A THEATRE troupe in Reading is marking its 80th year of bringing magic to the stage this week, as Triangle Players celebrates eight decades of theatre in the town.
Tilehurst’s very own thesbians are set to host an open day with performances from members of the company, as well as technical and staging demonstrations, costume exhibits, and a collection of photographs and programmes from its eight-decade history.
Chairman of the group Lewis Gilbert said: ““Despite only being part of the group for the last 10 years, it’s evidently clear to me how much pride the group has for its extensive history, and I am proud to now be leading the group into the future.
“We have never stuck to tradition–we are always looking for opportunities to expand our horizons.”
Barrie Davies, the group’s liaison with its home,Tilehurst Methodist Church, said being part of a troupe with such a long history is “a privilege.
“It’s a rich heritage that we should never take for granted. It comes with a responsibility too, to do our best, entertain, and support both the community and fellow members.”
Christine Mather, the group’s marketing lead, said: “It gives me a sense of enormous pride and achievement to think I’ve been a part of Triangle Players for half the time the group has been in existence.
“We’ve had good times and bad but have always tried to put on the very best quality plays and pantos for our loyal audiences here in Tilehurst and the surrounding community.”
Mr Gilbert added: ““Looking back, my favourite [production] is Basinful Of The Briny, by Leslie Sands, performed back in May 2016.
“It was one of my first ‘big’ parts, and I got to do lots of amazing comedic moments–the highlight being when I had the contents of a goldfish bowl poured on my head.
“I also have a strong sense of pride for our recent pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty, it was just non-stop laughter and was by-far, the most personal of the pantomimes I have written so far.”
Mr Davies said: ““Personally, I love panto–it draws in our biggest audiences and the children love it – we don’t get many youngsters coming to our other shows, which is something we’re trying to do something about.
“Like putting on Saturday Matinees for example – and it’s a real giggle to get the uninhibited laughter and ‘He’s behind you’ contributions from them
” It’s also got music, and I think whenever we sing or dance to music–whether live or recorded), we create more of an effect and an “outreach” to our audience.”
He explained: ““We’re blessed with having a fantastic permanent theatre – complete with staging, curtains, lights, sound, storage, and space.
“I think that has mutual attraction for both audience and performers, but certainly for those who want to be part of a group that HAS those facilities.
“Many community-based amateur groups are struggling these days and can only dream of having the staging that we
have.
“We don’t take that for granted, and that’s reflected in our ticket pricing, which at £8-£9 a head is excellent value for money.”
Ms Mathers said one of her highlights was Love from a Stranger, adapted by Frank Vosper and based on a story by Agatha Christie.
“It was a suspenseful thriller and enabled me to bring out the best of my acting abilities. I particularly enjoyed playing opposite Ken Brownfield, the arch villain, now very sadly no longer with us.
“The entire cast rose to the occasion and it was well-received by an enthralled audience – you could have heard a pin drop at the exciting denouement.”
“Acting is an addictive hobby – being on stage, performing in front of a responsive audience is a wonderful and exciting feeling, butterflies and all.
“Each performance can be very different, depending on how the audience reacts and how the characters interact with one other. Feedback confirms that our playgoers enjoy our live shows whether they’re thrillers, comedies, murder mysteries or pantos.
“Many of our audience members are friends and relatives of group members and we also have a loyal following in the local area who look out for our posters and come to see every production.”
Looking ahead at the future of the troupe, Mr Gilbert explained: ““Well, the anniversary year isn’t over yet.
“Members of the group will be appearing as extras in the upcoming film adaptation of “The Thursday Murder Club” on Netflix.
“Once the summer break is over, we will be cracking on with our autumn production, with read through and auditions taking place in late August, and the performances taking place in November.
“Once that’s done, we round out the year beginning work on our annual pantomime, which, this year, is something very different to our usual formula.
“Triangle Players will continue to go from strength to strength, and we welcome anyone who wants to become involved, particularly expanding on our younger members, and expanding our already versatile cast through an enhanced diversity of performance content.
“We want to collaborate with other local groups, and take entertainment out to venues in order to engage with the local community more.
“Our upcoming open day is the perfect chance to talk with us, and discover the opportunities we hold.
“Let Triangle Players put some drama in your life.”
The 80th Anniversary Open Day is set to take place at Tilehurst Methodist Church Hall on Saturday, July 5 , from 1.30pm-3.30pm.
More information, including information about upcoming productions is available via: triangleplayers.co.uk
