Welcome

In this special edition of The GreenRoom, we have some casting news for the final productions of this current season, an update on some of the events planned to celebrate our 80th anniversary – with a special ask for all of you! Plus a reminder of the special members events we’ve got coming up.

Casting News

Recently the final two production of the season; Side by Side by Sondheim – our Studio Musical and Twelfth Night – our season finale and part of the Hitchin Festival have both been cast. Here is a list of the lucky people people cast in those productions:

Side by Side by Sondheim

Kate Doherty John
Colin Fraser
Emma Jordan
Rachel Maloy
Stephanie Seal
Steve Wiley

Twelfth Night

Viola – Emily Smith
Olivia – Ruby Clark
Maria – Sam Powell
Fabia – Vivien Kerr
Orsino – Paul Boichat
Sebastien – George Christy
Antonio –  Oscar O’Gara
Sir Toby Belch – Doug Brooker
Sir Andrew Aguecheek – Joe Hogan
Malvolio – Toby Scott
Feste – Arno Boichat
Player – Victoria Hope
Player – Emily Hill
Player – Emily Hancock
Player – Elena Hancock

It’s fantastic to see so many new members joining for these productions – please give them all, old or new a warm welcome or congratulations for being cast.

Our 80th Anniversary

Celebrations for our 80th Anniversary are not far away, with the first specific milestone being in July and running all the way through to December. As we have previously said we plan to have a special party in September with more information on that to come very soon!

The theme of our celebration is going to revolve around the people and contribution many have made over those 80 years that has helped shape The Bancroft Players into what it is today. As a membership we often overlook the people that have gone before us, or the members who are no longer with us as new members join and memories fade – we just cannot afford to forget, so in addition to the party celebration we have two specific activities currently underway.

The first of these is some kind of permanent reminder of those people who originated, formed, shaped, and contributed to the society; this will include those people who held significant posts as well as those members who went above and beyond. A small group of us will be getting together soon to start bringing this to life and more information will be shared after the summer.

The second of these is something started by one of those people who we have recently lost; Keith Crook. Many years ago and during his time as society archivist Keith started writing a History of The Bancroft Players, which was a very factual telling of our history and key points along the years. This stopped being updated in 2020, so I have asked Rory and Chris to rework this documented history, fill in any gaps and bring it bang up to date…and this is where you can help.

Rory and Chris are after your anecdotes and stories from the last 8 decades. If you just love being part of the group, write in a tell us that, and what makes it so enjoyable for you. If you have memories of seeing shows from way back, or funny stories from being part of shows. We are really keen to make your stories part of it all – especially if you have any old photos in albums or even the attic – please dig ’em out!

If you have something to share, please message Rory on 07828 602093 or email him on bigspirittheatre@hotmail.com

Dates for Your Diary

Here are just a few dates for your diary…

April 29 – May3 – Blackbird in The Studio
Tickets on sale now!

May 1 – New Season Launch (Online & Email)
Keep your eyes peeled for this one…

May 8 & 9 – Trojan Women by Bancroft Juniors
Tickets on sale now!

May 16 – Wine Tasting
Chance to choose the new wines for the new season

May 18 – Meet The Directors
Come along and hear more about the new season and meet the directors

June 9 to 12 – Blackadder Goes Forth
Tickets are on sale now for this!

June 19 – The AGM
As a member this is your chance to get your voice heard

June 24 to 28 – Side by Side By Sondheim
Tickets on sale very soon for this…

July 7 to 12 – Twelfth Night
Part of the Hitchin Festival and tickets on sale now!

Sept 13 – 80th Anniversary – Summer Party
More details to follow on this very soon…