St Aldhelms Players

The “Players” bring the parish together every year to put on the ever popular British tradition that is the pantomime. Combining the musical, acting and dancing talents of members of the parish, every year since 1996 ( Snow White) the players have brought the full range of panto stories to appreciative audiences, with one or two of old favourites, such as Cinderella and Aladdin, being repeated.

Rehearsals start in early October and the players are always looking for new skills and talent so if you have ever fancied ” treading the boards” please contact the team via the Parish office. Other parts including back stage places are also normally available so if your not ready to be a “Dame” just yet there should be something for you to get your teeth into.

History

The church hall was built in memory of the first world war and in the spirit of the times was arranged for use as a cinema with it’s own projector room and screen ( the screen hooks are still visible over the stage)

The stage,  unusual for a church hall, has a sloping floor so it was obviously expected that plays were to be  performed, with the church having an amateur dramatic group.  Later in the fifties and sixties the scouts gave a yearly pantomime which was hugely popular with a waiting list to obtain seats.

In the early 1990’s great efforts were being made to rejuvenate the church, a few of the congregation decided that putting on a pantomime would be one social activity that all age groups could be involved in.

It was also decided that all were to be invited to take part irrespective of abilities in acting, singing or dancing.  This has been the case ever since, but over the years, talents have blossomed and experience has been gained in putting on the show.

The age range of the performers is from three to over eighty, so that, with at least twenty children, seasoned troopers and new recruits, the pantomimes each year, hopefully, still have a  freshness about them.

The shows are put on in early February over two weekends with three matinees and two evening performances.  Even though they are very much a social activity for the cast and not meant to be up to ‘Am Dram’ standards, good houses are always the case, perhaps for the lightness of the productions and the obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment of the cast.