WHO WE ARE
ABBOTS LANGLEY PLAYERS:
A COMMUNITY THEATRE GROUP
We are an amateur theatrical society based, rather unsurprisingly, in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. We were formed in 1957.
We aim to put on three plays a year for the local community. We also run workshops and play readings for actors and directors to discuss concepts and ideas. In 2025 we are trying a new programme in the summer called SUMMER SHORTS which is FREE and open to the general public.
Most of our activities take place in the centre of Abbots Langley. Our main performances are in the Henderson Hall on the High Street but we have also used the Manor House and the grounds of St Lawrence church.
Find out more about the history of the ALP by visiting our HISTORY PAGE.
HOW WE WORK
We are run by a management committee which is elected every year at the Annual General Meeting. The committee’s job is to oversee the business of the society, to make its decisions each year, plan its future performances and organise events.
The current committee is:
Chair: Jane Adams
Treasurer: Beverley Funnell
Secretary: Ann Bolitho-Jones
Committee Members: Valerie Gale, Jean James, Stuart Martin, Karen Tucker
The committee’s activities are supported by play directors and production managers who are appointed for the casting, rehearsals, preparation, publicity and performance of plays.
In the future, we are looking to develop a more social aspect to the company, where we can meet regularly to chat about anything and everything and get to know each other better in the process.
If you’d like to find out more about us, email our secretary at annbolithojones@hotmail.com
GET INVOLVED
We put on three productions a year, generally in the Henderson Hub. These usually take place in March, June/July and November.
It takes more than actors to create drama. The current team is friendly and experienced. But volunteers are always needed to build sets, organise publicity, operate sound and lighting equipment, act as prompt, find props and costumes, sort out the box office and look after audience members. Without them any work done by actors is redundant.
Before we put on a play, we hold open auditions. These are open to any member of the public with a desire to act. While you don’t need to be a member to audition, if you are successful in gaining a part and accept, you will be asked to pay membership fees. Membership costs £12 for a single show and £25 for full annual membership.
Auditions are usually held around three months before the production and are advertised through email, text, the website and social media. Once the characters have been cast, we go in to rehearsals. There are usually two rehearsals a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, although directors may sometimes slot in additional rehearsals as and when needed.
When we get to play week, life gets very busy. Set building usually takes place from the Saturday if needed, Tuesday is technical rehearsal and Wednesday is dress rehearsal. If a photographer is available they attend the latter. Then there are usually four performances - nightly Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a matinee on the Saturday afternoon.
All this effort can be very rewarding and enjoyable. Please do come and join in!