The Bellinger Players

The Bellinger Players is an amateur dramatics society based in Shipton Bellinger. It's primary aim is entertainment, both for the audiences and the members of the society. It is open to members of all ages - our youngest is around 8 whilst the oldest member is well into his 70's and is still going strong!

Throughout the year we put on a variety of performances: Murder Mystery evenings, short plays, junior plays and a pantomime at Christmas. Everyone is welcome, even if they can't act, or are shy of acting, as there are often non-speaking roles and there is a great deal of work needed behind the scenes which is just as satisfying and enjoyable as being up on stage.

The Junior Players are specially popular right now and, amazingly against the grain, full of boys more than girls! I think we've got most of the junior football team....

Recent plays include:

• In July, we had a "Right Mixed Evening", consisting of the "Passing of Cleverclogs" (see below), songs, and "Gosforth's Fete" by Alan Aykbourne.
• "The Passing of Cleverclogs" staged at the Millenium Party by the Junior players. They had three directors (Jeannette Moyse who had to leave for university; Helen Batterby who filled in; and Tim Bancroft). Despite this, the cast, the eldest of whom (Sam Wedd) was 14, did extraordinarily well and want to put it on again in October. Matt Wedd (12) was excellent in the starring role and the other members of the cast (Karina Pusey-Mildener (11) as an audience plant, Hannah Donovan (10) as Mrs Shirley/Cleverclogs, Michael (12) as the messenger or Death and Neil (12) as Snootyman). Thanks again to Jill Grainger on Lights, Helen Batterby as prompt, Julie Donovan for her make-up and, of course, Pete Donovan for his excellent props..
• On 1st April was the "Mucked up McTupps - the Mull Dwyne Murder", a murder mystery play in a contemporary setting on a tourist island somewhere near the Isle of Man. One table guessed correctly, with four coming close but missed some simple clues. Those who came were full of praise... well done Players!
• A pantomime, "King Arthur - the Panto" by Paul Reakes, which seemed to be enjoyed by all who came. At least, we were sold out!
• "Can you hear the Music" - a short tragedy/comedy put on by the Junior Players for the Cricklade Festival in Andover, where it won the junior award: the Paul Redmonds trophy
• "Tiddley Pum" - another short play put on for the Festival, and from which Graham Barnetson was awarded the Castle Players Crystal for "Best Cameo Role"
• a Murder Mystery evening set in the 1940's during the evacuation of Paris
• Treasure Island: the Pantomime - put on Christmas 1999

(From a murder mystery)

The Actors

We will publish the names of actors involved with the above productions are (TP=Tiddley Pum, TI=Treasure Island, KA=King Arthur) providing permisison is given. We may update these for future productions, but are currently gaining permission to use the names!

Non-Stage roles

The non-stage roles are mentioned above, but have you ever thought of what needs to be done behind the scenes? The most obvious role which springs to mind is Director/Producer, but other tasks which are needed are:

• Set building
• Prop building/acquisition
• Costume tailoring
• Stage Crew - for setting up and handling scenery on the night
• Sound - for mixing FX and handling them and the desk on the nights and during rehearsals
• Music- selecting, arranging and playing
• Lights - setting them up and operating them during plays
• Prompt - vital in amateur dramatics!
• Marketing & ticket sales
• Handling the bar
• Make-up
• Front-of-house helpers
• ... and also running the society throughout the year.

To contact us, send an e-mail to barnetsonhome@netscapeonline.co.uk

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Page Last Updated: 8th July 2000