Two Decades of Marlborough Players celebrated with Ayckbourn’s ‘Absent Friends’

From JB Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’ in 2006 to Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Absent Friends’ next month Marlborough Players have been bringing involving and entertaining live theatre to Marlborough’s Town Hall for now twenty years. Whilst ‘An Inspector Calls’ was their first official production, the group initially came together a couple of years earlier with ‘Wheels of Time’, a ‘strolling community play’ created to mark the 800th anniversary of Marlborough’s Royal Charter. The response to that production and the demand for more led to Marlborough Players becoming a group for theatre in Marlborough.

Over the years there have been – so far – twenty six different productions. Whilst not all of the well known and immediate classics, some have been of a more challenging nature such as Peter Nichols’ ‘A Day in the Death of Joe Egg’ through classics such as Noël Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ and more recently the very contemporary ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. So not all in the ‘safe’ territory, but all well received and very much enjoyed.

The group was founded by the late Barbara Clauson, with Jack Hawkes and (current President) Ian Philpott and has grown over the years to become a diverse and thriving theatre company. Even during the pandemic, they adapted. A virtual ‘radio’ comedy was created thus ensuring theatre could still be shared with audiences during lockdown.

At the core Marlborough Players is still very much a group for the local community. Committed to support Prospect Hospice, with around £6,000 raised for this important organisation over the years. The group invite donations rather than charge for programmes.

Ao it’s ‘Absent Friends’ over three night’s in late March = Thursday 26, Friday 27 and the last night on Saturday 28. (click each date for details and tickets for that performance). Or visit the White Horse Bookshop to buy tickets directly.

Last word to Tony Michael, Chair of The Marlborough Players:

“We are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of The Marlborough Players. Over the past two decades we’ve seen friendships formed, confidence grow, and stories brought vividly to life on stage. Our success is built on the enthusiasm of our members, the generosity of our audiences, and the continued support of the local community. We’re incredibly proud of our achievements, grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey, and excited about what the future holds.”
He continued
“We’re always keen to hear from people who’d like to get involved, whether you fancy acting, directing, or helping out behind the scenes. If you’re interested, we’d love you to get in touch via our website or find us on Facebook.”