The
Saracens Theatre Company
Written by Paul Eden |
|
|
 |
| The
Saracens Theatre Company |
|
|
The
Saracens Theatre Co have a fascinating history. Find out all about
the group and how you can join them, in this special feature by Paul
Eden from the theatre group (including picture gallery of performances). |
|
|
|
|
The Saracens
Theatre company are a medium sized amateur theatre company based in
Kings Norton, which is in the South West corner of the city. We've
approximately 30 members, not all of which are actors.
We perform a wide variety of shows from Thrillers & Musicals to Comedies
& Pantomimes.
We do between 2- 3 production a year including an annual pantomime
in November.
Performances take place in St Nicolas Hall, which is situated just
around the corner from the Historic Kings Norton green.
Picture Gallery: take a look at some
of the pictures from past productions. 
In 1951 a group of members of St Nicolas Church got together to discuss
the possibility of forming an amateur dramatics society. There was
a lot of enthusiasm and the St Nicolas Amateur Dramatics society was
formed.
 |
| A
production by the Saracens Theatre Company |
The first
president was the Rev. Edward Ashford and was very supportive (even
today we carry on the tradition of inviting the rector to be president
of the group).
At that time there was no church hall so we rehearsed and performed
in the Saracens Head. (The Saracens Head is a 15th Century building
that was originally a Bailiffs house, and there is evidence to suggest
that buildings stood on the site dating back even earlier).
There was no stage and a makeshift one had to be built and taken down
again for each production - this often involved many hours of hard
work.
There were no proper dressing rooms and the cast had to get changed
downstairs and then go up to the hall by means of an outside fire
escape, from which entrances and exits were made to and from the "Stage".
 |
| A
production by the Saracens Theatre Company |
The actors
would have to stand outside on the fire escape awaiting their entrances
in all sorts of weather from rain and snow to howling gales.
The first production in 1953 was three 1 act plays, "The spinsters
of Lush" by Phillip Johnson, "If men played cards as women do" by
George S Faufman & "The friends of Valerie Lane" by Dolland Parsons.
In November 1953 we performed our first three-act play "Quiet Weekend"
by Esther McCracken.
Normally three productions were performed each year, in March, May
and November.
When St Nicolas Hall was built in the early 1970's the group was afforded
the luxury of being able to perform on a proper stage for the first
time.
Our first production in the hall was "Quiet Wedding". Some time after
this it was felt better to drop the word "Amateur" from the groups
title, though of course all our members were still amateurs - that
is unpaid.
 |
| A
production by the Saracens Theatre Company |
In November
1983 the first Pantomime was produced, "Robinson Crusoe" which was
a huge success. Dancers from the Rita Cashmore School of Dance were
used and a pianist provided the music.
It was such a success that it was decided to drop the November play
and do a pantomime each year instead.
This tradition carries on today and we continue to write our own scripts
so the panto remains truly original.
In 2001 we decided to change the name again, as we wanted something
a bit more upbeat and modern.
Still wanting to keep our ties with the church we adopted the name
of the building where we first started and continue to use for meeting
and rehearsals, The Saracens Head, so the group became known as The
Saracens Theatre Company.
As we approach our Golden Jubilee it is unknown what the next phase
in this drawn out history will be. Particularly as the future of the
existing hall is uncertain.
There are plans afoot to re-build the hall but it is unclear at this
stage when and if that will go ahead.
We always welcome new members from all walks of life, whether experienced
actors or not and all.
 |
| A
production by the Saracens Theatre Company |
Ages are
welcome from 16 - 116. We are especially on the look out for young
males (or so the female members of the group tell me anyway).
The only constraints we have on membership are; no persons under 14
and all children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The easiest way to get involved is to come along to one of the rehearsals,
which usually take place in St Nicolas hall on Tuesday nights.
If acting is not really your cup of tea there are plenty of other
ways for people to get involved; set-design and construction, selling
programmes, helping out front of house, or even just helping with
publicity.
For membership enquiries email membership@saracenstheatreco.org.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|
