ONE of Warrington’s best-known drama groups has folded after a lengthy struggle against the problems of dwindling audiences and membership.
The Playmakers – formerly known as Stockton Heath Playmakers – was founded in 1946 and had presented more than 160 plays.
Six years ago they moved out of Stockton Heath to new headquarters at Cinnamon Brow Farm, Fearnhead.
But their audiences failed to follow them across town in sufficient numbers.
Now the decision has been made to amalgamate the group with the Thelwall-based Bridgewater Players, which itself has been established for more than 60 years, and presents three plays a year
Bridgewater Players chairman Ian Hornby and the last Playmakers chairman Norma Dransfield said in a statement: “It’s always a pity when a group has to fold, but the Playmakers have been made welcome at Bridgewater Players.”
Members of both groups figured in a successful pantomime, “Aladdin Dot Com” and the combined group is now looking forward to their next production, “Children’s Day”, a hilarious comedy by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, which will be directed by Norma.
Despite an increased membership arising from the merger, Bridgewater Players are still on the lookout for new members who want to get involved either on stage or behind the scenes.
The group meets each Tuesday at Lymm Village Hall and every Thursday at Thelwall Parish Hall. Anyone interested in joining should call Ian Hornby on 01925 485605 or visit the website www.bwplayers.co.uk
Members of the society also form the basis of a murder mystery group, Dying 4 Dinner.
ONE of Warrington's best-known drama groups has folded after a lengthy
struggle against the problems of dwindling audiences and membership.
Drama groups merge
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
