Pictures and a bit of info about boys in the group IAN PAYNE - CAST AND CHAIRMAN Caption
I first performed with the Players in 1979 in Sinbad. I did a couple more shows as a youngster and then joined officially in 1987 and have been in every show since, which means you are probably sick of the sight of me !!! My favourite show was Westenders, mainly because of our success at performing One Day More from Les Mis. As of the show "Welcome To The Stage" I have been involved in the production of 21 shows.
IAN CURTIS - CAST Caption
Ian joined the group when he was 16 years old and bar a couple of shows has appeared in pretty much everyone since. Ian supports Chelsea and enjoys a spot of winemaking in his spare time. He has co-produced a couple of shows over the years, and had his first solo effort with the highly acclaimed "A Night At Luigi's". Ian has produced "The Show With No Name", which he was working on with Paul Hubbard before he passed away. Ian is well known for his ability to memorise lengthy and complicated monologues and has covered many 2 Ronnies sketches with his partner in crime Mr Payne (usually with a beer on the table).
ANDREW GOOD - CAST Caption
After coming along to join the group as a backstage helper, Andy got itchy feet and made a brief appearance in Smash & Fab. He made his full Players debut in January 2015's Something Old Something New. Andy claims to have no previous stage experience, but a look through the archives finds that he was once part of alternative Chippendale group based in Ayelsbury.
DAVE REEVE - CAST
My first show was way back in 1981. I played an undertaker who only had to walk across the stage. I was petrified. I produced a show in 1998 and found it hard work that year as I also got Married and moved house. I had a break for ten years as I became semi pro in a duo called “The Receeders” (Yes we both were and have now Receeded) We gigged in pubs/clubs and holiday camps. Weddings and Birthday parties we especially fun. I still do the odd gig here and there and entertain in Homes for the elderly. Working full time as Company Fleet Manager for a BPChargemaster in Luton keeps me very busy. I also travelled the world representing the Company for three years following Formula e ( Electric Formula One) which was great fun. I intend to return to gigging in the next few years as I wind down and retire. I have 4 Children and 4 Grandchildren who keep me busy. My youngest 2 are part of the Players too. Connor is back stage and Charlie operates the Mics on the Balcony. My Dad was stage Manager until a little while ago and my Mum Kath and Dad were in charge of the Tickets until Recently and both have been involved for over 40 years so has always been a big part of our lives. I returned a couple of years ago and I’m really enjoying my time on stage. I do struggle a bit with movements and even have a “step named after me ( The Dave Step) which I cannot master….yet. I enjoy DIY and messing around with Cars. I play Guitar, Piano and drums, Not great at any but enjoy playing them. I recently acquired 2 kittens, which are keeping me busy.
BRUCE BUCHAN - STAGE MANAGER Caption
Bruce is Scottish, which may explain our concerns when he does the health and safety notice at the start of shows and no-one has a clue what he is talking about. Bruce is our Stage Manager and also acts as our third eye at our final rehearsals, if a hand is out of place, he will spot it. In all the years Bruce has been with the group he has never been known to stand at a bar with his wallet open. He is an avid Dundee fan.
LEE EVANS - CAST Caption
I first joined the group in January 1990 for the performance of ‘Anything Goes’ and was thrust to the front of the stage straight away for curtain up! I have taken part in many shows since, but have had to juggle them around football commitments, which meant I missed a lot of Summer shows. I also took a break from the group in 1993 when I left to become a Redcoat at Butlins in Minehead, spending 2 fantastic years at my ‘spiritual home’ in without doubt my best job. We all return eventually and the draw of the stage brought me back to this wonderful group and cast, in which I have made many wonderful friends. I have loved every show that I have appeared in, but my favourite one simply has to be Tributes & Legends. A show that I produced for the very first time in July 2010. That was a very proud moment to see my thoughts and ideas coming to life on the stage. I am married to my lovely (and very supportive!) wife Laura, with two fantastic children in daughter Casey and son Luke. Both who I have no doubt, will either follow me on stage or onto the football pitch! I love performing in this group and like to think I give my all in every performance. Entertaining people is in my family’s blood and putting smiles on people’s faces is one of the most rewarding things I will always take from my life.
JAMES PRITCHARD - PIANO
James has been with us for few years now and is currently doing a fantastic job leading the band on the piano and working as our musical producer. James has a very infectious personality and was once responsible for starting off a completely random flash mob in a branch of WH Smith's.
TERRY BARON - DRUMS Caption
"Sticks" Terry Baron, aka Ringo! First show was Joan Steven's "Once A Year Day" in January 1998. One of my favourite shows was "Showstopop" produced by Peter "Biggsy" Biggs & Ian Payne. I've had a few cameos on stage was drafted into the second half of the opening chorus routine for the January 2006 show "A String Of Pearls".......yes, sining and dancing!!!! There have been numerous memorable moments from past shows and I am sure there are more to come. Up until October 2009 I was the resident drummer with "The Jolly Jazzers". I have also played drums for the Kings Langley Players and the Horeshoe Players. A big Shadows fan and also the Beatles, particularly the early music. Married to Sandra and have a daughter Kelly, son Nathan and grandaughter Bethany. I once travelled around Bournemouth on a yellow bus dressed as "Jess The Cat". I am also a big fan of sleeping and more embarrasingly Southampton FC.
** Some of these facts may not actually be 100% factual.
