Year: 2011

2011 Fahrenheit & Celsius

The recent play performed by the Bovey Tracey Players,”Fahrenheit and Celsius” by James Gillingham, is very topical and also has a local connection. The author grew up locally and is also the son of Ann, chairman of the Players and Nigel who has directed the production. No doubt the issues and frictions encountered by local people when wind turbines are to be erected in their countryside will be experienced in many locations in the future. The play’s five characters are strongly portrayed. Yvette, the fading TV presenter is played with flair and great style by Kirstyn Munro. Jerome, portrayed by David Scott, who is totally opposed to the “white monstrosities” gives a strong and commanding performance, and his relationship with his daughter, Laura, shows paternal concern and uncertainty. Laura, played with great sensitivity by Jenny Connelly, has formed a relationship with David, played with confused exasperation by Mark Dunn. The comedy content is expertly delivered by Alex, portrayed by David Cartwright, whose attempts to help his friend David don’t always go to plan. Overall this was an entertaining and interesting production with excellent special effects by stage, sound and lighting crews. Congratulations to all concerned. Photos courtesy of Bim Photography

2010 The Memory of Water

Shelagh Stephenson’s 1996 play The Memory of Water explores the fractured relationships between three sisters on the eve of their mother’s funeral. David Wilson’s production with the Bovey Tracey Players gave the good-sized audience plenty to enjoy with moments of both excellent comedy and plausible and affecting pathos. Jenny Connelly played Mary the eldest of the three sisters with an air of weary sadness and it is to her credit that the scenes shared with both her lover, performed with admirable confidence by Mark Dunn and the ghost of her late mother, played with an affecting melancholic tone by Liz Parr, gave an altogether different, more vulnerable side to the character that was hidden in the scenes with her sisters. The two younger sisters were performed by Su Kaye as Theresa and Lisa Huet as Catherine both of whom gave contrasting but equally impressive interpretations of these pivotal characters, the latter giving the play some vital energy and comic relief. The production had many highlights including a wonderful scene between Teresa and her husband Frank, who was played with clarity and perfectly judged restraint by Mark Godwin, but was never more moving than in its final moments as Mary, unable to escape the persistent, eroding effects of her own memories, prepares to face the remainder of her life alone. This was an excellent play very well performed by its cast; a brave choice perhaps for a local drama group but one that was amply rewarded. I look forward to 2011 and another successful season by the Bovey Tracey Players, beginning with its traditional pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’ directed by Juliet Harper.

2010 Suddenly At Home

A man schemes to murder his wealthy wife for the love of another woman the sister, an actress friend or the au pair? Victim and victimized become intertwined in this startling drama.    

2009 The Price To Pay

David Wilson directed our spring production, a thriller called “The price to pay”. This play was entered into the South Devon Drama Federation Festival and the wash-up evening was a great success with a very high standard from all entries. The Players recieved two nominations for best supporting actor – James Harper and Darren Parr, Darren was the lucky recipient of the award for his portrayal of the truculant police Sergeant. The Players’ latest production in the Town Hall was “The Price to Pay” by Ian Hornby, a thriller in which Laura, an ‘ordinary housewife’,  is kidnapped  by Dianne and Benny to ensure that Laura’s husband Roger,  will help them steal his firm’s payroll.  We haven’t put on a thriller for a long time now, so ‘The Price to Pay’ made a welcome change.  The play was entered for the South Devon Drama Festival.  With a split set – one half Roger and Laura’s suburban house and the other a barn – the director and crew had quite a challenge but the result was a great success and received praise from Peter Reeves the adjudicator. The cast:  Juliet Harper (Laura), James Harper (Benny), Liz Parkyn (Maria), Darren Parr (Dave), Sarah Mallett (Diane) and Jenny Connelly (Carol).   The cast was a mixture of experienced actors and relative newcomers to the Town Hall stage (this was only Jenny’s second appearance with us) and also welcomed David Wilson to the Players as Director.  Although it was his first time Directing with us, David is an ‘old hand’ at directing and acting with TOADS and other groups.  Thank you David. Peter Reeves was very complimentary about the whole production and awarded Darren ‘Best Supporting Actor’ at the ‘Wash-up’ last Sunday.  Congratulations to all.

2008 Blue Remembered Hills

The Players’ Autumn production for 2008 was ‘Blue Remembered Hills’ by Dennis Potter, presented in the Town Hall at the end of October. Set in the Westcountry in the Summer of 1943, it is the story of seven children – convincingly played by adults! Juliet’s creative direction allowed the audience to immerse themselves in the play and forget that they were not actually watching seven year olds upon the stage! It made for uncomfortable watching at times as the different characters of the children were so believable and consistently played that we were often able to empathise with them. The actors threw themselves into the role, quite literally in some cases, and how some of them did not get hurt is amazing! Using real children at the start and close of the play was a powerful tool which added to the poignancy of the ending with such effectiveness that the audience was mesmerised and for some time just sat in their seats, in quiet reflection. Congratulations must go to Juliet for another stunning production and to her talented cast.

2008 Outside Edge

We have Nigel Gillingham to thank for the Spring production. Due to unforeseen circumstances we could not put on Farenheit and Celsius as originally planned so Nigel bravely stepped in and offered to direct Outside Edge by Richard Harris, and what a success it was! A real ‘bums on seats’ comedy; Outside Edge attracted an audience of more than 350 over its four night run, all of whom went out with smiles on their faces. It also gave us the opportunity to welcome some new faces to the Players’ stage and also welcome back some familiar faces from past productions – returning to us after many years. Of course it was also a pleasure to see some of our stalwart ‘regulars’. Sarah Mallett who played Maggie is a newcomer to the players, as is Su Kaye who played Sharon. We hope that these were the first of many appearances on the Bovey stage. Darren Parr made a welcome return after his last appearance in ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ two years ago. More recently we have become used to seeing Bob, Kevin and Bim appearing in Pantomime so it was good to see them in a straight play (after 17 years for Kevin!), whereas Liz has recently become a more familiar figure at the piano at our cabarets – nice to see you acting again Liz! Kirsten last appeared on stage for the Players in ‘Charlie’s Aunt’ as a teenager! It is great to have her back on stage in a superb performance as Mim, appearing undaunted by such a demanding role. Timing is of the essence in such a complicated play and this was seemingly effortlessly achieved, giving a slick and pacey production. This would not have been possible without the convincing sound effects which, together with Bernie’s set (complete with very realistic grass), added to credibility of the evening. We have come to expect a professional standard from the Players and certainly this production did not disappoint – congratulations to everyone! ……….. Patricia Berry

2007 Bouncers

Bouncers was our Autumn production for 2007 and our entry into the SDDF festival. All four actors received nominations for best supporting actor, Mark Godwin, David Cartwright, Michael Geldard and the eventual winner, Sean Arberry. Well done to all and of course to the Director, Juliet harper.

2006 Crosswords

Three one act plays, very different in style but with a linking theme of confusion, loss and distress, caused by words, spoken and unspoken. The Monkey’s Paw is a creepy tale of avarice, curses and ghosts, a warning to us all to be happier with our lot. Early Blight, a short play from the Deckchairs collection, is about the manipulation of another person’s life. And lastly, Sliced was written by James Gillingham, a member of the Players. It is a moving account of life after a death, a time when we realise that we didn’t ask enough questions or give enough answers, when we wish we had talked a bit more about the things that mattered to us.

2005 The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe

LWW, as it became to be known, had nearly sixty people in the cast/crew list although the actual number of people involved was nearer to seventy. Enough white muslin to go around the world twice was used to create the winter wonderland of Narnia, director Juliet Harper and a cast of thirty created a little bit of magic in BT town hall.

2004 Ten Times Table

Ten Times Table. For a better view of the programme right click your mouse and use the zoom, I will try for a better copy later. A super picture of the cast, clearly enjoying their costumes, or someone has just fallen over at the back of the hall.

2003 Two For One

As you can see from the programme, if you look closely, Two for One had a combined cast of nineteen, pretty good for two one act plays. I cant find a review so if you would like to submit a retrospective review then go to contacts and e-mail me. I have a vague memory of the plays that included some disco dancing, padded stomachs and a lot of pathos, or was that the Ghost Train?

2003 The Noble Spaniard

W Somerset Maugham’s The Noble Spaniard was billed as a comedy and looking at the cast photos it certainly made me laugh.

2002 Steel Magnolias

What a cast, all women in fancy wigs and fancy costumes, the result – a nice easy to watch play.

2001 Wait Until Dark

Wait until Dark, then set trip wires and carry a big stick. This production earned us another award, for best visual presentation, and nominations in three other categories as well as introducing four new members to the Players.

2001 From Temptation To Ruin

STOP PRESS…POLICE STOP PLAYERS PANTOMIME…Oh yes they did. But all was not lost as this two act offering stepped in to fill the gap. Pauline Tomlinson won best actress when The Road to Ruin was entered in the One Act festival.

2000 Sweeney Todd

This programme is difficult to read, but you can right click your mouse and use the zoom. If you have any more photos please let me know, especially if they show all that luvverly red blood spilling across the stage. Director Judy Leigh should be proud of this play as it attracted nominations in many categories at the SDDF, Nigel Gillingham walked off with the trophy for best actor, very annoying for the person who won it, for his portrayal of the demon barber.

1999 Lord Arthur Saviles Crime

Well it’s quite obvious who did it, the butler alias Nigel Gillingham. And if it wasn’t him, well book him anyway for looking shifty.

1998 Present Laughter

A best production award for this play, so much silverware – I hope it’s insured, and the singing didn’t seem to put the judges off.

1997 Gasping

Gasping, a play where salesmen sell the air we breath, by Ben Elton, was Mark Neal’s first foray into directing. A brave choice – having some difficult to stage scenes in a massage parlour and squash court, scenes that some professional companies leave out. Gasping was a great success and under Mark’s direction the actors gave of their best, David Scott on the massage table gave slightly more than his best, and the audience left having had a good return on their £3.50 ticket price.

1997 Take Two

A copy of the original programe for the double production ‘Take two’  featuring ‘Us and Them’ written by David Campton and Last Tango in Bovey Tracey by David Tristram.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1996 The Mouse that Roared

Some Photos of the 1996 production ‘The Mouse that Roared’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1995 The Real Inspector Hound / The Proposal

Can’t remember a lot about this play except Mark Neals extra large feet. Some more photos would be good, a great painted audience by Christin Langrish, especially of the feet. The Proposal went on to great success at the One Act Festival.

1995 The Proposal

Although we don’t archive our performances at Festivals this one I think is worth a mention. You will read in the newspaper article the multi-award winning production of the Proposal at the One Act Festival,was the last scene for character actor/director and all round goody Mabs Scarle who passed quietly away while watching the HAPS perform a play she had directed. Gone but not forgotten.

1995 The Exorcism

Yet another award for the Players, Director Mabs Scarle and her cast of four. A spooky play set in a 17th Centuary labourer’s cottage owned by Rachael and Edmund. A Christmas visit by their friends Dan and Margaret set off some strange and macabre events.

1994 Lloyd George knew my Father

A copy of the original programme for the 1994 production ‘Lloyd George knew my Father’.  There is also a copy of the original programme, a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

1993 The Reluctant Doctor/After Magritte

A Photo from the 1993 double production ‘The Reluctant Doctor/After Magritte’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

1993 Abigail’s Party

A copy of the original programme of the 1993 production of ‘Abigail’s Party’.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

1992 Anastasia

Some Photos of the 1992 production ‘Anastasia’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1991 A Lady Mislaid

A copy of the original programme for the 1991 production ‘A Lady Mislaid’.  There is also a copy of an original publicity poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

1991 A Chorus of Disapproval

A copy of the original programme from the 1991 production ‘A Chorus of Disapproval’.  There is also a copy of a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1990 The Unexpected Guest

Unfortunately we currently have no items relating to this production,  If you have any material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1990 Two And Two Make Sex

A copy of the original programme for the 1990 production ‘Two and Two Make Sex’.  There is also a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1989 Pack of Lies

A Photo of the 1989 production ‘Pack of Lies’.  There is also a copy of the original programme..  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1989 Deathtrap

Some Photos of the 1989 production ‘Deathtrap’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1988 The Deep Blue Sea

Some Photos of the 1988 production ‘The Deep Blue Sea’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1988 Month of Sundays

A Photo of the 1988 production ‘Month of Sundays’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1987 Confusions

Some Photos of the 1987 production ‘Confusions’, (five interlinked plays). There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1987 Jekyll and Hyde

A Photo of the 1987 production ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1986 Absurd Person Singular

Some Photos of the 1986 production ‘Absurd Person Singular’.  There is also a copy of an original newsclip.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1986 Pink string and sealing wax

Some Photos of the 1986 production ‘Pink String and sealing wax’.  There is also a copy of the original poster and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1985 Flare Path

Some Photos of the 1985 production ‘Flare Path’.   If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1985 Charlies Aunt

The cast for this production were, David Rogers, David Cartwright, Norman Broom, Kirstyn Broom, Viv Clark, Bim Bollard, Pat Berry, Fiona Rogers. I have no reviews but going from the photos it looks jolly good fun.

1984 Night Must Fall

Some Photos of the 1984 production ‘Night Must Fall’.  There is also a copy of the original programmeand of a publicity poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1984 Not now Darling

Some Photos of the 1984 production Not now darlingk’.  There is also a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1982 Ten Little Indians

Can we still say Ten Little Indians, not sure, anyway some Indians are missing from the photo so if you have another one please get in touch.

1982 Round and Round the Garden

Some memorabilia of the 1982 production ‘Round and Round the garden’.  There is a copy of the original programme, a poster and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1981 The Ghost Train

A news photo of the 1981 production ‘The Ghost Train’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1980 The Wind of Heaven

Some Photos of the 1980 production ‘The Wind of Heaven’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1980 Busybody

As with a lot of other plays, we are in short supply of photos. Search your attic and your wifes drawers and if you find any please do share.

1979 Buzz Off We’re British

Mike Norths play Buzz off we’re British was very different from the usual Players fare in that it was a play, and written by Mike North. He did sting us for royalties though. We waited a long time for another member to write us a play, Sliced by James Gillingham.

1979 Rookery Nook

Some Photos of the 1979 production ‘Rookery Nook’.  There is also a copy of the original programme, a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1978 Celebration

Celebration, my first play, happy days – well, I still had some hair. I showed this photo to some friends in London and they were most upset they hadn’t been invited to the wedding.

1978 Nude with Violin

Some Photos of the 1978 production ‘Nude with Violin’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1977 Ladies in Retirement

A Photo of the 1977 production ‘Ladies in Retirement’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1977 The Chalk Garden

Some Photos of the 1977 production ‘The Chalk Garden’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1976 No time for figleaves

A copy of the programme for the 1976 production of ‘No time for figleaves’. If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1976 The Constant Wife

Some Photos of the 1976 production ‘The Constant Wife’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1975 Blithe Spirit

A copy of the programme for the 1975 production ‘Blithe Spirit’.  There are also several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1975 Bonaventure

Some Photos of the 1975 production ‘Bonaventure’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1974 Ring around the Moon

A picture from the 1974 production ‘Ring around the Moon’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1974 The Cure For Love

A copy of the original poster (in two halves!)for the 1974 production ‘The Cure for Love’.  There is also a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1973 A letter from the General

A newspaper picture of the 1973 production ‘A letter from the General’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

1972 Breath Of Spring

A Photo of the November 1972 production Breath of Spring.  There is also a copy of the original programme and two newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

2000 Wakefield Mystery Play

There are no items available for this production – if you have any photos or other relevant items (that you would be willing to share, please contact David Cartwright who is our Archivist.

2009 Barry Potter And The Chamber Pot Of Secrets

What do you get when you cross a photographer with a dentist? Answer:a good night’s entertainment for all the family. Bim Bollard, (photographer), and Mark Neal, (dentist) delighted audiences with their production of “Barry Potter and the Chamber Pot of Secrets”. With Ann Gillingham in command as the narrator J.K. Rollover the audience were soon part of the first scene showing the rapid birth of Barry Potter from under his mother’s cloak! Mr & Mrs Potter played by Bim Bollard and Chris Towle were not in the least surprised by this occurence. We are then pitchforked into the horrid aunt Beryl and uncle Vernon’s house where Barry is to live. Played by the indomitable Anne and norman broom and their gradson, Dylan, who played the oversize Norbert, they were comical rather than cruel and caused great amusement. The cast were enhanced by a bevvy of bogworts children of varying ages who were obviously enjoying their many parts which they all played enthusiastically. Barry potter competently played by Sebastian Lancaster as the young magician with a striking M on his forehead which stood for the ‘Moreton’ in the wicked Voldermoreton’s name. Each time this was mentioned the whole cast and an encouraged audience shouted out ‘Not Moretonhampstead’ in true pantomime style. Kevin Bunclark as the wicked Voldermoreton was, as expected, evil personified and relished the role. As his sidekick Kirstyn Munro was delightful. Barry’s two friends, Haemorrhoidy and Don Weasel were well cast. Mention must be made of Bob Arnold as the magnificently dressed Professor Doubledoors complete with long snowy beard. his counterpart Singldoors played by Jamie Kaye stole the show with his enormous ears, shaggy hair and tiny beard and when he was teased the audience showed their sympathy. Enjoyable cameo parts were played by Su Kaye, John Wills, Nigel Gillingham, Jenny Connely, Mark Neal and Bim All in all a cleverly devised show written by local people, acted by local people and directed to a professional standard by Nigel Gillingham involving the community for the community.

2003 A Greenwood Carol

The great thing about this play was having a fourteen piece orchestra in the minstrels gallery and with a cast of 42, director Pat Berry had her hands full. But class will out and this production in the Scout Hall was another night to remember.

1999 Christmas Tales 2

I have no date to go with this programme so have slotted it into a gap, if you think it’s in the wrong place please let me know.    

1998 Folk Song Nativity

  A copy of the programme from the 1998 Folk Song Nativity.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact David Cartwright(our archivist).  

1988 Meg and Mog Show

Looking at the cast photo I think we may have inspired JK to write her Potter books. As usual the Players are setting the pace.

1983 Summer Variety

Another variety show this time incorporating the Haytor area Players and finishing with a stalwart of the Players, Josephine Critchley on the accordion. Josephine provided the musical backing for many shows and Pantomimes.

1981 A Summer Medley

Just a programme for this show, but item 3 looks a cracker – Sing-a-Long With Sid, the great late Sydney Weeks at the piano, we really don’t do it like that anymore.

1980 Variety Fun Time

Well this was a bit of a mixed bag and looking back just a bit cringy, if that’s a word, but we got away with it and the audience came back next year.

2006 Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Ali Baba, a Pantomime by Alexa Romanes. All the usual Panto stuff, villains, hero’s, scantily clad maids, a talking camel and forty thieves – well nearly. Mixed together by director Nigel Gillingham into a very enjoyable and traditional show, Oh yes it.

2005 The Ozzard of Wiz

The Ozzard of Wiz was written by Bim Bollard and James Harper and directed by Nigel Gillingham.  Some people say it was rubbish and we know who they are and where they live, but the truth is of course that it was another resounding success.

2000 From the King of Prussia with Love

James Blonde, a classic Pantomime character played with a suitable sneer by Dave Scott, led the field in another off the wall show directed and written by Bim Bollard and Mark Neal. The plot is to stop Goldfinker’s evil plan for world domination and win the heart of glamorous double agent Pussy L’amour, and I guess if you’re reading this then the plan succeeded.

1998 Dracular and the Magic Lamp

Surely the best Panto and Panto villain ever, well I would say that wouldn’t I. Although, this was a most excellent show and it’s not often you see Carol Vodaphone, Bob Monkeyhouse, Under Were Wolf, Batman, Robin and Dracula on the same billing. Needless to say it was another Bim production.

1996 Robinson Crusoe

This was billed as a traditional family Pantomime, written by Bill Smale and directed by Anne Broom. I have no pictures for this show and although my name is in the cast list I have no memories of it. So if your memory is better than mine or you have some photos then please get in touch.

1994 Babes in the Wood

Babes in the Wood was another Pantomime written by Alexa Romanes, unfortunately I only have the one picture, but fortunately it is of me, as for the rest of the show – well I think the crit sums it up very nicely.

1992 Cinderella II

Cinderella II, (The Undoing of Buttons). I could tell you what I thought but the newspaper article does it much better, I know me and the other hoses had great fun with our parts, but that’s another story.

1990 Fatman and Blobbin

Fatman and Blobbin (And the Exploding Custard Pie machine).Ticket holders were turned away at the door according to the newspaper cutting, not good PR and not good for the customers as they missed another cracking Pantomime by Bim. James Mann played James Mann, a part he wrestled with but finally came up with a passable imitation of the real James Mann, as I say this was a Bim Pantomime.

1986 Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, produced and directed by Mike North. I know no more about this show so if you have any information to contribute then please get in touch.

1984 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Now the sight of seven men entering the Town Hall on their knees and singing Hi Ho was really quite hilarious, If anyone has a picture of that then please do let me know – or any other photos would be good.

1982 Aladdin

Another Pantomime written by Patsy Wills. We are missing a programme and some better pictures and I think Abanazer is wearing his King costume from the nativity.

1981 Cinderella

Another Patsy Powlesland pantomime and this time with a price reduction to 60p, and still with a cup of tea. Using a back drop of the shops of Bovey Tracey this show had a very local feel to it. This was a local show for local people, (and their friends).  

1980 Robin Hood

The Players first ever Pantomime written by Patsy Powlesland. This was great fun to be in, if only for the fact we all got to say, “oh no he isn’t” for the first time on stage, and dress up as merry men. I played Dicken, the character in the white hat (which was in fact a loo seat cover)and was joined by some female companions due to the shortage of male volunteers.At least that got us screening on local Spotlight TV. Prices were scandalous back then, the admission price was 75p inclusive of a cup of tea.

1977 Way Out West

Way Out West, written by Dorothy Davies – a long time member and starring Bev Davies, in the photo with Liz Wedden.

1973 Good Old Bad Old Days

We have no information for this production, which is a shame as this was the Players first foray into the world of musical theatre. Look in your attic please.

1992 Bethlehem

We have a programme but there are currently no images available for this production. If you have any photos or other material you are willing to share please get in touch.

1990 A Miracle Play

A copy of the programme for the 1990 production, ‘The Miracle Play’.  If you have any additional material relating to this production (that you would be willing to share), please contact our archivist David Cartwright.

1986 A Folksong Nativity

Just two pictures to show for this Nativity, but for a date scribbled on the back of one photo there is no other record. If you no more please get in touch.

1985 Bethlehem

A copy of the programme for the 1985 production of ‘Bethlehem’.  In addition there are two photos.  If you have any additional material relating to this production (that you would be willing to share), please contact our archivist David Cartwright.

1978 A Dickensian Carol Service

A copy of the programme for the 1978 Dickensian Carol Service and a newspaper article from the time.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact David Cartwright(our archivist).

1977 Folk Song Nativity

A copy of the programme from the 1977 Folk song Nativity.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact David Cartwright(our archivist).  

1976 Pot Pourri

A copy of the programme for the 1976 production of ‘Pot Pourri’. If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact David Cartwright(our archivist).

1975 Bethlehem

Some Photos of the 1975 production ‘Bethlehem’. There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping. If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact David Cartwright(our archivist).  

1971 A Miracle Play

A small group of people performed a play in the Parish Church in April of 1971, spurred on by their success, in October of that year, a constitution was drawn up and the Bovey Tracey Players were formed. A Miracle Play was the Players first production, and the ongoing miracle is that we are still here.      

1971 In Three Days

  In Three Days was not strictly a Bovey Tracey Players production as they had yet to formally come into being, more of a play put on by members of the church, but it was the catalyst for the formalisation of the group in October of that year and so worthy of inclusion in the archive.  

Close