95 Years of shows in Tideswell

Tideswell Community Players have been performing for 95 years and bringing other entertainment here for almost a quarter of a century! With unique involvement in village life, they have brought music, poetry, dance, street theatre, professional and amateur plays, storytelling, a big top, even a TV appearance and a giant!

Almost a century ago a group of Tideswell residents, led by Annie Scholefield, a woman passionate about theatre, started a drama society to provide entertainment for its members and the village.

The Players formed in 1929 when Derbyshire Rural Community Council was promoting local drama as a way of developing communities. L du Garde Peach, Great Hucklow based playwright (including at least two set in Tideswell), performer, pioneer of Derbyshire dialect plays, early BBC radio plays, and writer Ladybird history books, was closely involved with the RCC.

The Players staged their first play in 1930. With the rudiments of a set and props provided by local craftsmen, it was the comedy thriller Ambrose Applejohn’s Adventure performed in the Oddfellows Hall and starred Peach. It was an instant hit and since then the Players have put on or facilitated more than 300 shows in nine and a half decades, unbroken by World War 2, continuing into the 21st Century. In recent years TCP’s productions were interrupted unavoidably by the Covid pandemic, changing personal circumstances of its members and, sadly, some deaths.

Soon after they began, the Players adopted a striking woodcut for programme covers, replaced in 1960 by a more delicate design. Today the design commemorates this anniversary. Performances have been at various venues over the years: initially the Oddfellows Hall (shared with film shows and concerts), the old Methodist Hall, the United Reformed Church Hall, St John’s Institute, Bishop Pursglove School and Tideswell Church itself. Now also using the renovated Fountain Square Hall and the newly built Tideswell Community Hall we’re so fortunate to have these modern facilities to complement the shows.

In 2002 the Players began Tideswell Theatre, bringing in professional shows to supplement the local plays. Shows include theatre, concerts, poetry and dance. So far there have been over 90 visiting shows, many brought to the village through Live and Local (the Arts Council and local authority supported rural touring scheme) and others brought here by contracting directly with the artists.

Always welcoming new people to get involved, occasionally linking with other drama groups, and always seeking to grow its audiences, the group is keen to go on providing shows that will entertain and sometimes challenge.

Village plays may not be as central to local life that they once were, but there is clear recognition that theatre does play an important part in communities. Continuing to provide shows is not always easy, and the work falls to an ever-changing committed core of people.

Plays are great fun to be involved with or to watch. Many thanks to all those who have been involved over the past 95 years. With your help the Players will have a long future. Follow us on social media (search for Tideswell Theatre), come to the shows, get involved, join our emailing list (send a message to info@tidesweltheatre.org.uk).

Gerard Rogers, Tideswell Community Players / Tideswell Theatre