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The last of our little bio’s is about our oldest member Alan. I’m sure you have seen him not only on the stage many times, but also ‘Front of House’ where he often shows guests to their seats. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading them!
When did you join Churchdown players? I first joined Churchdown Players at St Andrews Players in about 1974, after coming back from working in Australia . Have you been in any other drama groups? Yes, St Marks Methodist for a short time, but for a long period I was at St Marks Players where I was Chairman for a time. I started acting at school, then I was in the air force. Then when I came to Cheltenham i joined GC Theatre group at The Playhouse in about 1955. I acted for several groups at Playhouse. In fact over the years I have played everything except leading lady and done every job except Wardrobe. Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? My first ever production was at school when I was Violet the maid in The Winslow Boy in 1952. It was an all-boys school in case you were wondering! What has been your favourite character that you have played? My favourite character was General St Pey in Waltz of the Toreadors with St Marks in the 1960's. My most memorable part with Churchdown was my first one at St. Andrews where I played a witch in Sleeping Beauty Who do you play in the Hound of the Baskervilles? In Hound of the Baskervilles I play Seldon - The escaped convict who is hiding on the Moor and terrorising the neighbourhood. Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? Definitely a villain - they are much better parts!  Janet is another long term member of the players and a familiar face on the stage, but is also one of our regular directors. I asked her a few questions about acting and directing. We hope you enjoy this insight.
When did you join Churchdown players? I first joined Churchdown Players in 1995. I was persuaded by my then work colleague, also a member of the group, to take along our two daughters to the rehearsals of a pantomime. My husband and I never left. Have you been in any other drama groups? This is the only drama group I have been involved with. The group is very welcoming and we have a lot of fun. Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? The first production was called Man Alive, a comedy around shop mannequins coming alive at night and causing havoc in the Oxford Street store. A sun lamp’s fantastic properties allows this to happen and then this also turns the unpopular manager into a mannequin, teaching him a few valuable lessons in the process. I played Miss Yates, an efficient sales assistant, absolutely terrifying, but I’ve never looked back. What has been your favourite character that you have played? It’s very difficult to pick just one as I have been in many productions, but one of them would definitely be Yvette from Ello Ello. This play was so much fun to do and the audience loved it. I have also enjoyed a bit of Noel Coward playing Liz Essendine in Present Laughter, you have to learn how to speak in a completely different way which is a bit of a challenge. I have also directed Blithe Spirit which was also great fun. Why have you chosen to direct the Hound of the Baskervilles? I am actually directing the play for the second time, the first being in 2001, my directing debut. At that time we were in between halls so the production was staged in St Andrews Church using a tiny set using wooden blocks as a stage. I always said that I would like to direct this play again on a much larger stage where we can really go to town on set design and sound effects. This was actually the very first play I directed and I have gone on to direct ten more. What do you like about the play? I do love the classic traditional authors such as Agatha Christie, Noel Coward etc. to me they are timeless. I find them quite humorous and they still seem to be popular with audiences. I particularly enjoy researching props and costumes of the period. The Hound of the Baskervilles fits nicely into this category, it’s very tongue in cheek and it’s lovely seeing all the different characters coming together and it’s quite spooky. Do you prefer to act or direct? I can’t really make up my mind which I prefer, directing or acting. They both have their attractions, its great when you get a good reaction from the audience when you are playing a role, but its also very satisfying seeing a play and cast coming together. Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? Never played a villain, but it could be interesting being booed….I like to be loved so a hero is so much more me…..
You may recognise Inma’s face or her beautiful voice. She is another of our newer members. I asked her a few questions and we hope you enjoy hearing a little about her.
When did you join Churchdown players? In 2022, for the musical Variety Show, ‘Happy Days Are Here Again’. I was excited because it was a musical performance and it was going to give me the chance not only to sing, but also to dance. Have you been in any other drama groups? Yes. Since singing and dancing have always been a motivation for me, I wanted to try acting. I joined the Savoyards drama group in Cheltenham in 2018\19 and was cast as part of the ensemble for ‘Calamity Jane’. Previous to that I was performing for the Evesham Operatic Society, but this was just singing and didn’t involve any acting. Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? It was the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar and I played Mary Magdalene. I was very worried about the final crying scene because it involved just acting, but as soon as I heard the music couldn’t stop myself crying anyway. What has been your favourite character that you have played? The Star of the East in a Spanish Christmas music production that takes place every year in December. I am honoured to have played this wonderful role for 5/6 years now. However, playing my current character is taking a very special place in my heart too. Who do you play in the Hound of the Baskervilles? I play Laura Lyons, an independent business woman. Can you tell me a little about the character you play? Laura is an independent, strong willed and mysterious character who has been disowned by her father for marrying against his will, but was then also abandoned by her husband. She comes across as cold and assertive but has many layers - which will be revealed! Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? It’s a conflict for me. Ideally I would like to play a hero that comes across as cool as a villain.
You may recognise Tracey’s face from recent events, but she’s another relative newcomer. Tracey was the brainchild behind our Christmas Fayre fundraiser amongst other things. I asked her a few questions and hope you enjoy hearing what she has to say.
When did you join Churchdown players? I was introduced to Churchdown Players by my friend Lisa, we sing in a choir together. Lisa said "come along and see what you think", a year later here I am, I have fully immersed myself in the group and now find myself as Chairperson. Have you been in any other drama groups? My friends say I’m a drama queen, but I’ve never been in another drama group! Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? When I joined Churchdown Players at the beginning of 2022, I was lucky enough to be cast in their Variety Show - 'Happy Days Are Here Again', written and directed by Marilyn Webb. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, sang and danced on stage, a personal first. What has been your favourite character that you have played? This is my first play. Who do you play in the Hound of the Baskervilles? My character is Mrs Barrymore, the Housekeeper. Can you tell me a little about the character you play? Married to Mr Barrymore, between us we run Baskerville Hall. Mrs Barrymore is a traditional, stern woman, with a few secrets! Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? I think it would be fun to play a villain rather than a hero. My character in Hound of the Baskervilles is the total opposite to me, so a great first challenge. Will I be a hero or villain in this play? You will have to come along and see!
You may recognise Mike from our more recent productions or with other local groups. I asked him a few questions so we could find out a little more about him. We hope you enjoy reading his answers.
When did you join Churchdown players? In 2019, when I appeared in Snow White and the 7 Ugly Sisters. This show will be my third with the players, but my first straight play. Have you been in any other drama groups? Yes quite a few including another Churchdown group, St Johns, where I have been a member for 35 years Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? Yes, a play called “Love in a Mist”. I can’t remember the character name, just that he was a Cornish Fisherman. To be fair, it was about 45 years ago! What has been your favourite character that you have played? William Tyndale. He was a Gloucestershire man who made the first protestant translation of the Bible into English. The play was called ‘Anne Boleyn’ - about her rise and tragic fall. Who do you play in the Hound of the Baskervilles? Barrymore, the Butler to the Baskerville family Can you tell me a little about the character you play? His family have served at Baskerville Hall for four generations and as the Butler he looks after everything involved in running the house now, but is he or isn't he up to no good? He may well be, like many of the characters, hiding a sinister secret…. You'll have to buy a ticket to find out! Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? Villain every time. It's so much fun when you can get a reaction from the audience. For the same reason I also like doing comedy.
Dave will be a familiar face to any followers of Churchdown Players. I asked him some questions so we can get to know a bit more about him. We hope you enjoy this little insight and watch this space for further cast introductions.
When did you join Churchdown players? In 1992 I was approached to be in the cast of “Key for Two”, a comedy with the St Andrew’s Dramatic Society, now Churchdown Players, where I have been a member for 31 years. Have you been in any other drama groups? Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? Back in the late 50’s / early 60’s I helped back-stage with the Cheltenham Operatic Society (CODS), at both The Everyman and the Civic Playhouse, now the Cheltenham Playhouse. Then quite a while later in the late 80’s, I joined the Reddings and District Amateur Dramatic Society, where I was involved in a few productions, including a pantomime in which I was given the part of the Dame. During the last 31 years I have been cast in around 60 productions and have also been involved with productions at the King’s Theatre in Gloucester, the Playhouse in Cheltenham and even at the Everyman Theatre as part of the supernumary company in The Royal National Theatre’s production of “An Inspector Calls”. I have played the Dame in a number of pantos both at Churchdown and the Playhouse. What has been your favourite character that you have played? I have two favourite parts which stick in my mind, Clive Debanks in “Love Begins at 50” in 2002, and Arnold Crouch in “Not Now Darling” performed in both 1998 and 2017. My preference is comedy (probably because it is easier to get away with a prompt or two!). Who do you play in the hound of the Baskervilles? In this current production I am Doctor Watson, the part I also played back in 2001. Can you tell me a little about the character you play? John Watson is devoted to Sherlock Holmes and enjoys sharing his adventures acting as his assistant. He is conservative, unimaginative and orthodox in his behaviour and opinions, in a way quite the opposite to Holmes. Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? I have never really thought about that one as I have been cast in many different enjoyable roles, however I think that I would prefer to be a hero, as we seem to have too many villains.
Carolyn will be a familiar face to any followers of Churchdown Players. I asked her some questions so we can get to know a bit more about her. We hope you enjoy this little insight and watch this space for further cast introductions.
When did you join Churchdown players? I joined Churchdown Players when invited by Dave Avery and was first in Move over Mrs Markham in 2012. I haven't looked back! Since then, I have played so many different and memorable characters and been fortunate to direct a couple of times - most recently Snow White & the 7 Ugly Sisters. Have you been in any other drama groups? I performed at the Playhouse for many years, mainly with Cheltenham Little Theatre Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? I loved writing playlets for my sisters and I to perform in the school holidays. My acting debut was at King's Theatre. It was a corporate pantomime and I loved it so much I auditioned for a part in Pygmalion at Cheltenham Playhouse and was lucky to get the part of Clara - probably around 1994. What has been your favourite character that you have played? I really enjoyed my roles in Blythe Spirit and Present Laughter, Noel Coward was such an amazing playwrite. However, I would say my favourite part was Chelsea Theyer in On Golden Pond at The Playhouse. It was the most challenging part I had played at the time. My son was also in the play aged 13. Who do you play in the hound of the Baskervilles? Lady Agatha Mortimer Can you tell me a little about the character you play? She is a strong, formidable lady who has been ‘floored’ by the possibility that there might be some truth in the legend! An intelligent woman who finds herself thinking the occult might be real after all. I am thoroughly enjoying the part and loving being part of this fantastic cast. Which Would you rather be, a hero or a villain? I have never played either role, but villain just sounds more appealing. I like the opportunity to try new character types which take me outside my comfort zone.
The newest of our new faces in Churchdown Players, Dave stepped in after rehearsals had started. I asked Dave some questions so we can get to know a bit more about him. We hope you enjoy this little insight and watch this space for further cast introductions.
When did you join Churchdown players? In March of 2023; this will be my first performance with the group. Have you been in any other drama groups? Yes, when I lived in Rotherham. First the Wombwell Thespians, then the Phoenix Players. I'm also a keen improv comic: formerly with Trouble Salad (Sheffield) and now Comic Sans Script (Cheltenham). Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? Excluding school nativity plays, the first I remember was a production of Cinderella at Formby High School in 1998. I was 11 years old and I played Buttons. My Mum made my costume, which included a red and blue tailcoat. I had to sing "She Loves You" by the Beatles, but the lyrics were changed to "She Loves Me". It was terrifying. What has been your favourite character that you have played? Last year I was in Blackadder II with the Playhouse Company, in Cheltenham. I was Lord Flashheart and I very much enjoyed shouting "WOOF!" and thrusting a lot. Who do you play in the hound of the Baskervilles? Sir Henry Baskerville. Can you tell me a little about the character you play? Sir Henry returned from the Americas on hearing of his uncle Charles' death, inheriting a vast fortune and falling for his enchanting new neighbour, Kathy. But as well as becoming the new lord of the manor, he also became the target of mysterious, murderous forces beyond his comprehension. Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? I've never played a villain, so I would like to have a go at that. But I do very much like people applauding and cheering me, so perhaps playing a hero is more my thing...
Charly is also new to us at Churchdown, but not local or live theatre. These are her answers to my questions. We hope you enjoy this little insight and watch this space for further cast introductions.
When did you join Churchdown players? This is my first production with the Churchdown Players so one of the newbies! Have you been in any other drama groups? Since moving to Cheltenham 10 years ago I've been with the Playhouse Company since 2017 with my first role - I got to play Helga in a production of Allo Allo. Since then I've worked with the Kings Theatre in Gloucester and the Bishops Cleeve Players. Can you remember the first production you were in and who you played? I've been acting on and off for years but my first role would have been with my local church in Essex playing Mary in the Christmas Nativity. What has been your favourite character that you have played? It's definitely a toss up between Helga in Allo, Allo and Bob in Blackadder 2 from last summer. Who do you play in the hound of the Baskervilles? I play the maid, Perkins. Can you tell me a little about the character you play? She may not be the brightest (bless her) but she's well meaning and she's a fun character to play. Just don't ask her to eat carrots! Which would you rather be, a hero or a villain? Oh definitely a villain...they normally have the better costume and some cracking one liners! |
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