A Brief History


Chellaston Players was formed in 1975 after nine people from Chellaston responded to Edna Fords advertisement for a new drama group. The group had no money, no props, no scenery, and limited experience but this didnt stop them!


Edna directed the first show, Beside the Seaside, which was performed for three nights at St. Peters Church Hall in 1976. About 300 people saw the first production, perhaps more out of curiosity than a real love of theatre, but gave Chellaston Players the start it needed. With a profit of £34, the small group set their eyes on the next show.


Only five years after the initial meeting in Ednas front room, Chellaston Players took Rattle of a Simple Man to the Derby Playhouse Studio Theatre. They performed shows at the Playhouse for nine years but always continued to perform for their home crowd back in Chellaston where a loyal and faithful band of supporters was ever growing.


Chellaston Players rose to their next challenge in 1986. Chellaston Community Association (CCA) launched a major fund raising effort to fund the building of a community centre. The target was a total of £20,000 by April 1987. To aid in this goal, Chellaston Players proposed that they would cast, direct, and present a pantomime for Christmas 1987. The CCA provided stage crew and front of house staff and were awarded all of the profits from the show. After hectic months of preparation, Aladdin was performed in December 1987. This was Chellaston Players first pantomime. The panto raised £1,300 for the CCA. A significant part of the total amount needed!


There was no looking back. Pantomime was the answer to any financial problems that the Chellaston Players might have. They brought in good houses every night and everyone always went home with a smile! Chellaston Players continued to produce a panto every year, mostly written by Chellaston Players member, Mick Gaunt. For the first time in 1992, the original Aladdin was resurrected and taken to the Guildhall Theatre, Derby. A venue that is still used annually.


Due to the number of younger members involved in the pantomimes Chellaston Youth Players were formed in 2000. These talented young members performed full length musicals at the Guildhall and Chellaston.


Since our humble beginnings, Chellaston Players have grown from strength to strength. A number of our members have received accolades and awards from the Derby Amateur Theatre Association and some have gone on to professional jobs. We are always grounded and perform a number of shows each year in both the Guildhall Theatre, Derby, and at our home in Chellaston.