The Broadstone Players Theatre Company, which normally stages productions in February, May and November at the Broadstone Memorial Hall, is hoping to resume performances later this year.

Secretary of the company Mar Godfrey said, “We had hoped to stage Out of Order last May, and then our popular Plays’n’Chips in September, but of course it wasn’t possible because of the pandemic.”

She added that even when theatres did open for a short period the company wouldn’t have been able to stage a production as it would have been too crowded back stage, and although the hall can take 100 people, with social distancing only 25 would have been permitted.

“Also rehearsals would have been a problem as we take 10 weeks to rehearse,” she added.

However Mar does hope the company will be able to stage Plays’n’Chips this September.

“We have three single act plays, which give people who have never been on the stage before a chance to act.  However, this year we won’t be doing that as we want to give our existing members the chance to get back on the stage.”

Plays’n’Chips are performed in an informal atmosphere, with fish and chips served during the interval in the week and a cream tea at the Saturday matinee.

Mar added that four members joined the Players at the start of the pandemic, and they are still keen to stay on board.

She said, “Members have been keeping in touch with Zoom and taking part in quizzes. Also we did a 10-minute play reading which worked really well.”

New members are always welcome to join The Broadstone Players Theatre Company. Contact Mar on 01202 678449 or email: honsec@broadstoneplayers.co.uk