MARESFIELD MILLENNIUM PLAYERS

A Week in the West End

The BBC recently filmed a documentary called "A Week in the West End", which went behind the scenes of theatre-land in London. Whilst filming and interviewing professionals, the point was stressed that the passion and enthusiasm for theatre is rooted in repertory groups and amateur dramatic societies across the country.

The BBC scanned the amdram.co.uk web-site and came across the Maresfield Millennium Players. A call made to the Secretary, Patricia Langridge, confirmed that they were just what the BBC was looking for: a local society of passionate and enthusiastic amateurs.

They had become intrigued about what motivated "ordinary" people with daytime jobs to dedicate their precious weekends and evenings to learning lines, dressing up and taking to the stage. As an example of this madness, the BBC filmed an interview with the Chairman of the Maresfield Millennium Players, Tony Hobrow, at his office in the City, "they followed my transformation from dapper City Gent to Pantomime Dame".

The BBC also filmed one of the rehearsals for the Maresfield Millennium Players' forthcoming production of the family pantomime Red Riding Hood, by Jim Sperinck. Filming took place at Maresfield Village Hall on Monday January 28, 2002. Apart from the Dame, the BBC were confronted by a plethora of girls dressed up as boys. There were villains like the Sheriff and his henchmen, a Wicked Witch and a Wolf. The goodies were led by the Fairy Queen, Robin Hood and his Merry Men and a multitude of local children singing and dancing in the guise of villagers, mini-witches and fairies.

"A Week in the West End", went out at 3.30pm each weekday from 11th to 15th February and for those that watched the mini series the Maresfield Millennium Players were a credit to amateur theatre!

If you are interested in joining the Maresfield Millennium Players then please email Pat.