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". 

49 years - St Bernadette's Drama

SBPP may have only been going for 7 years. But as a whole, the Drama society of St Bernadette's Parish has lasted 49 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 of St Bernadette's Drama

Ann Walker

Audrey Peake

Bill Hall

Bill Purcell

Brenda Beaumont

Debbie Hencher

Dennis McHarrie (OBE)

Dick Bolton

Eileen Egerton

Father Joe Haydon

Fred Unsworth

George Gaynon

Gerry Peake

Glenn Block

Hazel Block

Hilda Walsh

Iris Purcell

Janet McMahon

Jan Johnson

Jan Smerdon

Jean Lyon

Jim Ryan

Jim Simcox

John Vose

June Smerdon

Kathleen Lambe

Lisa Henshall

Louis Harrison

Margaret Ashcroft

Margaret Clamp

Margaret McHarrie

Margaret Parker

Marianne Aitchison

Mark Webster

Mike Lambe

Ray Smerdon

Rev Canon Ned Carey

Rev Fred Miller

Peter Lavelle

Peter White

Ron Mills

Tom Browne

Tom Clamp

Trish Browne

Vinnie Clarke

Windy Littler

Yana Demkowska