The Whitwell Players are a local amateur dramatic group who get together in their spare time to put on three or four productions a year – a play in the spring, two one-act plays with a dinner in the autumn and a pantomime, timed for the run up to Christmas.
Occasionally we also produce something quite different, such as the memorable outdoor production of A Midsummer Nights Dream set in the grounds of the Bury at St Pauls Walden. We are always seeking new members and encourage everyone to try their hand both front and back stage. We not only need actors, but front of house, lighting, sound, stage hands and wardrobe and makeup help. In other words, whatever skills you have, you will find your niche and you will be very welcome!
Whitwell Players – Group History
The following extract from “The Parish of Saint Paul’s Walden” may be of interest. The book itself, subtitled “A short history of her childhood home to commemorate the 80th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother”, was published in 1980.
“… At one time or another, the Women’s Institute has fielded its own cricket team, an amateur dramatics society called the Magpies and a percussion band. Today there is a very successful and popular amateur dramatics society called the Whitwell Players, who put on about three productions a year ranging from drama to farce (not always intentionally!) and reviews”
The editor of the book was one Martin Morris, who was a very active member of the Players until he moved away a few years ago. He is remembered for writing Babes in the Woods and for his impersonations of Ralph (“Streets of London”) McTell
