Dirty Dusting is almost upon us - but what is coming up next?

We now know our next three productions (subject to to licensing agreement) In January 2017 our popular pantomime returns with our production of Paul Reakes’  ‘Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates’

Our Spring production – dates and venues to be confirmed - will be ‘Our Man in Havana’ by Grahame Greene – adapted by Clive Francis

And we are hoping to do ‘Funny Money ‘ a farce by Ray Cooney, in the Autumn

Dirty Dusting in the Press

All Tickets for Dirty Dusting at Earls Colne now sold

Amazing with a month to go before curtain up!

There are still tickets available at the Halstead Empire Theatre for 8th October call their box office on 07778 025490

Dirty Dusting

Theatre goers will be in for a treat this October when a smash hit show takes to the stage at Earls Colne Village Hall and the Halstead Empire.

After a sell-out tour in 2014, Dirty Dusting is making a return thanks to the Stane Street Players.

From the same team that has recently brought you Gaslight, The Vicar of Dibley, Beauty and the Beast, and Dad’s Army, audiences are guaranteed to be in for an hilarious treat.

Gladys, Elsie and Olive are three cleaning ladies who are about to be ‘put out to pasture’ by their overzealous office manager Dave.

Feeling they have little chance of gaining employment elsewhere, the ladies have to find a way to make ends meet.

A chance wrong number requiring a Sex Chat Line rings into the office and gives them a great idea: “Why not run a Sex Chat Line?”

After all, their age and appearance won’t matter on the telephone and providing they can keep this a secret from their boss, they could be on to a real winner.

Needless to say, things don’t go entirely according to plan

All tickets £10  Doors open 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. start

Booking details on banner below – or for Earls Colne Performance click here

After a very successful production of Gaslight...coming soon...

Our autumn production will be the cheeky ‘Dirty Dusting’ and our Pantomime in January 2017 will be  a reprise of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates

In spring 2017 we will produce a never before seen version of ‘Our Man in Havana’ Details of times, dates and venues to follow In the meantime we are basking in the praise lavished upon us for Gaslight by the reviewer from NODA… see below!

STANE STREET PLAYERS GASLIGHT

Director Nick Mason Performed at the Empire Theatre Halstead       

21^ST May 2016  

“Gaslight” written by Patrick Hamilton in 1938 is a Victorian Thriller which has also been filmed twice. Set in a typical Victorian house with it’s very sombre furnishings, it conveyed a sense of coldness which is exactly what was intended to set the mood for the events which were to unfold before us. Mr Manningham played by Duncan McCubbine, was excellent as the domineering husband trying to convince his gentle wife that she was losing her mind. A very strong character was played by Duncan with little emotion towards anyone, yet an eye for one of his maids who he took a liking to.A very well controlled and convincing character, little knowing the events which were to follow. Anna James as his wife was also very well cast, with her emotions ranging from delight when her husband showed a little kindness towards her, which changed to fury within minutes, showing his mean cruel manner leaving her emotionally distraught and almost hysterical.Anna gave us a huge sense of wanting to please her husband, but failing every time and aware that she was on the verge of despair at ever getting it right. Then out of the blue came Rough a retired Detective who had through a member of the staff at the Manningham’s house alerted him to the events which were being played out there.Rough played by Julian Prime as a be-whiskered rather kindly gentleman towards Mrs Manningham was to become her saviour in the situation and quietly gave her hope that she was not going mad. Julian did so well with this character in getting the story of his connections with Mr Manningham through to this scared little person, giving his character the edge when eventually coming face to face with her tormentor.Well played and good timimg which was essential. Kim Richardson as Nancy the maid was a saucy little madam,not at all afraid of the dominant Master of the house.Her entry on to the stage was a bright one in the gloomy house which lightened the mood.Very keen to win over the Master at any cost with every encouragement from him. Elizabeth the more senior maid played by Dorinda Meekings was careful in knowing her place with her employer,and played the dutiful servant very well, aware however of the tensions between her employers. The conclusion of the play was well directed and all was resolved with the story finishing to a rather satisfactory end when Mr Manningham’s true identity was revealed. The costumes were good and in keeping and the technical effects well executed. A most enjoyable evening and a good choice for the society with this melodrama. Very well done to all the cast(including the rather nervous looking Policemen) and of course the production team who must have worked hard to achieve this very good standard.

So proud...

Another Accolade for Stane Street Players in their 40th year

Last year’s Stane Street Player’s Pantomime ‘Beauty & The Beast’ has been nominated by the National Operatic and Dramatic Society’s local region in the best pantomime category!! That means we’re in the top 3 at least.

 Well done to all involved and our 1000 strong audience too – you helped us to deliver our best performances! Another fitting tribute for our 40th year! 

See you at Snow White!!

A fitting end to our 40th Year

So pleased to get ‘Pat on the back’ from Pat Rudkins of the Halstead Gazette for the group and an individual one for Kim! Well done all

Workshop completed!!

Thanks to the amazing success of our production of the Vicar of Dibley we have been able to complete the workshop at the Empire – a real and  tangible way to mark 40 years of the Stane Street Players

40th anniversary reunion

The Group marked its’ 40 anniversary with a gathering at the Thatchers Arms in Bures on 27th June. The weather was perfect as was the venue.

It was wonderful to see around 60 of the invited guests, members and friends both past and present, and to catch up and share experiences.

In the 40 years of its’ existence SSP have put on 120 shows including 40 pantomimes and many people have been involved with the group. We are thriving and very much looking forward to marking our anniversary year once more with our production of The Vicar of Dibley in October

Our new storage and workshop at the Empire!

First steps in replacing our old storage unit, readying the site for the new one and building the roof and gravel floor for our workshop…This is the first time in the history of the group that we’ve had our own space t buid scenery etc.

see gallery for more pictures

Laying the foundations for the new storage container