Hoping to play on

Eydon Players will be performing The Epsoms – A Silver Revue on Friday February 26 and Saturday February 27.

The show is a reminder of some of the 80 plays, shows, musicals, reviews and one-acters from the past 25 years, all wrapped up in an awards ceremony format.

Alan Watson from the group said: “It’s hard to believe that back in 1990 Eydon Players started with no more than an empty kitty and a boundless enthusiasm for doing drama in the village.”

Led by the always ambitious and energetic Terry Bullworthy, they put on a revue called The Serpent Club to raise money to cover the costs of the first production. This was the pantomime Little Red Riding Hood, which some of you may remember featuring a very Teutonic Big Bad Wolf played by a Reverend Gentleman, and a Dame with a moustache played by someone who still occasionally turns up on the village hall stage.

Alan added: “Things moved on swiftly and the group has since then staged two dozen or so pantomimes as well as childrens’ shows and classic and award winning drama (and not to mention an active social side), with some members even moving on to the professional stage.

“The group has gradually built up its own wardrobe and sound and lighting resources, and has also contributed to the development of the village hall with part of the staging (and its maintenance) that’s also used by other organisations, the purchase and installation of the induction loop, and loan of equipment for other village events.”

The group has struggled over the past two or three years to put on the productions it wants.

Alan added: “The cause of the problem is simple – people have moved away or their circumstances have changed so we are now short of both actors and backstage help and badly need new members to join.

“So the message is very clear.

“Eydon Players needs you. We don’t want drama in Eydon to become just another memory.”

Canapes both sweet and savoury will be served at intervals as part of the celebrations taking place later in the mo nth.

Tickets for this glittering occasion will be available by calling Sue McRoberts on 01327 261068 or by visiting The Royal Oak in the vilage.

They are available at a cost of £8 which includes the interval sustenance.

Alan said: “We really look forward to welcoming (back) audience members both old and new, and would of course love to see any of you who are interested in joining up, in whatever capacity.

“And watch this space for future production details.”