New Productions
Latest Rehearsal Schedule (V4)
Past Productions
OUR GREAT 'ESCAPE?'
It began as a development opportunity - for two people to practise their skills as directors - and ended as a most memorable community experience!rom the ten who travelled together on the Autumn workshop programme the two who each agreed to direct a one-act play were not at all the ones we expected. One had had the courage to volunteer for the workshop; the other had accepted her invitation despite exams and her 16 years! Their personal styles revealed a fascinating contrast and their brave choice of plays were right 'out of the blue'. And yet the total production had links and contrasts that
As if the plays weren't a sufficient challenge in themselves one director selected two co-pupils of contrasting build and the other a '30s stage-set of testing construction. The Production team was both generous and efficient, and, importantly, everyone involved seemed to be enjoying themselves - at least until an elusive line or two! Even then a 'novice' prompter saved the day - and discovered a talented scene painter!almost suggested some overseeing Intelligence!
It was a thoroughly enjoyable 'village' entertainment that revealed quite surprising depths of meaning in both plays. Later enthusiastic comments confirmed the real pleasure felt by those who came to the show. We were fortunate in seeing three genuinely talented youngsters, a new multi-layered leading lady, and more familiar faces excelling in roles far removed from their previous 'comfort zones' - one, I believe, has never performed with such depth and sensitivity. It was the 'Players' at their best - and it was only for practice...!
Peter Grainger
The plays
A Man Without a Name by David Shellan and
Fumed Oak by Noel Coward
Peter Grainger
Click here to view a few rehearsal shots
Past Productions
CKCP AGM 2009
20th March 2009 Sacred Hearts
Entertainment to include:
Programme subject to change without notice
Songs performed by Helen Wright and Sue Dyson - accompanied by Andrea Board 
Helen Wright.
Helen began her singing training at Homerton College Cambridge, studying with Dorothy Richardson of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Having worked as a teacher for some years, Helen resumed her training with James Walkley, CBE. She has sung as a soloist for many choral societies in some of the county’s finest venues.
Helen enjoys recital work, with a wide ranging repertoire from Bach to Gershwin. She trains now with Justin Bindley, and works regularly with Sue Dyson, presenting programmes with a variety of themes.
Helen works as a singing teacher at St. Edward’s School, Cheltenham. She also has a heart for pre-school musical education, and spends much time visiting nurseries and playgroups, as well as running Early Music, a pre-school music club. Some years ago Helen began to write songs for this age range, and published two books of infant songs. She has since written songs and duets for adult use, particularly within her own programmes.
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Illustrated presentations to celebrate
Oliver! (Peter Grainger)
A Midsummer Night's Dream (Martyn Fry)
Programme subject to change without notice
Plus - A little bit of AGM business
Financial report for 2008
Election of Committee
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A Midsummer Nights Dream February 2008
Directed by Martyn Fry
Post script to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Our dilemma………. whether we should or shouldn’t have a go at Shakespeare. For a long while it was the latter until a certain persuasive fellow who shall remain nameless talked us both into taking part, albeit in non-speaking supporting roles – we know our place! How we admired all of those who had to master page upon page of lines.
Our main worry was whether we’d have as much fun as the whole cast did during the rehearsals and performances of Oliver – how could that show be beaten? But we did, especially the post performance wind-downs at a local hostelry!
Sacred Hearts Hall was completely transformed by the fabulous floral arrangements and artful set. From then on we felt it was going to be a great success-and it was. The hard work of so many people, on stage, back stage, et al was rewarded.
From our perspective as slightly older members of the players, it was lovely to see so many of the youngsters grow in confidence from the early days of being quite self-conscious (particularly the four young lovers), to the whole cast performing with great aplomb especially on the last night.
So, if there’s anyone out there who has ever been to watch the Players and thought, “I’d like to have a go at that,” bite the bullet, come along next time and give it a go, you’ll make new friends and who knows, today Charlton Kings, tomorrow the West End!”Here are our six excellent ladies whose walk on acting did so much to enhance the play. Kathy Price, Sara Kinane and Joyce Parsons Debbie Masling, Sylvia Fry and Jane Kane
As a final postscript to the play may I as director thank all those who took part in the play, all the stage, lighting and sound crew, front of house team, car parking and production team for all their efforts in what I think was a really good production. I have had many lovely comments from people who came to see it. Thank you.
Martyn Fry
Director
Let Us Be Merry
December 2007
Oliver!
2006