St Jude's Players
St Jude's Players was formed in 1957 and was affiliated to St Jude's Church with the vicar as President. The first play produced was called 'Golden Rain'. The first Pantomime, in 1975 (The Queen of Hearts) was an immediate success and boosted membership. The annual Pantomime has now become part of the village tradition with a different one being produced each year in the Social Hall. Over the last 20 years the format has been to put on a play in the Spring, a musical, variety show or play in the Summer and the Pantomime in the Winter (the first two weeks of December being the set time). To date the Players have performed in approx 102 productions and currently plans for the 26th Pantomime are underway. The Players are always ready to welcome new members and are not only looking for new talent to swell the acting side but also backstage crew such as set designers, lighting experts, make-up artists, painters, wardrobe mistresses and last but not at all least anyone to help "front of house" (making tea, running the bar, selling tickets, etc). If you cannot do any of these things 'don't worry' we can teach you!!! In 1979 the Players took over the old cricket Pavilion at Coopers Hill and after much fund raising were able to refurbish and adapt it for rehearsals and set building - not to mention the odd party!
Englefield Green