WHO ARE WE?
YOUTH MEMBERS
JamDram is very proactive in encouraging local youth to be part of our productions. Several young people have already participated in some of our plays, both in stage crew and acting roles. A few of these participants are pictured below.
ABOUT US
Jura is a small island with a big heart — just 250 people live here, stretched along one long road. While music has always been part of island life, opportunities to take part in theatre have been few and far between. That’s why we created Jura Amateur Dramatics Society (JamDram) in 2022. Since then, we’ve staged four productions — including one written by a local resident.
In our most recent play, around 25 islanders (10% of the population!) took part both on and off stage. From actors and stagehands to young people running lighting and sound, drama has given us the chance to learn new skills, gain confidence, and bring people together — especially in the long winter months.
CREW MEMBERS
No production can come to the stage without the efforts of the backstage crew, and JamDram is very grateful for all their contributions. These roles can include make-up, costumes, lighting, set rigging, scenery painting and front of house duties. A big thanks to all.
CURRENT MEMBERS
PHILIPPA McCALLUM
Philippa is JamDram's current chair and has been part of the group since its inception in 2022. She brings a wealth of experience, having gained a First-Class Honours Degree in Drama and worked with York Theatre Royal and community theatre companies across Yorkshire. Her most recent starring role featured a Kim Kardashian-inspired posterior that had audiences in stitches. When not on stage, she runs a wellness business as the island's yoga teacher, massage therapist, and acupuncturist, while raising two young boys.
SHEENA GOW
Sheena is our secretary and has been involved in all of JamDram’s productions so far, both on and off stage. Having reignited her love of theatre by playing a variety of roles in 'Out for the Count', 'Prescription for Murder' and 'Midgie Galore', she turned her hand to directing for 'Above and Beyond', but is still to decide if directing is more stressful than acting!
CRAIG ROZGA
Craig has been part of this motley, merry band of Jam Drammers from the word go. He began with no experience or idea of what he was getting himself into, but has loved every minute since.
Having been involved in 3 of the last productions he has relished the challenge of fleshing out and having fun with his given roles. Taking inspiration from his comedy heroes, Craig has been involved in some hilarious antics on stage. We can’t wait to see what nonsense may ensue in the next production!
GORDON CARMICHAEL
Gordon was introduced as a cast member for our first production, having been conned into attending our script reading session. Since then he has established several roles as the senior statesman. Never formally trained or qualified as a Thespian, he previously graduated from the University of Life, and brings forth a rich wealth of experience to each of his varied scenes, where he mastered the Art of Improvisational Performance!
His appetite for fun has been welcomed and he has often reminded his fellow crew members, “We’re doing this because it’s fun!”
HILARY MEE
Hilary was persuaded to join JamDram for 'Midgie Galore', though it didn't take much arm-twisting after watching the first two productions. Returning to the stage for the first time since school, she played an estate owner's wife and found it a challenging but thoroughly enjoyable way to make new friends. In 'Above and Beyond', Hilary brought a Sybil Fawlty energy to her role, creating wonderful comic chemistry with her fellow actors.
TOM ASKEW
Tom was an onstage virgin until he was coaxed into taking one of the larger roles in 'Midgie Galore'. Playing a newly inherited estate owner, he brought such natural charm and conviction to the part that audiences forgot they were watching a debut performance. The experience changed him forever – and even if it's not his dream mute gunslinger cowboy role, Jura hopes to see him entertain us in future JamDram productions.
FAYE READER
Faye came to Jura on a three-month Workaway and made her JamDram debut as Samantha Herd in 'Midgie Galore', where her convincingly inebriated performance had audiences wondering about her research methods! She loved the community so much she stayed, starring next as Rummage in 'Above and Beyond'. With a background in dance and theatre, Faye has worked with House of Absolute dance company, collaborating with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Sadlers Wells. "JamDram is a wonderful space to share our knowledge and love for theatre."
PI DAVIDSON
Supporting JamDram from the very beginning, Pi created our logo and website, and was the Prompt for our first production. Now heading up fundraising for the portable stage, Pi prefers to stay behind the scenes – though there's a chance of a stage debut if the funding comes through and the role requires complete silence!
YVONNE MACDONALD
Yvonne was one of the original members who set up JamDram. As a founder member of 'Oracle Theatre of Youth Inverclyde' in the late 1970s, she's always had a love of theatre. These days you'll find her prop-obsessed and designing sets behind the scenes – though she's been known to emerge for a couple of cameos. She also directed JamDram's second production, 'Prescription for Murder'. Despite the likes of telephone props remaining silent and smoke machines misbehaving, Yvonne can be relied upon to improvise in the moment!
GUY MORLOCK
Guy is a latecomer to JamDram in all senses, but since his return to Jura, has wholeheartedly embraced it. Playing a major role in 'Above and Beyond', Guy brought subtle deadpan humor through inspired ad-libbing, making rehearsals hilarious for cast and crew alike. His willingness to go completely off-piste with his costume choices added an extra layer of comedy to the production. Guy proves that it's never too late to discover your inner performer.
JANE CARSWELL
When Jane first moved to Jura, she and friends put on puppet shows at Ardfin. Having benefitted from drama opportunities at school and university, she loves what JamDram is doing for the younger generation. As the group's Prompt, Jane is quick-witted, always on the ball, and blessed with beautifully clear diction. Most importantly, she's always prompt with her prompting – a quality that's saved many a floundering actor mid-performance!
IAIN MACDONALD
Iain has been involved with amateur dramatics since his student days, acting, writing, and directing. With JamDram, he's the technical wizard handling set building, lighting, and sound. The current 'stage' – really just a singing platform – means turning the hall 180 degrees and spending days with the crew building a proper stage and rig from scratch. It's exhausting. THIS is why we need a new stage! Iain also wrote JamDram's third production, 'Midgie Galore', which has been published and is now being performed by other amateur groups.