THIS summer the Kingswood Players are celebrating 60 years of bringing live, affordable theatre to the people of the area.
Originally named The Romsdal Players we became the Kingswood/ Downend Players and eventually The Kingswood Players.
We were itinerant players until Kingswood Community Association opened a new hall complete with a stage which became our home.
In 1981 disaster struck when this hall was destroyed by fire. The Players lost their equipment and costumes which was was devastating for us but, we rose like the phoenix from the ashes and started again becoming wandering Players again until the hall and its stage was rebuilt.
One of the highlights in our history, was our 2012 production of Calendar Girls. We also produced our very own Calendar (yes that sort of calendar!) which helped us to raise £2012 for leukaemia research.
Every drama group has its folklore and one of our most recounted tells of the night in January 1985 when our dress rehearsal went on till 1am perfecting the transformation scene for Cinderella! Undaunted Cinderella was our choice of panto again in January 2006. The transformation was different technically, again extra rehearsal time was required, but it proved to be worthwhile. The result was a magical moment for the audience with the gasps of surprise and appreciative applause at every performance.
The Kingswood Players are a small, friendly group. We aim to include everybody who comes along. We don’t do formal auditions we believe everybody should have the opportunity to perform or work backstage to develop their skills.
Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome join us, age is no barrier. The oldest Kingswood Player to tread the boards was 90!! Rehearsals take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 o’clock in the smaller hall at the back of Holy Trinity church in Kingswood which is adjacent to the Community Association.
For information about the Players please contact us by telephone on Box Office: 07519 827891. email: thekingswoodplayers@gmail.com Facebook :- The Kingswood Players.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Our next production is Alan Ayckbourn’s Confusions, which will take place on October 16 and 17 plus a matinee on 17. Tickets available from September 1 by contacting any of the above .