Meet the Committee

Meet the group of people who help make SODS happen!

President

Dick Davies

Against his better judgement, Dick was cajoled into joining the SODS in 1971 at which time he had never even been in a theatre. He soon found this new hobby totally addictive and subsequently took part in over a hundred productions before finally closing the make-up box in 2023. He has held every position on the committee except Treasurer and now finds himself President!

Chair

Simon Lambert

Simon joined SODS in 2022 to direct their production of 'Oliver!' and has stayed ever since! Simon has found a new home in SODS and has been fortunate enough to perform on stage with them as Captain Von Trapp in 'The Sound of Music', Franklin Hart in '9-5' and as Peron in 'Evita'. His favourite SODS experience to date has to be directing their production on 'Nativity! The Musical' in 2023. Simon has enjoyed many years performing with many groups at local theatres across Essex. His other directing credits include 'Jekyll & Hyde', 'The Wedding Singer' and 'Legally Blonde' and he considers some of his favourite roles to be Gomez in 'The Adams Family', Tony in 'Copacabana', Baker in 'Into The Woods, Dave in 'The Full Monty', Kipps in 'Half A Sixpence' and Curly in 'Oklahoma!'. Simon has previously served as Chair for TOPS and TTMS and is delighted to be bringing this experience to the SODS committee.

General Secretary

Paul Alton

Paul joined SODS as an acting member in April 2006 and joined the committee in 2008. He's been on the committee or an officer ever since, including stints as Chairman, General Secretary and Press Officer.

Treasurer

Ben Blackburn

Ben joined SODS in November 2023 as an acting member and joined the committee as Treasurer in May 2024. He has remained an acting member, performing in shows such as 'Footloose' and took on the choreographer role for our production of '9 to 5- The Musical'

Business Manager

Jess Byford

Membership Secretary

Tammy Pitts

Tammy joined SODS as a chaperone for 'Oliver!' in 2022, and then chaperoned for the next two shows. In 2023 she became an acting member and played the role of Aunt Lulu in 'Footloose' whilst also becoming part of the wardrobe team for the first time, which she really enjoys. Tammy joined the committee in 2025.

Social Secretary

Sam Coles

Publicity

Laura Louis

Co-opted Members

Hannah Broad

Hannah joined SODS in 2008 as an acting member. Since 2010, she has been part of the Stage Management team, regularly calling the shows as Deputy Stage Manager. On committee, she has been Assistant Publicity Officer, Marketing Officer and Membership Secretary.

Michael James

Szandra Szalai

Szandra joined SODS in 2021 for 'Scrooge!' playing Mary & cameo roles. She has since appeared in 'Sound of Music', 'Nativity!' and 'Evita', and played the role of Missy Hart in '9-5'.

Szandra was a member of an amateur musical theatre group back in her home town for several years. After moving to England, she was really happy to discover how lively the am dram theatre scene is.

After a few years being an acting member she has decided to join the committee to give her support to the society from behind the scenes too.