Surrey Drama Queens debut three one-act plays Aug 23-24, spotlighting women in writing, directing, and acting at Newton Cultural Centre.
New Theatre Company Champions Women’s Voices in Surrey
Surrey Drama Queens, a new female-led theatre company, is set to make its debut with a weekend of powerful one-act plays at Newton Cultural Centre on August 23 and 24. Founded in 2025 by Juliet Napier and Kimberly Lawton, the company aims to amplify women’s roles on stage and behind the scenes.
Focus on Female Leadership in Theatre
The company’s mission is clear: to uplift women in theatre by producing plays either written or directed by women, with strong female leads. Kimberly Lawton, a Cloverdale resident and co-founder, explains, “Women remain underrepresented as playwrights and directors. Surrey Drama Queens provides a platform to highlight these important voices.”
A Debut Showcase of Three Unique Plays
The opening production, Scene and Heard: A Three-Act Showcase, features three original works: Suds (written and directed by Lawton), One Night Stan (written by Adam Szudrich and directed by Napier), and Bruised Fruit (written and directed by Sarah Shepherd). The performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 23 and 2 p.m. on August 24.
Local Talent and Community Roots
Currently, the company includes 11 women, mostly from Surrey. Napier, a Newton resident and producer/actor, notes the group’s shared vision: “Surrey Drama Queens was born out of a desire to bring vibrant, accessible community theatre to Surrey’s heart.” The company’s focus is to fill a gap left by the hiatus of Pivot Theatre, which recently relocated to East Vancouver.
Encouraging Growth and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, the company plans to produce two to three shows annually, continuing to foster female talent and inclusive storytelling. Napier emphasizes, “We welcome others passionate about theatre to join us—whether on stage or helping backstage.”
Support from Local Sponsors
Local realtor Ashley Chalmers has stepped in as a sponsor, supporting affordable ticket pricing to ensure accessibility. Napier highlights the importance of community backing: “While ticket sales help, we depend on sponsorships and volunteers to cover costs like venue rental and advertising.”
Surrey Drama Queens are poised to become a vital cultural force in Surrey, offering engaging theatre that champions women’s stories and leadership.
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