Our History
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.
There was no looking back. Pantomimes became an annual event, they brought in good houses every night and everyone always went home with a smile! These scripts were mostly written by Chellaston Players’ member, Mick Gaunt. For the first time in 1992, the original Aladdin was resurrected and taken to the Guildhall Theatre, Derby, a venue that was used annually up to 2011.
Since our humble beginnings, Chellaston Players have grown from strength to strength. A number of our members have received accolades and awards from the Derby Amateur Theatre Association and some have gone on to professional jobs, including one BAFTA winner in 2011!. We are always grounded and perform a number of shows each year primarily at our home in Chellaston.
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