Penrith Players

Penrith Players, located in Penrith Playhouse, 1 Auction Mart Lane, Penrith, CA11 7JG is a volunteer led 170-seat theatre with licensed bar which puts on at least 5 shows a year with its members. We also have a youth theatre group who perform annually and the space is hired out to touring acts.

History

An open meeting was held on 22nd of November 1922 in St. Andrew’s Parish Rooms, at the instigation of Mr. Horace Page, who had previously played a prominent part with the Stockport Garrick Society. The outcome of this was the formation of THE PENRITH PLAYERS, with a founder membership of 53. By the end of the year this number had increased to 140.

First ‘Home’

A large room in White Hart Chambers was rented, for use for rehearsals, lectures and social events, and during the first season four one-act plays were presented privately for members, and a four-act comedy was presented publicly at the Alhambra, which was not yet a cinema.

During the second season the rented room was adapted to suit the society’s needs – to contain a very small stage, dressing rooms and seating for 100. Plays were performed to members in these headquarters, but “public” performances continued to be held in the Alhambra.

Second ‘Home’

By the end of the fourth season (1926), membership stood at 366, and the headquarters had by now become too small. A long lease was secured on Albion Hall, Castlegate, which had in its day been the printing works for two of the local newspapers. The society rechristened the building The Playhouse and began conversion to a small theatre, the main room becoming a stage and auditorium seating 150. The ladies’ dressing room and toilet, and a small canteen were on the first floor with the men’s dressing room, and storage rooms being housed in the attics.

Third ‘Home’

In February 1998 the Players moved to their current home in Auction Mart Lane, when the old building was declared unsafe for performances. Since this time The Players have converted a former furniture saleroom to a comfortable and spacious Theatre, suited to a variety of uses.

My Name is Eden 2027

The River Eden is the inspiration behind this cross-community performance. Writers, musicians, artists and creatives from across Cumbria have come together to create the story of the river; it’s Land, History, People and Flow, told by the river herself. This performance will start at Penrith Players Theatre in April 2027 and tributaries of it will visit landmarks, community centres, and schools in the area.

And then a play about Eamont!

We plan to put on a play to celebrate the Eamont meeting in 927, and its significance locally and nationally, over the weekend of 9th to 12th July in 2027. Who knows what stories The Eamont will have to tell?

Visit http://www.penrithplayers.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.