ST BERNADETTE'S DRAMA HISTORY

The early days

We have one David Melling (known to many as Dave the Rave) of St Bernadette's Parish Church to thank for approaching Fr. Ned Carey, the Parish Priest at the time, and suggesting  to him that the Parish could do with a Drama Club.   To cut a long story shorter, Dave Melling became the first chairman and the first play to be performed was "When we are Married" by JB Priestly, directed by the late Windy Littler. 

This was in 1977. Since those early days the drama club has entertained the local community at least 3 times a year. 

Our home

We first performed in the School of St Bernadette's from 1977 to 1990 - so as you can imagine we couldn't perform on a stage until it was half term... In 1991 we moved into our new home - the Parish Hall. What a privilege that was to be able to rehearse on a stage. Our first production in the hall was "And then there were none" by Agatha Christie, directed by the late Iris Purcell.

The End of an era

St Bernadette's Players, had many characters over the 41 years. Won many NODA awards. SBP will always remain in the hearts of so many past members.

St Bernadette's Players ended in 2018 with the last ever production of  "Haywire" by Eric Chappell, Directed by Hayley Price.

The new beginnings

November 2018. The new reformed drama group was back. Founded by 14 members of SBP. 

We opened up our drama group with a pantomime written & directed by Neil Oldham..."The Mis-Adventures of Robinson Crusoe". 

47 years - St Bernadette's Drama

SBPP may have been only going for 6 years. But as a whole, the Drama society of St Bernadette's Parish has lasted 47 years.  Every member past and present are proud to be part of that! 

We have lost so many members over the years, who have now gone to the great eternal drama club in the Sky! But the memories performing with them will always be there!

Remembering Deceased Members

Marianne Aitchison, Margaret Ashcroft, Brenda Beaumont, Glenn Block, Hazel Block, Dick Bolton, Trish Brown, Tom Brown, Jan Smerdon, Rev Canon Ned Carey, Margaret Clamp, Tom Clamp, Vinnie Clarke, Yana Demkowska, Eileen Egerton, George Gaynon, Louis Harrison, Fr. Joe Haydon, Debbie Hencher, Lisa Henshall, Jan Johnson, Kath Lambe, Peter Lavelle, Windy Littler, Jean Lyon, Dennis McHarrie, Margaret McHarrie, Janet McMahon, Rev. Fred Miller, Ron Mills, Margaret Parker, Gerry Peake, Bill Purcell, Iris Purcell, Jim Ryan, Jim Simcox, June Smerdon, Roy Smerdon, Fred Unsworth, John Vose, Ann Walker, Hilda Walsh, Mark Webster, Peter White.