TREADING the Boards is an exhibition celebrating the 35th birthday of Peebles’ own dynamic amateur drama group, Tweed Theatre, in the Chambers Institution this month and next.

It tells a story of small beginnings, hard work, community involvement and creative drive.

Following a meeting between Bill Harvey, community policeman, and Paul Taylor, local librarian, in Peebles Library in 1979 the group came into being and presented a programme of three one-act plays in the Burgh Hall in September, 1980.

Early commitment to operate at the heart of the local community was demonstrated by performances at Beltane concerts, charity shows and close links to the beginnings of Peebles Arts Festival.

Innumerable pantomimes and children’s shows have created magical memories for generations of young people. There were many years of enthusiastic involvement with Borders Scottish Community Drama competitions, during which the Scottish Final was reached twice.

Also, Tweed Theatre was involved with the first few years of Shakespeare promenade performances in the grounds of Traquair House starting in 1995 as a fundraiser for Under One Roof. Richard Nisbet, a prominent group member, took over the directing reins for several performances, supported by Tweed Theatre, until Shakespeare at Traquair emerged as a separate company about a decade ago.

A taste for innovation was shown by touring a supper theatre production, “Wha Daur?” in 1988 and this tradition continued with projects like the 4 X 4 tours. Three years later saw participation in Judy Steel’s promenade performance of “Maister Michael” at Aikwood Tower. Ghost Walks were performed around town as part of Peebles Arts Festival from 1993 to 2004 followed, later, by five years of Masques of the Cross Kirk. Poetry, prose and drama have been mixed up and presented in review style.

While never parochial, Tweed Theatre has created stunning performances of works by Scottish writers: John Byrne, George Mackay Brown, Tony Roper, Stewart Conn and Donald Campbell, among others. The aim has always been to get the best out of the current crop of writers and translate the work, memorably, onto the stage.

Controversy has surrounded some productions: Joe Orton’s Loot(1990) and a stupendous version of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting (2004) that brought in the liveliest (and drouthiest) crowd ever. Calendar Girls (2012) upped the ante for stage nudity but was performed in the best possible taste!

Inevitably, the other festival up the road beckoned over the years, and Tweed Theatre rose to the challenge. Teechers was the first play put into the Fringe in 1994. Over time four star reviews have been achieved twice although there have been no further entries since 2008.

Some members have gone on to full time careers in drama as a result of an apprenticeship with Tweed Theatre. Gavin Laird, at 14, researched and wrote the first Ghost Walk and a panto and went on to become artistic director of 7:84 Theatre Company. Paul Kane, after appearing in many shows, ran his own company, Theatre Alba. Rachael Anderson, a young ex-member, has appeared in a production of Trainspotting that transferred recently to London from Edinburgh to rave reviews. Nurturing local talent has always been part of the remit for the club.

From Shakespeare to pantomime via comedy, children’s shows, reviews, poetry, farce, musicals and cutting edge drama there is something for everyone, young and old, in this comprehensive retrospective exhibition.

Treading the Boards is running now until Friday, June 26 in the Museum, Chambers Institution, High Street, Peebles. Admission is free.