Juniper Green Players

Mary Simpson, Pat Blacker and Pat Kerr add some glamour to the play Lord Arthur Savile's Crime in Juniper Green Church Hall in 1978!

The Juniper Green Players started in 1927, soon after the arrival of the new minister at St Andrew's, George Gunn. It was an offshoot of St Andrew's Church Literary Society and was called the St Andrew's (Juniper Green) Literary and Debating Society (Drama Section). For over sixty years this nattily named group set out to provide entertainment for families. The Players would fill the Church Hall twice a year for four evenings with performances  like "Bachelors are Bold", "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime" and "Whisky Galore." The Wednesday dress rehearsal was free for Senior Citizens.

The Players' Golden Jubilee Programme for the play Bachelors are Bold!

Starting in the small hall (Hall 2) entering stage right from the vestry they later moved to the large hall (Hall 1) and built an extension to the stage enabling entries and exits from both sides. The Golden Jubilee programme in 1977 particularly acknowledged the contributions of the Colbert and Maxwell families in the acting and stage management of productions but many, many people were involved over the years both on the boards and on front of house duties. Even more made up the loyal audiences.

Special mention was also made of Ella Porteous who joined in 1931 and supported the group for many years including acting in the 1977 production.

Juniper Green players present the play Candied Peel with Ella Porteous second from left

Sadly, the last production took place in March 1993 leaving villagers with many happy memories of entertaining evenings.

Information from Mary Simpson and Barry Matthews, former JG Players