It’s almost December which means panto season has arrived! For St Faiths Players, rehearsals have been taking place since summer holiday’s ended. After months of rehearsals, the amateur dramatics group opened their production of Cinderella in the Watermans Theatre in Brentford this Wednesday (27th November).
St Faiths Players has been running for 42 years and this year is their 3rd year performing in the Watermans. The drama group started in St Faith’s Church Hall in 1977 with a concert, celebrating the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Since then, hundreds of people of all ages and a wide range of backgrounds have come together as a team to put together St Faith’s annual pantomime which is enjoyed by many and is so much fun to not only watch but also to take part in. As well as the people you see on stage, there is a wonderful team of backstage crew that help build sets and props as well as an amazing costume team who make so many costumes for everyone in the large cast.
Amateur dramatic groups are not just about being on stage and developing performance skills but also about the camaraderie and friendships made among the group.
Katie is now 14 and has been a part of St Faiths Players since 2012, playing roles such as Gertrude in Robin Hood and Alice; Dick Whittington’s love interest, in Dick Whittington as well as being part of the ensemble. She said “I have been part of St Faith’s theatre company for around 7 years and I have loved it so much. We started off in St Faith’s hall which was lovely and then we upgraded to performing in the Watermans theatre. It has been such a great experience as we get to see what happens backstage as well as on stage. I’ve made so many new friends whilst working with St Faiths Players. It’s opened up many new opportunities for me and I appreciate it so much.”
As the curtains close on Saturday, cast and crew alike will all look forward to a much deserved rest. However, we will also miss the weekly get togethers.
-Hannah Padbury
