A Little History about Saxilby Drama Circle
Saxilby Drama Circle has reached its “Ruby” Anniversary! We are all very proud of its enduring dedication and although there are none of the original members remaining in our midst, there are some who were there in the very early years, and who continue to be involved in most productions; dedication, commitment and enjoyment unabated. Those descriptions obviously apply to all of our members, most of whom are members of longstanding. We are naturally more than happy, though, to welcome anyone with interest and commitment in things dramatic and theatrical, be it offstage or on and hope that we will continue to have natural turnover keeping us rolling on. We are all of the opinion that to have as a hobby, something which also gives pleasure to others is a privilege. There are now enthusiastic Junior and Youth Groups run by dedicated senior members and by the older “youths” themselves, with adult support; a fairly recent development for the current group, but there must have been similar ones in early years, because in 1972 they produced “Oliver Twist”, with a cast of thirty six, including some adults. Our current younger members have performed a very successful “Peter Pan” in 2001 and “Joseph” in 2003, along with workshops to display the work done with our younger members, and as we speak are rehearsing a new production and workshop. At panto time, we do our best to involve all age groups of our Circle, although it is not possible to have everyone on stage ~ with the exception of 2005, which involved every member of the group wishing to be cast! Not something which is possible very often, due to the sheer force of numbers and logistics (not to mention the expense!). It was, however, a very special and unforgettable production, immensely enjoyed, we are informed, by all involved, both sides of the footlights.
In most years, the Drama Circle’s Annual General Meeting, in September, is attended by the majority of its thirty-plus members, and there is often competition for places on the Committee; but it has not always been so. Indeed, around twenty-five years ago, the group had far fewer members, particularly male, and was only able to survive financially by raising money from jumble sales and such-like. We also had to consider female only plays, due to the lack of male members. In fact, we also went through a period of only being able to choose plays with one male character..... who always had to be Col Goulding! (Sorry, Col!) Now, of course, we are blessed with a much wider male contingent. Only on one occasion, though, did the cast of a play actually outnumber the audience, a fair while ago now, but the selling of tickets - getting “bums on seats”- has always been a challenge. We now have a much more efficient publicity machine in house, and seem to have a very enthusiastic and wider audience base, for which we are eternally grateful! “The Ghost Train”, in November 2002, set a record for the Friday night performances, with approximately two hundred seats taken and people being turned away at the door and nowadays our productions are most enthusiastically received.
To return to those early days, in November 1967, the group performed “A Murder has Been Arranged” by Emlyn Williams, possibly its first production. This was produced by J.Dockwray, and the cast was J.Daniels, G.Cunningham, D.Ford, B.Atkin, P.Asher, G. East, Jean Scott and James Scott.
Between that play and 1970, some names which appear in cast lists include:
A. Howlett, D. Firth, A .Horton, H. Ford, R. Bignall, J. Bignall, M. Martin, D. Hannay, J. Whittaker, S. Palmer, L. Rollins, J. Sumner, M. Davies, S. Webb, L. Butterworth, D. Shepherd, J. Shepherd, G. Smith, D. Noble, L. Holliday, J. Cicerko, K. Hay, B. Hay, J. Stainton, M. Carr, L. Spurr, G. Spurr, I. Hughes, S. Pierrepoint, J. Powell, R. Britt, L. Morton, M. Morton. There are obviously many more members who would have been involved over those early years, but our records for those early years are very hazy, sadly.
When the Village Hall was extended, the Drama Circle no longer had to improvise a stage in the lounge, which had its own charm….., but had one purpose built in the extension. The result is a wide stage which is easily seen from most seats, although, in retrospect, some width could have been sacrificed to give larger wings, which are narrow to the point of seeming impossibility at times, were it not for the magicians who masquerade as stage management!
With well over a hundred performances to date, including those from the Junior Group, some names appear many times. In the group there are some who have contributed for many years on a regular basis and are still very active today.
Through the late 1970’s and the 1980’s, one man contributed so much to keeping the group active and viable. That man was the late Bill Burnett. His enthusiasm, leadership and innovation inspired many and he is very definitely one of the reasons we now enjoy the benefits of a successful society. Pam Burnett is still an active member.
The Drama Circle has always worked closely with the Village Hall Committee, the Chairman of which is Keith Jubb, who has helped us in very many ways, whilst Beryl Jubb has participated creatively both on and offstage.
We fervently hope that our enjoyment will continue to be your, our audiences’, enjoyment. Your communication, enthusiasm and feedback is always welcomed and hoped for, and your participation, if you feel so inclined!
Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you.
BOW
and
CURTAIN