THE HISTORY OF
THE BOURNEMOUTH SHAKESPEARE PLAYERS

The Bournemouth Players drama group held it's inaugural meeting on 15th March 1975 and the first play presented was BLITHE SPIRIT by Noel Coward in Studio 1, the basement theatre of the Burlington Hotel, Owls Road, Boscombe. Kevin Dicker, who was Assistant Stage Manager for this production and subsequently played Albert Feather in the second production Ladies in Retirement is the only active member remaining from the original company, although several "old" members still give their support. After many successful productions in Studio 1, the players moved on to play in the Church Hall in Douglas Road, Southbourne, Pokesdown Youth Club and for several happy years in the New Memorial Hall, New Milton, presenting 'When We Are Married', 'Busybody', 'Lord Arthur Saville's Crime', 'Plaza Suite', 'Move Over Mrs Markham', 'Night Must Fall', 'Outside Edge' and 'See How They Run' to name but a few.

In 1979 at an open meeting of the company, it was decided to attempt Shakespeare in the open-air at the Priory House Garden, Christchurch, with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It proved so successful that, with the help and co-operation of the vicar of the Priory and the Priory House Trust, it is hoped that this happy tradition may long continue. The following week the production was moved to Corpus Christi Church garden for further week and a year or so later a production of The Taming of the Shrew was staged in the garden of the Saxon King near Hengistbury Head.

The Dream was directed by Betty Winbolt who subsequently directed all the Shakespeare plays through to 1993 and in 1994 handed over the reins to Kevin Dicker. In 1986 following the death of one of the company's founder members, Mrs Barbara Hinton, who was the Director of most of the Players non-Shakespearean plays, it was decided that the company should concentrate only on Shakespeare and change its name to Bournemouth Shakespeare Players.
 

The Company is non-profit making and owing to the great success of Romeo and Juliet in 1988, which drew large audiences, it was able to fulfil a long-held ambition to adopt a charity. In memory of Barbara Hinton it was decided to give a donation to the Macmillan Trust, Christchurch. Since then through the hard work of various teams each year donations have increased and another local charity was adopted, The Juniper Centre, Christchurch. In 1996 the Company presented The Bournemouth Hospital with a donation of £2,000 for their current appeal. Although the company performs in Christchurch it has strong links with Bournemouth through the casts and also most rehearsals are in Bournemouth. The company originated in Bournemouth and has long held the dream to be able to perform in the town again if a suitable site could be found.

In 1996 the company was proud to announce that Dame Judi Dench had kindly agreed to be our President and we look forward to a long and happy association.

The support of the general public will ensure our continued help to the Priory House Trust in their constant task of restoring the house and to the Macmillan Unit and The Juniper Centre and also to help other local charities and further our presentation of Shakespeare in this unique historical setting.   

   

 

 

   

 I am delighted and honoured to be your President and send congratulations on your achievements so far.

I know the company will go from strength to strength and send my best wishes to you all for the future
 

Judi Dench