BELPER PLAYERS AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY

We are Belper Players Amateur Dramatic Society. Our drama group have been providing entertainment in Belper and the surrounding areas for nearly 70 years. We were formed in 1936 making 2006 our 70th anniversary year. We now place much more emphasis on making drama fun and progressive. Our main objective is to provide education and entertainment in all aspects of drama and the theatre - from page to stage.

In the early years, we performed at The Masonic Rooms, Parks School and at Belper Assembly Rooms. More recently we have performed at The Fleet Art Centre, Belper School and The Lion Hotel. The current rehearsal facilities, offered by The Lion Hotel, returns us to our past as we have, many times in our history, used the hotel for this facility.

Belper Players have always taken productions out of town. In the past we have been successful in winning many awards at drama festivals in Buxton, Chesterfield and Derby. Currently, our main production is performed out of town in The Guildhall Theatre, Derby as Belper has limited access to available satisfactory performance space for larger productions. Our 2001 production, “Salt of the Earth” at The Guildhall Theatre, Derby was nominated for an unprecedented five awards at The Derby Amateur Theatre Award ceremony in July. It was successful in winning in three categories. Best actor, best newcomer and the ultimate prize of best production.

We are hopeful that our production, which is currently in rehearsals, will also be successful in these awards.

This production is to be the regional amateur production of “Brassed Off” which is a challenging production and unlike anything we have done before

Based on the critically acclaimed film by Mark Herman, Brassed Off tells of how hardship and lost pride are overcome by community spirit, young love and the sheer emotional power of a live brass band! It’s the early 90s, the threat of mine closures umbrella the nation. The miners of Grimley Colliery live under a cloud – their pit is under threat and the colliery band is on the verge of breaking up, then along comes Gloria, with flugelhorn in tow. Determined to prove her talent and win her place in the band, she brings fresh enthusiasm to the deflated troops, where anything becomes possible…………

Touching on major issues with an overwhelming blend of tears and cheers Brassed Off has already been haled as a ‘modern classic’.

This production of Brassed Off will also feature live music by one of Derbyshire’s Championship Section Brass Bands, The Riddings Band.

This lack of space does not prevent the group from performing a varied selection of plays to our audiences at ‘The Lion Hotel’, Belper in October and February. We remain loyal to our town and remember our roots supporting many of the celebrations organised by the local council and community events.

Amateur Theatre can provide a well-disciplined grounding for those with sights set in the higher theatre. At least three former members of Belper Players have become successful in the professional theatre.

Timothy Dalton of James Bond >007' fame began with Belper Players as a teenager in the production of ‘Billy Liar’. Sue Reany now runs her own professional theatre company ‘Moonshine Productions’ based in Kilburn. And Richard Stone, who now acts, directs and lectures in the professional theatre. Richard occasionally conducts workshops for Belper Players offering good advice to budding stars of the future.

A tremendous of work goes into any production. A drama society is more than just the actors. There are many other vital jobs to do such as building the set, painting scenery, sound & lighting, costumes, props and prompt at name but a few. We always welcome new members, for both on stage and backstage. We have regular meetings of the group that vary with regard to the time of year. We also have social gatherings within the society with events such as theatre trips, social evenings and seasonal festivities. For the latest information on current meeting times and social activities please contact our Business Manager on 07970 371827

We are a registered charity ( Number 259222 ) and as such need the support of others, near and far, if we are to continue to stimulate and educate our members and entertain our audiences by producing live theatre which is accessible to all.