Jura Amateur Dramatics
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
JamDram was founded in 2022 to bring theatre to the Isle of Jura. What started as an idea has grown into a thriving community group that stages original productions, develops local talent, and brings islanders together through the power of storytelling.
We're proud that two of our five productions so far — 'Midgie Galore' and 'A Fairy Unexpected Night' — were written by local resident Iain Macdonald, rooted in Jura folklore and island life. Theatre here isn't imported from elsewhere. It's ours.
In 2026, we achieved a major milestone: our brand new stage. Thanks to fundraising efforts across Jura and Islay, we now have a proper performance space that's already transforming what we can create. A huge thank you to everyone who donated.
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."
RODDY LOWE
Roddy moved to Jura last year and has quickly become indispensable - he's the island's bus driver, gritter, and occasional taxi service. A retired police officer, Roddy had never acted before, not even in school plays. When he agreed to take part in 'A Fairy Unexpected Night', we weren't sure what to expect. Turns out he's a natural! His deadpan delivery and timing had audiences in stitches, proving that sometimes the best performances come from people who've never set foot on a stage before.
MAGGIE BOYLE
This was Maggie's first acting role with JamDram - her last performances were about 30 years ago in a couple of island plays. Born and raised on Jura on a croft looking after the family cattle (which she still does today), Maggie has been at the heart of island life for decades. She's been involved in countless projects and events over the years, including the Music Festival and Village Hall Committee. Though she'd never been on stage with JamDram before, she's always supported the group behind the scenes with scenery painting and more. We were delighted when she agreed to join us for 'A Fairy Unexpected Night' - especially as she thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to do it again!
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.
GEORGIA LOWE
Like her husband Roddy, Georgia had never acted before - not even a school nativity play. A retired NHS manager who now runs the catering at Small Isles School, Georgia brings the same calm efficiency to the stage that she does to feeding hungry island children. Her debut in 'A Fairy Unexpected Night' was a masterclass in taking direction and throwing herself into a role with zero theatrical experience. Between school lunches and evening rehearsals, Georgia somehow found time to learn her lines and deliver a performance that had the audience convinced she'd been doing this for years. We're already plotting ways to get her back on stage!
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. Iain wrote JamDram's third and fifth productions, 'Midgie Galore' and 'A Fairy Unexpected Night'.
'Midgie Galore' has been published and is now being performed by other amateur groups. It can be purchased click here.
Trust & Transparency
JamDram is a fully constituted voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting drama on the Isle of Jura. We operate with complete financial transparency, with a treasurer and audited accounts. A copy of our constitution is available on request.​
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