History of Aldermaston Players

2011 to present day

The Aldermaston Players officially formed to provide theatrical entertainment in and around the village of aldermaston. Based on the same group of friends that began in 1996, and with the addition of local talent, this new troupe is expanding it's horizons to perform in other local venues and in other formats.

Fore example: Two One Act Plays in November 2011 - Outdoor theatre in summer 2012

The troupe maintains it's ethos of providing high quality theatre and entertainment to further advance it's ability to put on productions and to distribute funds to local causes and charities.

1996 to 2011

A collection of villagers and their friends formed a troupe of players tp put on Music Hall, plays and musical revues jointly with the Parish Hall to raise funds for the up keep of the Parish Hall ... as well as providing an excellent evening of food and entertainment.

Aldermaston York Nativity Play - 1957 to present

Three Kings - Aldermaston York Nativity Play - circa 2009

Shepherds - Aldermaston Nativity Play - circa 2009

Under the wonderful direction of Pat Eastrop this troupe has been performing every year since 1957. It is a troupe of Aldermaston villagers supplemented by players from other local villages. They tell the story of the first Christmas based on the 14th century York Nativity text and accompanied by an a capella choir singing 14th & 15th century songs. The performances take place in the 12th century church of St Mary The Virgin, Aldermaston.

Articles from a great local theatre website (www.newburytheatre.co.uk) reviewing productions

2005 onwards
and 2000

1950's & 1960's

In the ‘Memories’ book about Aldermaston there are stories and photographs of a previous ‘Aldermaston Players’ in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This troupe also performed in the Parish Hall (see photo).

This group are believed to be responsible for building the apron stage and false proscenium that the current troupe took as inspiration. In the 1990s the apron stage was renovated by Chris Chapman who fabricating new supports from the one remaining one. This staging was replaced when the York Nativity Play purchased new staging, that now doubles for the apron stage at the Parish Hall. In 2010, a new 'front tab' - the main curtain - was purchased which fits the false proscenium down to the apron stage - replicating the format of the 1950/60's company.

In the Old Pharosian’s Association Newsletter of July 1995 there is an obituary for Major William Sangster Borthwick, GM, RE who lived in Baughurst near Aldermaston and was involved with the Aldermaston Players. This could have been either the Nativity Play or the Players.

1957 production in Aldermaston Parish Hall

Extract from Book of Memories (click to enlarge)

Aldermaston Court Dramatic Society (1950/60s)

The Paragon - Programme - Aldermaston Court Dramatic Society

Recently discovered on e-bay are the two programmes shown here are from the 1950s. Some enquiries in the village unearthed the facts that A.E.I. (Associated Electrical Industries research laboratories), who took over Aldermaston Court (now Aldermaston Manor House) in the 1950s, had both a choir and a drama society.

Further research has unearthed a charming obituary of one of the founder members - Peter Holmes. Click here to read.

We're really interested to find out more about Aldermaston Court Dramatic Society ... please contact us at info@aldermastonplayers.co.uk

Two Dozen Roses - Aldermaston Court Dramatic Society

Medieval Troupe of Players

In a book called English Parish Drama there is reference to troupes of professional players from Aldermaston in the 14th & 15th Century. Click link to see quote

There is also a reference to Aldermaston Players in the Reading gild accounts 1357-1516, Volume 6‎ - Page lxxxvii