The Dulwich Players - the early years by Lorraine Greenslade
The Dulwich Players came into being in October 1969 when they presented ‘The Venetian Twins’ by Carlo Goldoni ( the play is to be performed again in the 2009-10 season). The play was directed by R.J. Greenslade who had also directed plays for the Dulwich Dramatic Society, a well-established company that staged plays in Dulwich, the Fortune Theatre and the Guildhall.
The Dulwich Dramatic Society had earlier opted for a more ensemble type of group; one that created their own scenery, hired less and made more of their own costumes and props. Supported by the Camberwell Arts Council, they staged a number of plays in the Council Chamber, including ‘The Rivals’ and ‘The Beaux Stratagem’. A move to St Barnabas Hall in Dulwich Village saw the production of ‘Arms and the Man’ , ‘The Noble Spaniard’ and ‘She Stoops to Conquer’.
During this time, another well-known local company, The Village Players were also presenting plays at St Barnabas and one or two actors were members of both companies. In addition, both the Village Players and the Dulwich Dramatic Society had taken part in the Dulwich Millennium Pageant in 1967. Finally, after much thought and consideration a happy decision was reached and the two oldest established drama groups in Dulwich amalgamated and became known as The Dulwich Players.
Under their chairman, the late Ivor Martin, the Players settled very happily into the St Barnabas Hall and players from both previous companies made up the cast of ‘The Venetian Twins’. With clever settings constructed by Dick Mynott and splendid costumes designed by Joyce Tunna the company thrived and ‘Charley’s Aunt’, ‘The School for Scandal’ and ‘Boeing Boeing’ followed.
Until the end of the 1980’s the Players met for play readings and parties in what became known as The Studio, a large room on the top floor of our house in Half Moon Lane. It had a stage area with tabs and lighting and could accommodate a audience of around 30 people.
The fire at St Barnabas Church in 1992 occurred while we were in the throes of producing ‘Hobson’s Choice’ which made it necessary for the Church to use the village hall for services and the Dulwich Players were suddenly without a home. After a great deal of searching and negotiation, the chairman, Ruth Franklin managed to arrange for the aptly titled play to be performed at the recently opened Prissian Theatre at James Allen’s Girls’ School.
