Castle Players A History


An Account of the Founding of Castle Players By Mary Toyer (Co-Founder)

It was the night of the Grand Opening of the Lytchett Matravers Village Hall. Some of us sat at tables placed on the stage, and during the evening Judy Monk and I drifted together for a chat. "What a wonderful place this would be for a Drama Group", says I. Judy - ever the extrovert - literally jumped and clapped, "Oh yes Mary. Can you get one started? I'll help you."

The Rev. Makon was our vicar at the time & he was always interested in Drama, so was pleased to let us put the suggestion, with a venue, for those interested in the Church Mag. Feb 14th - Castle Farm House saw Bert, Judy & I nervously wondering if anyone would turn up. By 8pm around 25-30 people arrived. Enthusiastic discussions ensued. With our previous experience in Drama Groups we were asked to organise it. Two friends of ours had done a bit of producing, so we asked Joan Ellman if she would be willing to produce.

"Yes. When?".

Next Spring was the suggestion. During a pause, a voice literally from the floor: "If you leave it that long, you will lose all this enthusiastic interest - do one in June." That was the voice of Peter Collins - never said much, but that much was worth listening to. Further discussions - Judy promised to book the Village Hall for Set-Building and the Production - Joan offered to produce "Wanted - One Body" - Play Reading and casting was set. Set? Dave Bowsher & friends offered to build flats (some of which we still use to this day! AC). Peter offered to do lighting. Peter Tuckey promised to try and borrow lights from Lytchett Minster School. Jean Matthews promised to paint the set with help from the cast. We also had volunteers for Make Up - Costume - Props and Prompt. What to call the Group? - Unanimous - it started at the Castle Farm House

Castle Players

For weeks Dave & his merry men tackled the flats in and out-house - sacks were gathered from all sources in the village. Newspapers collected to papier mache them & basically emulsioned. A week before the production they were carefully transported to the Village Hall & erected (I still don't know how!). That weekend Jean moved in & in a short space of time a panelled library complete with sliding bookcase materialised. Dress Rehearsal has disappeared in the mists of time, but I do remember stretched nerves on First Night. Phew! It wasn't a full house, but at that we had a warm reception & news must have spread for Friday and Saturday were pretty well full. On the Friday we had so many phone calls congratulating us -

So began Castle Players.

Many, many thanks to Mary Toyer for this vibrant recollection of the start of the Players. The rest, as they say, is history. The Castle Players has continued from these early beginnings and is a very well respected group. We have had commendations and winners practically every year since the inception of the 'Curtain Call' awards, and we are known for the quality of our acting and our sets. And if you don't believe me, come and see for yourself! But seriously, the Players have been active for over thirty years now (Thanks to Mary & Bert Toyer and Judy Monk), which is quite some achievement for a local 'Amateur' (oh how I dislike that word - amateurs have to be 5 times as good as the professionals to be judged half as good) group, and we aim to see the players continue for another thirty. Come along and see, and maybe - Join Us? We don't bite, and we will make you feel truly welcome.


Alan