The Barn Theatre,
25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey
RH8 0AA.
Tel: 01959 561811
Email: barntheatre
@btinternet.com

Click here to search this site

History of The Oxted Players
(Formerly The Student Players)

The Oxted Players were formed in 1946 under the name of the Student Players, the name being derived from the fact that the members were “students of drama”. To keep up with the times, the Society changed its name from the Student Players to The Oxted Players on 1 January 2000.

Our first major production, Poison Pen was in the Autumn of 1948 and the tradition of an Autumn production has been continuous with only two years being missed. We also began presenting an annual pantomime in 1950. In 1954 we embarked upon presentation of Spring productions with Many Happy Returns. With three productions a year, four every other year and also Festival entries we are therefore a very busy Society. We have probably performed every classic pantomime written, plus some unconventional ones. Our play repertoire has included the classics, farce and modern drama – including Shakespeare, Coward, Ayckbourn and Stoppard.

The Society is a member of The National Operatic and Dramatic Association. We have successfully competed against other theatrical societies in the Southern Counties Drama Festival for short plays and have received many awards for acting, direction and presentation. In 2010 our Young Players won Best Youth Play for the fourth time in a row and also were Festival Runners Up for the third time running.

Our junior membership is large, primarily because of the interest in pantomime and the week long summer workshop which we run in August, overseen by David Rowan. We also have a full length Young Oxted Players’ production every other year. There are also some opportunities for youngsters to help on the technical side of productions.

We are very fortunate to have the Barn Theatre as our home where we can both rehearse and perform. The equipment available to us is extensive and our productions are enhanced by the charm and character of the theatre, which opened in 1924 and has recently been much improved.

As with most Amateur Dramatic Societies, we are supported by a stalwart band of helpers who steadfastly turn out to set build, paint, crew and generally assist on the production side but further help is always very welcome. We are keen to encourage new members to become involved both on and off stage and details of how to join can be obtained from the Membership Secretary, Elinor Nelson, on 01883 716566. (Please see separate list of productions for details)

Please see Contact page for details of Membership and general enquiries.