1996 to present

There current troupe of players are a collection of villagers and their friends who put on musical shows, plays and revues to raise funds for the up keep of the Parish Hall ... as well as providing an excellent evening of food and entertainment.

1950's & 1960's

In the ‘Memories’ book about Aldermaston there are stories and photographs of a previous ‘Aldermaston Players’ in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This troupe performed in the Parish Hall and were responsible for building the apron stage that was renovated and eventually replaced by the current troupe.

In the Old Pharosian’s Association Newsletter of July 1995 there is an obituary for Major William Sangster Borthwick, GM, RE who lived in Baughurst near Aldermaston and was involved with the Aldermaston Players. This could have been either the Nativity Play or the Players.

1957 production in Aldermaston Parish Hall

Extract from Book of Memories (click to enlarge)

1957 to present

Aldermaston York Nativity Play

Under the wonderful direction of Pat Eastrop this troupe has been performing every year since 1957. It is a troupe of Aldermaston villagers supplemented by players from other local villages. They tell the story of the first Christmas based on the 14th century York Nativity text and accompanied by an a capella choir singing 14th & 15th century songs. The performances take place in the 12th century church of St Mary The Virgin, Aldermaston.

Articles from a great local theatre website (www.newburytheatre.co.uk) reviewing productions

2005 onwards
and 2000

Medieval

In a book called English Parish Drama there is reference to troupes of professional players from Aldermaston in the 14th & 15th Century. Click link to see quote

There is also a reference to Aldermaston Players in the Reading gild accounts 1357-1516, Volume 6‎ - Page lxxxvii