Bampton Players We are an amateur dramatic society with an interest in all things theatrical - be it acting, play reading, workshops, theatre trips or just plain socialising. We celebrated our 30th Anniversary in 2006. Bampton Players were formed in 1976, and are a registered charity (No. 277774).

PHOTOS OF "HABEAS CORPUS" - here!

PHOTOS OF "UNCLE CRUMBLE'S MAD MACHINE - here!

PHOTOS OF "SLEEPING BEAUTY" - here!

PHOTOS OF "NATHAN'S NIGHTMARE" - here!

PHOTOS OF "Selfish Shellfish" - here!

Newsletter - Autumn 2008

PLAY READINGS: Many thanks to Jennifer Ashdown for hosting the play readings throughout the year at her home.  Many thanks, too, to Norman and Teresa Russell for hosting October’s play reading at their home, as Jennifer was not able to host it on that occasion.   In September, we read  “ ‘Allo ‘Allo”.   Much merriment all round and we hope to perform the play next year.  Start practising your French accents!  More details nearer the time.    The last play reading of 2008 will be held at Jennifer Ashdown’s home, Oakdene, Millhead, Bampton, on Monday 10^th November at 7.30 p.m.   We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.

PANTO 'THE LITTLE MERMAID': Auditions have now taken place for our next pantomime – The Little Mermaid – which will be held at the new school on 19^th – 21^st February 2009.   Rehearsals will be split between the Community Hall and the Riverside Hall:  Thursdays at 7.30 p.m. at the Community Hall and Sundays at 2.30 p.m. at the Riverside Hall.   The first rehearsal – a read through – will be on Thursday 6^th November at the Community Hall at 7.30 p.m, followed by another rehearsal on Sunday 9^th November at the Riverside Hall at 2.30 p.m.   After this, there will be a break in rehearsals to accommodate the children’s productions, and the pantomime rehearsals will then resume during the week beginning 24^th November.   Scripts will be sent out to those involved in advance of the first audition.   There are still some minor parts to cast so if you are interested in being part of the pantomime, but didn’t manage to make it to the auditions, contact Alan (01398 332195).  In addition, more help is always needed backstage and in a variety of roles, so if you do have any spare time and can help out, it would be very much appreciated.  Again, Alan is the person to contact, or you could just come along on the 6^th November.

CHILDREN'S PRODUCTIONS: There are two children’s performances this November:  the under-11s are doing “Nathan’s Nightmare” and the over-11s are doing  “Selfish Shellfish”.

Both performances will take place on Friday 21^st November at 7.30 p.m. and Saturday 22^nd November at 2.30 p.m.   Tickets, available from the Post Office, are £2,50 for adults and £1.50 for children over five years old.   Please come along to support them!  

Nathan’s Nightmare is a comedy horror about little folk who live at the bottom of your garden. Nathan is just an ordinary boy but he upsets the fairies, gnomes and goblins.  To get their own back, they put a spell on him.  Nathan and his friends have to face a host of monsters before the spell can finally be broken…. Will Nathan’s friends be eaten by the Wolf Man?  Will they survive Dracula’s horrible fangs?   Will the mummy escape from the ancient sarcophagus?   Will Baron Frankenstein and Egor have a use for their brains? Did the Ancient Egyptians really invent Rock ‘n’ Roll?   All will be revealed on the night! 

Selfish Shellfish tells of life for the rockpool dwellers which is full of uncertainty.  Every new tide brings fresh surprises or new problems.  Rockpool refugees, Starfish and her young nephew, Urchin, together with the residents, Mussel, the Giant Anemone and  the cantankerous Old Hermit Crab, cope reasonably well with their insecure existence – until Seagull brings them warning of a possible catastrophe:  the Great Slick is coming……

As you can imagine, a great deal of work is involved in putting these productions on and any help you can give with make-up, costume changes, front of house, scene-changing, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Please contact Claire at the Post Office if you are able to offer your help.

BARBEQUE: The summer social event – a barbeque – was held on 29^th August at Luttrell Farm.  Many thanks, Sue!    A jolly time was had by all and even the weather was kind to us.   I had hoped to be able to include some of the photos in this newsletter, but I’m afraid the technology has defeated me!   For those of you who haven’t seen them - and would like to – please contact Jo Moreno (geminijo@btinternet.com)

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The Christmas Party has now been arranged for Monday 8^th December at the Quarryman’s Rest in Bampton at 7.30 p.m. for 8 p.m.   There will be a Christmas menu with a choice of four starters and six main courses at £21.50 a head.   Alan needs to know numbers as soon as possible, so if you could kindly let him know if you are able to come, he can then let the Quarryman’s have the final figure.  His number is 01398 332195.   Book early to avoid disappointment!

The BAMPTON FAIR will be held on 30th October.  As this is the 750th anniversary of the Fair, people, and especially children, are being asked to attend in costume.    Preparations for the Mummers Play are well in hand – many thanks to Terry Knagg for all his hard work on this.  The play will be performed at 10.30 a.m. near the Riverside Hall car park, at 12 noon near the Toucan and at 2 p.m. near the Quarryman’s.   Please come along and lend your support!

OPEN DAY: The car boot sale proved a success in its new location in the industrial estate car park, raising £140.  Many thanks to all those involved.

Bampton Panto: JACK & JILL - 1,2,3 February 2007 Picture Gallery of images to be found here! Oh yes they are!

BAMPTON PLAYERS presented:

Two short plays, a comedy "Getting Along" and a romantic farce "Pastiche"

16/17/18th March 2006 in the Public Hall, Bampton, at 7.30pm

QUIZ NIGHT 2005

A good time was had by all - and funds were raised, at Bampton Players Quiz Night in November 2005.

2005 PRODUCTION:

We welcome new members - our aim is to encourage live performance in Bampton so we need support, actors and non actors alike. Membership is £7.50 per year.

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