The Broughton Institute, home of the Broughton Players, 1946 to1959
Marie Noblett and Debbie Taylor in a 2006 production of Arsenic and Old Lace
The Broughton Players, the first rehearsal for a play, 2006 |
History
Broughton Players take their name from the Broughton Institute, Whittingham Lane, where the group began in 1946. A year later Broughton produced their first play, Yes and No, a comedy by Kenneth Horn. The ticket price was all of 2 and 6 (that is, shillings and pence), and ladies were politely asked to remove their hats for the performance.
The players moved to Broadway in Fulwood in 1959, and with a growing membership they soon started doing the rounds of local theatre festivals. The players launched a youth section in the same year, to encourage young talent. This practice has continued over the years with various youth groups and theatre workshops run by various members of Broughton.
In 1978 the group finally moved to the Playhouse. A decision never regretted, as it meant working in a real theatre for the first time. While some regulars and helpers did not move with Broughton, the new home meant a closer working relationship between the group and Preston Drama Club.
In 1993 Broughton started the Preston One Act Theatre Festival, an annual event which takes place in early June. Broughton hopes the festival will attract young directors and new writers, as well as those that may be unable to do full length plays.
Today
Regularly gaining awards for their performances the group recently won the West Pennine district Three Act Festival award for best comedy for their production on Ray Cooney’s farce, Caught in the Net.
The group also won best actor and best supporting actress for their production of Craig Warner’s thriller, Strangers on a train. When they are not treading the boards or winning awards, the group run theatre workshops, social evenings and theatre visits.
Come on, get involved
The Broughton Players encourage new talent in all aspects of theatre work. Even those who don’t feel confident in front of a crowd can learn a thing or two from working people who have been doing it for years. Sound, lighting, set design, and set building, props making and costume designing or sourcing, acting, directing or managing the whole show are just some of the roles you might fancy yourself in. With a membership of around 100, there is always someone to show you the ropes.
To find out more, please contact club secretary Wyn Tagg on 01772 312447, or email:
getinvolved@prestonplayhouse.com |
