles as the typical busty blonde in low-budget comedy and horror films which were a long way from the heady days of being the highest paid actress. In 1974 she suffered from an attack of meningitis which put her into a coma. Her recovery surprised her doctors but it put paid to any hope of continuing with a film career. She made several appearances on television in chat shows and panel games and as an "agony aunt" on the breakfast programme. One or two character roles in films came her way and in 1984 she had a part in "Steaming". This proved to be her last film and she died of stomach cancer on 4th May. She appeared at the Kenton from August 7th - 14th 1950 in the play "Born Yesterday".

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Comments (0) Add Comment