A cherished amateur dramatic society with roots stretching back to the Victorian era is facing an existential threat, with its future hanging in the balance unless it can attract a new generation of participants. The Hoddesdon Players, a group whose history can be traced to 1898, fears it may be forced to cease operations if membership does not receive a vital boost, especially among male volunteers.
A Rich Heritage Under Threat
For over a century, the Hoddesdon Players have been a fixture of local cultural life in Hertfordshire, staging two major productions annually at The Spotlight theatre in Hoddesdon, alongside popular murder mystery evenings. The experience of performing live is described by members as "tremendous fun" and "a feeling like no other." However, the current reality is stark: membership has dwindled to approximately 20 individuals, many of whom are in their senior years, placing unsustainable pressure on the group.
The Critical Shortage of Male Members
John Elson, chairman of the Hoddesdon Players, highlighted the acute shortage of men as a particularly pressing issue. "We're particularly lacking men," he explained. "Last autumn we had two men in the play and one of them dropped out. So we had a choice - we either cancelled the play or we got a certain gentleman who is 80 to put a wig on and become a 40-year-old. So we put a wig on him and it was absolutely brilliant - no one recognised him! He became 40 years younger! But we can't keep doing that."
The group has been further strained by the loss of several key members in recent years. "In the last couple of years we've had three deaths, our members are getting older and our stage manager, who we relied upon so much, passed away, so it's pushing more and more work on fewer people," Mr Elson added. A recent meeting was held to determine the society's viability, resulting in a decision to continue for the current year with planned productions in April and November, but the long-term outlook remains uncertain.
An Urgent Appeal for Community Support
The survival of the Hoddesdon Players beyond this year is entirely dependent on a successful recruitment drive. Mr Elson is extending an open invitation to anyone with an interest in theatre to make contact or attend a rehearsal for their upcoming production, Lilies on the Land. There is even the possibility of landing a part in the show itself.
"Come along to a rehearsal and see what we're all about," he urged. "We're just about to start rehearsing a play. When you get there you'll find there's mostly women in it - because that's one of the problems. There are some small parts so it may be possible for you to have a small part in it."
Opportunities On Stage and Behind the Scenes
Prospective members should note that prior acting experience is not a prerequisite. The group is committed to training newcomers, often starting them with minor roles to build confidence and skill. Mr Elson cited the example of a woman who joined a decade ago with no experience and has since become a star performer in most productions.
Furthermore, the society offers numerous vital roles beyond acting. "There are other jobs too, of course," Mr Elson noted. "There are props, scenery to build and all of that - for every person on stage there's probably four people behind the scenes." The aim is to raise overall membership to a more sustainable level of 30 to 40 people.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
Mr Elson, who has been chairman since 2016 and first joined the group in 1973, recalls that the Players have overcome similar challenges in the past. "When I first joined in 1973, they had exactly the same problem, and in 1973 and 1974 we managed to increase the number of men, and off we went. We'd like to do that again. And I think that if we did it then, we can do it now."
He passionately describes the unique rewards of amateur theatre. "It is tremendous fun. Once you get on stage, there's an audience there and you've become someone else, it's a feeling like no other. Once you get into it, it's tremendously enjoyable. It's rewarding too, when you get the audience reaction. Sometimes in a thriller you can hear a pin drop, in the middle of a farce there are great roars of laughter."
Practical Details and Upcoming Production
Newcomers should be prepared to commit to rehearsals, which are held at St Catherine's School in Hoddesdon. The group performs a diverse range of plays, including dramas and farces, both classic and contemporary. Their next production is Lilies on the Land, a funny and moving portrait of Women's Land Army members during World War II, based on 150 letters and interviews. It will run at The Spotlight Theatre from Thursday, 23rd April to Saturday, 25th April.
The Hoddesdon Players represent a living piece of local history and a vibrant community asset. Their appeal for new members is a call to action for the people of Hertfordshire to help ensure that this theatrical tradition does not fade to black after 126 remarkable years.
