Parish Players
History of the Parish Players
The eventful life of the Parish Players began in the 1960s, as a drama group in the Olveston and Tockington WI, winning awards in various thespian competitions and writing their own material with considerable success - such as the spectacular ‘Pageant for Queens' to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Perhaps the most striking event was in 1980 when they took part in a festival of entertainment at the Colston Hall, winning the Avon County competition of Scene 80. As time passed and members left the district and so on, a few men were co-opted to join the team and so was born the Company which became known as the Parish Players. Their first production was an old time music hall written and devised by talented members of the community. The Show seemed to strike a chord and the company was encouraged to present a similar format every year, following different themes with exciting results. By now the players were backed by a hardworking team of enthusiasts backstage. The rush to buy tickets every year almost became an embarrassment, with two or three days booked solid within hours of the box office opening.
By the year 2000 however, it was becoming difficult to find authors. A millennium play ‘Marking Time', written by Beryl Keay, presented at St Mary's Church, became an inspiration for the Director, Linda Evans, and the Parish Players who appeared in it, to introduce a professionally scripted performance and a production of the ‘Mikado' under the baton of Dr David Shaw received critical acclaim. Once launched in this new concept, an annual show of contrasting styles has materialised ever since. ‘The Pirates of Penzance', ‘The Merry Widow', ‘South Pacific', ‘Guys and Dolls', ‘Fiddler on the Roof', ‘White Horse Inn' and this year's memorable ‘My Fair Lady' have now established the Company as an experienced, dedicated group in all aspects, willing to take on almost anything!
The Parish Players currently
Chloe Allsop Jones as Musical Director, with her entire family forming a vibrant orchestra, Linda Evans as Director and Jill Harris as a choreographer are looking forward to presenting Rodgers and Hammerstein's ‘Oklahoma' from March 17th-21st in 2009.
An excellent technical team continues to make all this possible, led by Rod Williams as Stage Manager, Andy Black as Set Designer, Keith and Norma Richards in charge of props and Gill Olewicz as Wardrobe Mistress. The Company has a reputation for helping young members to develop their talents, sadly to lose them to University or College eventually. Hannah Rogers as Sarah in ‘Guys and Dolls' and Joanna Sawyer as Eliza in ‘My Fair Lady' are good examples.
New members are very welcome. If interested, please come along to the Parish Hall on Monday September 22nd for the first music rehearsal at 7.30pm and for a read-through of the script on September 29th. Auditions for parts will be on October 6th. Rehearsals will extend into Thursdays by mid October.
Enquiries to Linda Evans, tel. 01454 413887 or to secretary Felicity Hemmett on 01454 415979.
