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2000's featured productions


Trivial Pursuits          By Frank Vickery 2000


Directed by Lesley McMaster
​Director's Note
A summer evening's babecue is the setting for a meeting of the local Operatic Society. Next season's musical is to be announced but the Director has promised a different show and the plum roles to four different people. The complex relationships between players emerge as moments of slapstick and farce alternate with drama and pathos. All ingredients that make up the joys and heartaches of amateur dramatics.
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CAST LIST
Teddy - Reg Balmforth
Joyce - Carole Andrews
Mona - Doris Brynley-Jones
Pearl - Amanda Cunningham
Roz - Cathy Beckett
Jessica - Louise Paine
Derek - John Ely
Nick - Steve Lyes
Deidre - Sarah Caddick
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Eddie - Julian Mettrick
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The Ghost Train                      By  Arnold Riley 2001


Directed by David du Boulay
Director's Notes

First staged in 1925, the Ghost Train has continued to be popular both on stage and in film. The author, Arnold Ridley (more popularly known as Private Godfrey in Dad's Army), conceived the idea for the play while enduring a four hour delay on a train journey from the Midlands. Although not technically easy to produce for the stage, the sounds of the train were originally achieved by using a drum, a thundersheet, a cylinder of compressed air and a garden roller! Fortunately, we can now rely on modern technology. Twenty three years have passed since the Masque Players produced this play. I hope that the bleak setting and haunting sound effects will again create an atmospheric thriller which will keep you in suspense.

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CAST LIST
Saul Hodgkin - Michael Hedington
Richard Winthrop - Steve Lyes
Elsie Winthrop - Lizzy Paton
Charles Murdock - Thomas Haigh
Peggy Murdock - Amanda Cunningham
Teddie Deakin - John Ely
Miss Bourne - Doris Brynley-Jones
Julia Price - Louse Paine
Herbert Price - Julian Mettrick
John Sterling - Reg Balmforth
Jackson - Jon Cox
First Policeman - Sam Slade
Second Policman - Keiron Brown
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The Anniversary    By Bill Macillwraith 2003


Directed by Lesley McMaster
Director's Note
The central character in 'The Anniversary' is Mum, a woman whose possessiveness is a killer. She is thoroughly evil and glories in destroying anything that is good and kind and pure; for not being able to enjoy such feelings herself she is damned if anyone else will. Mum keeps a tight hold on all of her three sons, binding them to her with gifts, threats and ruthless exploitation of their weaknesses. But as the family is unwillingly brought together to celebrate Mum's Wedding Anniversary (regardless of deceased Dad), revolt is in the air . . . . . . . .
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CAST LIST
​Tom - Julian Mettrick
Shirley - Lisa Phillips
Henry - Steve Lyes
Terry - Reg Balmforth
Karen - Julie Waters
Mum - Lesley McMaster




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Tom Jones     By Joan Macalpine 2003


Directed by Clive Brynley-Jones
Assisted by Doris Brynley-Jones
 Director's Note
 Henry Fieldings novel, Tom Jones, was published in 1769. It was widely regarded as the first modern English novel, leading straight to the works of Dickens and Thackery. This is the second time that the Masque Players have put on this excellent adaptation of Henry Fieldings novel. The story is a rumbustious romp of a young man through rural and city life of 18th century England. It involves quite a large cast which enables you to see not only many of the"seasoned" Masque Players actors and actresses but also some very talented newcomers.
We thought this would be a very appropriate play with which to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding Masque Players. During all of that time we have put on 2 plays every year, each year. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking you,our audience , for your loyal support and we hope that you enjoy the evening.
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CAST LIST
Tom Jones - Jon Cox
Squire Allworthy - David du Boulay
Bridget Allworthy - Vanessa Jarrold
Thwackum - Sam Slade
Blifil - Jullian Mettrick
Squire western - Reg Balmforth
Molly Seagrim - Jane Gifford
Sophia Western - Lisa Phillips
Honour - Vanessa Jarrold
Doctor - Steve Lyes
Susan - Lizzy Paton
Mrs Waters - Julie Waters
Mrs Fitzpatrick - Amanda Cunningham
Captain Fitzpatrick - Andrew Craig
Lord Fellamar - Steve Lyes
Constable - John Ely
First Bystander - Pat Pomphrey
Second Bystander - Jane Gifford
basket women - Sonia Mermagen
Andrews - Patrick Cooney
Allworthy's Servant - Patrick Cooney
Executioner - Patrick Cooney
Priest - Sam Slade

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California Suite           By Neil Simon 2006


Directed by Julian Mettrick
Director's Notes
Welcome to the Masque Players production of Neil Simon's California Suite. It was first performed on Broadway in 1976 and was made into a Hollywood film two years later. The film featured an all star cast including Sir Michael Caine, and Dame Maggie Smith who won an Oscar for her role as an actress nominated for an Academy Award. The play is in four sperate playlets, all set in the same suite in the Beverly Hills Hotel. The first is a story of a divorced couple meeting up to discuss their daughter. This is followed by a couple visiting California for their nephew's barmitzvah which is interrupted by a surprise visitor to their hotel suite. After the Oscars scene we finish with two couples on vacation together who are not getting along well. 
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CAST LIST
Hannah Warren - Cathy Mclean
Bill Warren - David Love
Marvin Michaels - Reg Balmforth
Bunny - Vanessa Jarrold
Millie Michaels - Julie Waters
Sidney Nichols - Gary Sharman
Diana Nichols - Jane Gifford
Mort Hollender - John Ely
Beth Hollender - Lisa Phillips
Stu Franklyn - Jon Cox
Gert Franklyn - Claire Turner​

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Tons of Money      2007
By Will Evans & Valentine Adapted by Alan Ackbourn


Directed by Sue Hayes
 Director's Note
Tons of Money is a farce set in the 1920's. Aubrey Allington, an unsuccessful inventor who owes money to everyone, inherits the life interest in a fortune left to him by his long-forgotten brother. However, in the event of Aubrey's death, it reverts to his cousin, George Maitland (who is thought to have died abroad).
Aubrey, assisted by his wife Louise, has the brilliant idea of 'dying' so that he can resurrect himself as his cousin and thus avoid payment of his own enormous debts. With the appearance of other imposters and inevitably things going horribly wrong, we have a hilarious play which will have the audience in stitches.
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CAST LIST
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Sprules - Matt Girt
Simpson - Lizzie Paton
Miss Benita Mullett -Mary Haigh
Louise Allington- Karen Bunn
Aubrey Henry Maitland Allington - Ian Quickfall
Giles - Michael Hedington
James Chesterman - Julian Mettrick
jean Everard - Claire Turner
Henery - Reg Balmforth
George Maitland - Steve Henley
I am fortunate to have assembled a highly talented cast some of whom are new to Masque Players but who will be familiar to local theatre audiences. My thanks go to them and also to the hard working and supportive Production Team.
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Black Comedy          By Peter Shaffer 2008


Directed by Gary Sharman 
Director's Note
'Black Comedy' unusually has most of it's action taking pace in a blackout!
The usual conditions of light and dark on stage, are reversed. So when the lights are on, its dark on stage, but when the lights 'fuse' the stage is bathed in light and we see the characters acting as if they are in a blackout. As you can imagine this provides a perfect backdrop for some great moments of 'physical comedy'.
Brindsley, a down at heel sculptor, is engaged to Carol an is trying to impress both her overbearing father and a reclusive German art collector, by inviting them over to view his latest sculpture. To try and make the right impression, he and Carol have 'borrowed' all the nice antique furniture and trimmings from his possessive next door neighbour, without asking.



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CAST LIST
Brindsley Miller - Matt Girt

Carol Melkett - Lisa Phillips
Miss Furnival - Sue Hayes
Colonel Melkett - Reg Balmforth
Harold Gorringe - Neil Jackson
Schppanzigh - Julian Mettrick
Clea - Emma Kettlewell
Georg Bamberger - Gary Sharman


​The evening moves from bad to worse as the lights fuse in the building, then first one then the other next door neighbours turns up unrepentantly. Finally the unexpected arrival of his ex girlfriend and a German speaking electrician ensure this is probably going to be the worst evening of Brindsley's life!!
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A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens  Adapted by Shaun Sutton        2009


Directed by Matt Girt    
Assistant Director Sue Hayes

Director's Note
Welcome to the Masque Players production of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', one of the most well known of Dickens' works. This is the story of Scrooge and the visits that he receives from the ghost of Marley (his former business partner) and the three ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, who try to make him realise the way he is leading his life is not as it should be and he can change the error of his ways.

I was in the Masque Players production of 'A Christmas Carol' in 1992, when I played the part of Peter Crachit and remembering that experience, I decided to direct the same play this year. This is the first time that I have directed a production with the Masque Players and it has been a pleasure working with such a great group. Also, this is the first time in the Masque Players history, we have three generations of the same family in one production, John, Patrick and Gus Cooney.

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CAST LIST
Woman - Cathy McLean
Boy - Jake Tacchi
First Girl - Tallulah Tacchi
Second Girl - Esme McLean
Third Girl - Abi McLean
Scrooge - Reg Balmforth
Bob Crachit - Patrick Cooney
Fred - Philip Sharman & Matt Girt
First Portly Gentleman - Neil Jackson
Second Portly Gentleman - Neville Woolnough
Lad - Jake Tacchi
Marley - Gary Sharman
Spirit Of Christmas Past - Sonia Mermagen
Daniel - Julian Mettrick
Farmer Greenrow - John Cooney
Daughter - Karen Bunn
Scrooge as a Lad _ Gus Cooney
Mr Fezziwig - Neil Jackson
Dick - Philip Sharman & Matt Girt
Mrs Fezziwig - Julie Waters
Emma - Lisa Phillips
Fanny - Sharon Sturman
Dora - Cathy McLean
Augusta - Karen Bunn
Adolphus - Ian Quickfall
Spirit Of Christmas Present - Ian Quickfall
First Cockney - Neil Jackson
Second Cockney - Neville Woolnough
TinyTim - Gus Cooney
Agnes - Lisa Phillips
Spirit Of Christmas Yet To Come - Sharon Sturman
Mrs Cratchit - Amands Cunningham
First Businessman - Gary Sharman
Second Businessman - Ian Quickfall
Third Businessman - Julian Mettrick
Belinda - Molly Thomas
Sarah - Tallulah Tacchi
Peter - Jake Tacchi
Martha - Elizabeth Cunningham
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GREAT EXPECTATIONS         By Charles Dickens Adapted by Barbara Field  2000


Directed by Clive Brynley-Jones
Director's Note
"Great Expectations", a most appropriate sentiment with which we all start the 3rd Millenium - let us hope we avoid Pip's disappoinments so far as we can. Remember Pip's over reliance on the propsect of so much unearned "portable property" brought about his downfall! I am not usually very taken by adaptations of great novels into plays, so was a little sceptical when we, the Masque Players, read this version of "Great Expectations" earlier this year. I was, however, very enthusiastic when we finished the reading. We were very fortunate to collect since our last production four new acting members in the shape of Mike Strand, Lizzie Paton, Thomas Haigh and Keiron Brown - four very talented new Masque Players. This was just as well in view of the size of the cast in this play! I hope you enjoy the show.
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CAST LIST
Pip - Mike Strand
Magwitch/Aged Parent - Michael Hedington
Joe Gargery - Reg Balmforth
Mrs Joe - Lesley McMaster
Jaggers/Clergyman - Steve Lyes
Pumblechook/Coachman/GalleyVoice - Sam Slade
Wemmick - Julian Mettrick
Herbert Pocket - Thomas Haigh
Miss Havisham - Doris Brynley-Jones
Estella - Lizzie Paton
Compeyson/Porter - David du Boulay
Lieutenant/Drummle/Tailor - Keiron Brown
Biddy - Amanda Cunningham
Clara/Miss Skiffins - Lisa Phillips
Molly - Juliet Lane
Mrs Pocket/Coffee house lady - Joan French
Narrator - Pat Pomphrey
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A Chorus Of  Disapproval
by      Alan Ayckbourn 2001


Directed by Clive Brynley-Jones
(assisted by Doris Brynley-Jones)
Director's Note
A young man, somewhat lacking in confidence and recently widowed, joins the Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society. He is given a very small part in the Society's forthcoming production of John Gay's The Beggar's Opera. A catologue of events then conspires to advance him rapidly from obscurity to local fame. Alan Ayckbourn very cleverly uses songs from the Beggar's Opera to parody the lives and actions of the real lives of the various members of the cast. At times Ayckbourn's humour can be described as cruel but it shows how ill equiped the British tend to be when dealing with real feelings, in public.

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CAST LIST
Guy Jones- Jon Cox
Dyffyd Llewellyn- Reg Balmforth
Hannah Llewellyn - Lesley McMaster
Bridget Baines - Debra
Miss Ames - Emma
Enid Washbrook - Brenda
Rebecca Huntley-Pike- Amanda Cunningham
Fay Hubbard - Louise Paine
Ian Hubbard - Steve Lyes
Jarvis Huntley-Pike - John Ely
Ted Washbrook - David du Boulay
Crispin Usher - Julian Mettrick
Linda Washbrook - Lisa Phillips
Raymond - Philip Rawe
Chorus - Joan French, Mary Haigh, Peter Hands,Michael Heddington, David Orchard, Katherine Parker, Patricia Pomphrey, Beth Roberts & Debbie Smith.
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The Curious Savage                                  2002


Directed by Reg Balmforth
Director's Note

Mrs Savage, left 10 million dollars by her late husband, wants to set up a memorial fund in his name. Her grown-up step children can't believe she wants to give the money away and have her committed to a sanatorium. Whilst there, she meets various social misfits who need the help only Mrs Savage can provide. A delightful fantasy where each "guest" realizes some hopeless dream they were never able to attain and along the way, we all realize the importance of a little kindness and understanding.

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CAST LIST
Florence - Cathy Beckett
Hannibal - Jon Cox
Fairy May - Louise Paine
Jeffrey - John Ely
Mrs Paddy - Pat Pomphrey
Miss Willie - Lisa Phillips
Titus Savage - Steve Lyes
Lily Belle Savage - Lizzy Paton
Samuel Savage - Julian Mettrick
Dr Emmett - Doris Brynley-Jones
Mrs Savage - Lesley McMaster
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John Thomas - Ben Fawcett
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Fish out of Water                               2005


Directed by Sue Hayes
Director's Note
The play is a comedy set in a hotel on the Italian Riviera sometime in the early sixties. The characters are a mixed bunch of people and whatever happens to them are the sort of things that could (and do) happen to all of us on a holiday abroad. We have all met at some time a slightly pompous, well traveled couple, the gentleman with 'an eye for a pretty gal' and his wife who keeps him in check. The sisters one of whom is overbearing and the other submissive. The cockney lad who is 'only after one thing' and the bewildered chap whose life is dominated by timetables and routine. The other characters and their personal stories are interwoven into this delightful, realistic and amusing play.
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CAST LIST
Brigadier Hubback - Graham Dowe
Mrs Hubback - Mary Haigh
Marisa - Debbie Hayes
Dora Cowley - Sonia Mermagen
Agatha Hepworth - Pat Pomphrey
Fiona Francis - Jane Gifford
Mr Mallet - Gary Sharman
Julian Whittle - Jon Cox
Len Barrett - John Ely
Voice of Italian taxi driver - Pom Rinaldi
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Local Affairs            By Richard Harris 2006


Directed by Gary Sharman
Director's Note
Local Affairs is a comedy set in a small superior housing estate at the start of the 1980's. The set ingeniously represents a bedroom, lounge and kitchen from various houses on the estate.
The comedy revolves around the trials and tribulations of three couples. Charles and Norma are trying to come up with suitable home-made fancy dress outfits for a forthcoming party. Meanwhile Keith and Susan are spending a weekend without the kids whilst trying to relight the 'spark' in their marriage. Elsewhere David and Hilary are attempting to cope with David's interfering mother, Mrs Hinson.
The action switches with increasing rapidity between the various rooms and houses as Mrs Hinson becomes the focus of everybody's anguish. A suicidal ex flame of Keith and white suited colleague of Charles, only adds to the climatic finale.
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CAST LIST
Norma - Julie Waters

Mrs Hinson - Pat Pomphrey
Charles - Gary Sharman
Susan - Jane Gifford
David - Patrick Cooney
Keith - Reg Balmforth
Hilary - Sonia Mermagen
Peter - Julian Mettrick
Kathy - Lisa Phillips

As my third outing as director, this is one of my all time favourite comedies. My thanks to all who helped put this together. So settle back in your seats and enjoy 'Local Affairs'.
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The Hollow             By Agatha Christie 2007


Directed by Julian
 Director's Note
Welcome to our latest Masque Players production. We have chosen to present Agatha Christie's 'The Hollow', one of her less well known plays.
The action revolves around a weekend family gathering where an unhappy game of romantic 'Follow My leader' explodes into a murder scene.

This is my second time as director and I hope it goes down as well as the first, 'California Suite. thanks for coming and enjoy the show.

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CAST LIST
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Henrietta Angkatell - Cathy McLean
Sir Henry Angkatell - Michael Hedington
Lady Angkatell - Jackie Wilks
Midge Harvey - Emma Kettlewell
Gudgeon - Reg Balmforth
Edward Angkatell - Patrick Cooney
Doris - Vaness Jarrold
Gerda Cristow - Lizzy Paton
John Cristow - Jon Cox
Veronica Craye - Sonia Mermagen
Inspector Colquhoun - Gary Sharman
Detective Sargeant Penny - Matt Girt.y


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Mr A's Amazing Maze Plays By Alan Ayckbourn  2008


Directed by Reg Balmforth
Director's Note
I was looking for a play to direct for this November production, when I came across this little known Alan Ayckbourn. When I read it through for the 3rd time, I was convinced by the Masque Player membership that this was something we should try.
A minimilist set and some audience participation should help unravel the mystery of where all the sounds are going. The story that Mr Passerby tells Suzy and the unexpected arrival of a new neighbour convince our young heroine that someone nasty has come to town.

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