Skelmersdale Players celebrate 50 years of stage shows

Jul 2 2009 by Michael Byrne, Skelmersdale Advertiser

SKELMERSDALE Players are celebrating their 50th anniversary with performances of some of their best-known productions from over the years.

The performances, Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 include acclaimed acts like ‘Sailor beware’, ‘And so to Innisfree’ and ‘Godspell’ and take place at the Mission Hall, Old Skelmersdale, starting at 7.30pm.

‘Sailor Beware’ was the first full-length production of the amateur dramatic society in 1959, which was known at the time as St Paul’s Players.

The plays are seen to be unique in the way that most still feature a majority of the original cast, with new generations of actors coming up through the junior players.

One play featured in the performance holds significance with the society. The Pongo Plays were considered one of Players’ greatest achievements and the production reached the final of the British Festival of One Act Plays in Bognor Regis, held at the Clwyd Theatre.

The company were “stolen” of the title, according to a judge of the event. There were some good times still to be had however, with the company being next door to the dressing room of Rex Harrison.

Margaret Lyon is credited with setting up the society 50 years ago along with her late husband, Roy Lyon. Mrs Lyon passed away earlier this year of terminal cancer.

Margaret Green, who was asked by Margaret Lyon to produce the first production of Sailor, Beware!, said that the Lyons were the people who made things happen.

Mrs Green went on to produce a further five shows between 1959 and 1967, additionally starring in seven productions.

She added: “Everyone was willing to learn and all worked hard. Something only had to be mentioned and it would be done.”

Pearl Birchall is an original member of the Skelmersdale Players, who believes the company has become classier over time. “The talent have all got older. Take me for instance – I was a blushing bride in Sailor, Beware! first time round; now, I am a dithering old Aunt!”

Over the 50 years, Players have been supported by various local businesses – most notably Garners, who are still associated with the society.