The next fews years and onwards...
Still over the next 35 years we managed to mount some fine productions such as Hobson's Choice, When we are married, Flowering Cherry, Ring Round the Moon, The Importance of being Ernest and the first amateur production in the York area of "Salad Days" for our 21st Birthday. During this time the Society changed its name twice. First it dropped the word "Community" then it decided to call itself Dringhouses Players for a short while, but it was not popular with members and the present day title was formally accepted.
In 1982 we moved from the St Edward the Confessor's church hall to St James the Deacon Church Hall in Thanet road and for the next 23 years have rehearsed and performed our productions there. Over the years we have changed our lighting and scenery to a high professional standard and presentation and are constantly updating our technical equipment. These improvements have allowed us to do large and multi-set productions such as Pantomimes, Wyrd Sisters & Pygmalion. In addition we have also been involved with Christmas concerts in St James the Deacon Church and have even toured Murder mystery Plays at fund raising events in West Yorkshire for the NSPCC.
Over the years we have encouraged our members to be involved in all aspects of theatre, not just acting. In fact an amateur theatre company can not just survive on just actors. At least two members have gone on to become professional actors and two others now have very good jobs as theatre technicians. Also two other members have produced original material for the Society to perform Mike Brook for his pantomime Sleeping Beauty and Fiona Phillips for her highly successful murder mysteries which are performed in other parts of the country.
Since 1951 the Society continue to produce at least two plays a year, usually in the Spring and Autumn but in the last 18 months we have entered a new phase in our history by performing three productions in the College of York St John Studio Theatre, in Lord Mayor's Walk and then moving on to Friargate Theatre in Lower Friargate which is a very professional performance space and provides us with some exciting production challenges.
