Chellaston Players was formed in 1975 after nine people from Chellaston responded to Edna Ford’s advertisement for a new drama group. The group had no money, no props, no scenery, and limited experience but this didn’t stop them!

Edna directed the first show, Beside the Seaside, which was performed for three nights at St. Peters Church Hall in 1976. About 300 people saw the first production, perhaps more out of curiosity than a real love of theatre, but gave Chellaston Players the start it needed. With a profit of £34, the small group set their eyes on the next show.

Only five years after the initial meeting in Edna’s front room, Chellaston Players took Rattle of a Simple Man to the Derby Playhouse Studio Theatre. They performed shows at the Playhouse for nine years but always continued to perform for their home crowd back in Chellaston where a loyal and faithful band of supporters was ever growing.