Northampton theatre group celebrates 25 years of fundraising drama

The Charity Players were formed in 1993 aiming to perform two plays each year, with proceeds going to worthy causes.

Their most recent play, A Butler Did It, raised £800 in June of this year, and the company are now preparing to rehearse for their Christmas performance.

Applying their motto ‘Give Applause For A Very Good Cause’ in the past they have donated money to charities including Cynthia Spencer Cancer Hospice and Northampton Carers.

This year, their fundraising efforts will benefit the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance service.

The group formed by Sandie Gasson in 1998 was merged with the St Albans Amateur Dramatics Society to become The Saint Albans Charity Players of Northampton.

During the past 25 years they have staged well-known plays, such as Billy Liar and The Winslow Boy as well as many original pieces by the group’s script-writer, Colin Gasson.

Having now returned to their original name, The Charity Players perform at St Albans Church Hall in Mayfield Road, off Broadmead Avenue.

The curtain will be raised on their next production a seasonal panto, Barnacle Bay, to be staged from January 30–February 3, 2019, and directed by Sandie Gasson.

But the resting players will be back in the limelight at a Singalong Night on Wednesday, September 5 and a Murder Mystery Night including a fish and chip supper in October.

Anyone who would like to join The Charity Players in any role can contact [email protected] or see www.facebook.com/thecharityplayers