About our Productions

Hamble Players takes immense pride in the exceptional quality of its productions, offering a myriad of opportunities for passionate individuals to contribute to bringing each performance to life. With three or four captivating productions staged each year at the Hamble Village Memorial Hall, there is a vibrant spirit of creativity and collaboration. Rehearsals, scheduled by each director, typically take place on Monday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m., fostering an environment where members can come together, whether they are directly involved in the production or simply wish to support their fellow artists.

Our productions are crafted by a diverse array of talented directors, and every member has the opportunity to propose a captivating play or musical to the Committee for consideration. If you have the suitable experience, you are invited to request consideration for directing. Once appointed, each director will hold auditions, encouraging all members to take part. Remember, attending an audition signifies your commitment to participate in the production, regardless of whether you land a role. Embrace the journey and let your passion shine!

History of the Hamble Players

The history of theatrical performances in Hamble dates back to 14 February 1920, when the Hamble Dramatic Club staged two performances comprising three sketches and a farce to raise funds for the construction of the “new” Memorial Hall. In 1947, the group was officially renamed the Hamble Dramatic Society. Their inaugural production was “While the Sun Shines,” followed by several notable plays including “Flare Path,” “The Wind and the Rain,” and “Acacia Avenue.” The majority of the cast members were students from the Training Division of the College of Air Training. Rehearsals typically took place in either the back room of The Victory Public House on High Street or in the old Rectory. The cast was also responsible for building and transporting the scenery to the Memorial Hall, with some large items needing to be carried through the village. Since the establishment of the Hamble Dramatic Society, various other theatre groups have emerged in Hamble, with the Hamble Players being officially recognized as a new organization in January 1955, according to Hall minutes.

1955 – The Beginning of the Hamble Players

In 1956, the Players collaborated with the Folland Amateur Dramatic Society to perform at the Folland Aircraft Theatre. For many years, Stuart Jacobs served as the principal Director, establishing the high standards that the Players uphold today. He cultivated a notable relationship with playwright Falkland Cary, and the Players had the opportunity to preview several of Cary’s works, including “Train Fever” and “Proof of the Poison,” before they were released for professional performances. Throughout the 1960s, the Hamble Players regularly showcased performances for the students of TS Mercury, a local maritime college. Following Stuart Jacobs’ passing in 1967, the Players instituted the annual Stuart Jacobs Silver Salver, valued at over £800, which is awarded to the actor voted as having delivered the “best performance of the year” by the Members.

Notable Performances

Since their inception the Players have performed many notable plays including Othello, Under Milk Wood and Arms and the Man, the first Nuffield Theatre production in 1972. The Players were also renowned for Old Time Music Halls, performed each summer in aid of the local carnival. In the early eighties the Players entered a competition staged by the BBC, called “Support Your Local Theatre”. Performing on BBC South Television, the Players went on to win, despite some very strong opposition from rival companies around the South. In the eighties, when Dulcie Gray was patron, the miners strike meant power cuts with little or no warning. This happened on one particular night during a performance; the ever-resourceful Players continued by shining headlights from cars through two doors on either side of the stage. Appropriate sound effects were produced with voices. Since those days the Players have maintained the high standards set by their predecessors.

Hamble Players Success

Hamble Players is well-known for its productions of comedies and farces, but it has also experienced significant success with dramatic works. Notable productions from the 1990s include “The Lion in Winter,” “The Dresser,” and “Rebecca.” In more recent years, the group has received recognition for several performances, including “Journey’s End” (March 2002), “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” (September 2004), and “A Christmas Carol” (December 2009), all of which have garnered Curtain Call Awards. Additionally, in 2007, Hamble Players won the “Pantomime of the Year Award” for their rendition of “Frankenstein, the Panto.” The organization also hosts annual internal awards, voted on by its members, to honor two longtime supporters of Hamble Players who have made significant contributions over the years.

The Evelyn Shield is awarded annually to an actor recognized for their significant improvement in performance from the first rehearsal to the final show. This award is named in honor of Evelyn Wakeford, who was not only a talented actor but also served as both President and Treasurer of the organization. Additionally, the Don Bishop Plinth recognizes a Member for their outstanding off-stage contributions. Named after the esteemed actor and former Chairman Don Bishop, this award pays tribute to his unique talent for creating remarkably realistic sound effects using an old reel-to-reel tape recording machine.

In 2005, the Hamble Players celebrated their 50th anniversary, highlighting over five decades of excellence and a strong reputation within the community.

For a list of our productions since 1996 please see the end of Past Productions page.