HISTORY

This is the third group to call itself the Ewhurst Players, the first started in 1937 and continued, on and off until 1959 and the second ran from 1962 until 1969.

The current group started with two one act plays in the spring of 1974 and is now in its 31st year. During that time we have produced 19 one act plays, 44 three act plays, 26 pantomimes, 4 musicals and 10 revues.

We hope that have been able to supply some entertainment for our patrons as well as giving ourselves a great deal of satisfaction in working as a team.

During the production of a typical pantomime, a cast of around 25 attends up to 28 rehearsals and 7 performances. They are supported by some 30 set builders, painters, lighting, sound and front of house staff all coordinated by our director and stage manager. (Probably around 2000 hours in total).

The plays are less demanding in numbers, but perhaps more demanding for the individual.
The rewards are more transient but, during the 30 years we have received many complimentary press revues to give us encouragement and some of these are shown below, and we are also very proud to have been awarded five of the National Operatic and Drama Association’s accolade for excellence for the following productions: -

1990 The set of “Witness For The Prosecution”

1993 “The Crucible”

1996 “Time Of My Life”

2002 “The Holly And The Ivy”

2003 “When We Are Married”

Many of our members have joined with little or no experience of the theatre and have proved to be invaluable backstage and when treading the boards.

The ‘Players’ are of all ages, walks of life and skills and we would welcome anyone who would like to join the group in any capacity
to help with the many varied jobs that stage productions entail, such as: lighting, sound, props, set building and painting, stage management, make up, costumes, box office, tea/coffee making (very important!!), directing/producing as well as acting. We like to make it fun and enjoyable for everybody so, if you are interested in becoming a member just click here..

A SAMPLE OF PRESS COMMENTS

1975“Mother Goose”Packed houses reward for weeks of work.

1975“Arsenic and old Lace”Ewhurst Players took another step towards becoming one of Surrey’s better known amateur dramatic groups.

1976“Aladdin”Ewhurst panto had West End polish.

1977 “Cinderella” Ewhurst Players have done it again! A show full of sparkle and fun.

1978“Ali Baba”After an encore of the final chorus the audience still would not go.

1979“Spring Music Hall” As I left Ewhurst Village Hall I felt as though I was leaving one of the best parties I had been invited to for a long time.

1980“Robinson Crusoe” What present could you buy for 75p that would make children laugh until their sides ached, sing until they were hoarse and provide them with hours of pleasure.

1981“Absurd Person Singular” If Ewhurst Players production was a triumph for the actors the surely the set designers should share the credit.

1983“Taking Steps” Cast triumphant in hilarious comedy

1984“Red Riding Hood” The only disappointment about the show was that it had to end.

1984“My Three Angels” What an Angel Delight. What can I say about the Ewhurst Players that has not been written in these columns many times before.

1985“Blythe Spirit” Noel Coward’s famous play requires a level of proficiency which is normally far beyond the average theatre company. But then, Ewhurst Players would hardly be described as average.

1986“Diary of Anne Frank” The Players reached new heights

1988“Pack of Lies” The play was a credit to producer and director

1989“Confusions” The Players showed sheer professionalism as they handled the series of six scene changes smoothly and efficiently.

1990“Witness for the Prosecution” Leaves the Players with yet another masterpiece to match in the future – what a challenge.

1991“Alphabetical Order” That a small village like Ewhurst can continue to produce plays of such a high standard is amazing.

1993“The Crucible” The standard of acting and direction were so high as to make it difficult to believe that this was not a professional company

1995“Humpty Dumpty” There were more than thirty Players taking part an, suffice it to say, there was not a bad performance among them.

1997“Darling Buds of May” In the words of Pop Larkin – Perfick, simply perfick.

1999“Mother Goose”For a small village like Ewhurst to stage a pantomime on the scale of their “Mother Goose” is a great tribute to an enthusiastic organization.

2000“Pinocchio”Their many fans are already looking forward to their next production.

2002“Robin Hood”The audience on the evening we attended certainly enjoyed themselves

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