2026 AT A GLANCE
Please note that we try our best to keep this page up to date but things change and we don't always remember. That said this page is the best info their is, so it's worth coming here in the first instance. See the Details below for more information
To show our calendar on your own calendar - here's some links
Normal types: St MICHAEL'S PLAYERS CALENDAR (normal)
and in iCal for you Apple people: St MICHAEL'S PLAYERS CALENDAR (Apple)
To show our calendar on your own calendar - here's some links
Normal types: St MICHAEL'S PLAYERS CALENDAR (normal)
and in iCal for you Apple people: St MICHAEL'S PLAYERS CALENDAR (Apple)
Upcoming Events
14 & 17 Sep 2026: Panto Auditions
At the Centre in the back room - no prep needed, just turn up and introduce yourself. We will probably just read a few sections to hear voices as different characters. This is the big show of every year and there's one heck of a reputation we have to maintain. So, yes it is hard work because that's the way we chose to roll. Our Autumn play will be in rehearsal in the main hall; please be quiet and let's not disturb them becaue they are working hard too
30 Sep - 3 Oct 2026: Autumn Production "Accidental Death of an Anarchist"
Beccy makes her directorial debut with this razor-sharp political farce by Dario Fo, adapted by Tim Supple and Alan Cumming. Inspired by the real-life death of an anarchist in police custody in Milan, the play turns scandal into riotous comedy. At its centre is the Maniac, a playful trickster who infiltrates a police investigation and gleefully exposes its contradictions. What follows is a fast-paced, fourth-wall-breaking whirlwind where truth is slippery and authority is constantly undermined. More than fifty years on, its questions about power, accountability, and who controls the narrative feel as urgent as ever, proving that sometimes, the most serious truths are best told through laughter.
Here's our stellar cast...
Inspector Bertozzo — David Burles
Madman — Paul Smith
Constable — Chris Jones
Inspector Pisani — Chris Hulatt
Superintendent — Elizabeth Ollier
Feletti — Arabella Harcourt-Cooze
Tickets on sale and selling fast.
7 Oct 2026: Workshop "An Actor's tool kit"
Allisson DeFrees will share acting insights with us at the Centre. No cost to attend and off to the pub afterwards too. That's one thing we know we have in the tool kit.
11 Nov 2026: Play Reading
All round to Chris and Moira's for another play reading. Play still to be decided. Same plan as ever; read a play, drink some wine and have some chat
4-12 Dec 2026: Panto Time
And we're adding a few extra shows this year and all thanks to increased demand.
7 & 11 Jan 2027: Hound of the Baskervilles Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for a part. Then leave it to the director
20 Jan 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
27 Jan 2027: AGM
Our annual general meeting at the hall to review the year that was 2026. 8pm start followed by an open discussion about the group
31 Jan 2027: Annual Dinner
Yup. Last Sunday of January is the date and this is it. Probably at the School Kitchen again
24 Feb 2027: Workshop
We'll arrange a theatrically linked workshop at the hall. Sometimes run by external professionals and sometimes run by our members. 8pm start, probably
17 Mar 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
7-10 Apr: Spring Production "Hound of the Baskervilles"
Here we go, 2027. A ripping yarn to really get our teeth into
14 Apr 2027: Workshop
We'll arrange a theatrically linked workshop at the hall. Sometimes run by external professionals and sometimes run by our members. 8pm start, probably
19, 22 & 26 Apr 2027: Chiswick Shorts 3 Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for lots of parts. Then leave it to the director. This will be the third in this series of summer productions, and why not? They are so popular. Lots of small plays showcasing new writing, all done in a cabaret setting
5 May 2027: Spring Social
It's a social and it is in Spring. I think that says it all. The group will even chip in a little towards your libation. Not a life changing amount, so don't start looking in estate agent windows.
9 Jun 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
30 Jun - 3 Jul 2027: Chiswick Shorts 3
Our summer show following Chiswick Shorts 1 and 2. Same idea; 7 or 8 short plays from the Bite Size stable. So that's all new writing and in a cabaret setting. Our un-subtle idea is that and new directors and/or new actors can dip their toes in a little way, with lots of support and help. If you're thinking about directing and just a bit nervous, then this is for you.
5 & 8 Jul 2027: Autumn Show Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for a part. Then leave it to the director
8 Aug 2027: Annual BBQ
We'll update this when we know the details - keep the date for yet another subsidised social event
1 Sep 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
9 & 13 Sep 2027: Dick Whittington Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for a part. Lots of room for everyone in this show. Then leave it to the director
15 Sep 2027: Workshop
We'll arrange a theatrically linked workshop at the hall. Sometimes run by external professionals and sometimes run by our members. 8pm start, probably
29 Sep - 2 Oct: Autumn Show
Show number 3
3 Nov 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
3-11 Dec 2027: Panto Time - Dick Whittington
Yes, our world famous panto is back once again. Tickets sell super fast and so we've added some extra dates and this includes a second matinee. See you all there
At the Centre in the back room - no prep needed, just turn up and introduce yourself. We will probably just read a few sections to hear voices as different characters. This is the big show of every year and there's one heck of a reputation we have to maintain. So, yes it is hard work because that's the way we chose to roll. Our Autumn play will be in rehearsal in the main hall; please be quiet and let's not disturb them becaue they are working hard too
30 Sep - 3 Oct 2026: Autumn Production "Accidental Death of an Anarchist"
Beccy makes her directorial debut with this razor-sharp political farce by Dario Fo, adapted by Tim Supple and Alan Cumming. Inspired by the real-life death of an anarchist in police custody in Milan, the play turns scandal into riotous comedy. At its centre is the Maniac, a playful trickster who infiltrates a police investigation and gleefully exposes its contradictions. What follows is a fast-paced, fourth-wall-breaking whirlwind where truth is slippery and authority is constantly undermined. More than fifty years on, its questions about power, accountability, and who controls the narrative feel as urgent as ever, proving that sometimes, the most serious truths are best told through laughter.
Here's our stellar cast...
Inspector Bertozzo — David Burles
Madman — Paul Smith
Constable — Chris Jones
Inspector Pisani — Chris Hulatt
Superintendent — Elizabeth Ollier
Feletti — Arabella Harcourt-Cooze
Tickets on sale and selling fast.
7 Oct 2026: Workshop "An Actor's tool kit"
Allisson DeFrees will share acting insights with us at the Centre. No cost to attend and off to the pub afterwards too. That's one thing we know we have in the tool kit.
11 Nov 2026: Play Reading
All round to Chris and Moira's for another play reading. Play still to be decided. Same plan as ever; read a play, drink some wine and have some chat
4-12 Dec 2026: Panto Time
And we're adding a few extra shows this year and all thanks to increased demand.
7 & 11 Jan 2027: Hound of the Baskervilles Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for a part. Then leave it to the director
20 Jan 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
27 Jan 2027: AGM
Our annual general meeting at the hall to review the year that was 2026. 8pm start followed by an open discussion about the group
31 Jan 2027: Annual Dinner
Yup. Last Sunday of January is the date and this is it. Probably at the School Kitchen again
24 Feb 2027: Workshop
We'll arrange a theatrically linked workshop at the hall. Sometimes run by external professionals and sometimes run by our members. 8pm start, probably
17 Mar 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
7-10 Apr: Spring Production "Hound of the Baskervilles"
Here we go, 2027. A ripping yarn to really get our teeth into
14 Apr 2027: Workshop
We'll arrange a theatrically linked workshop at the hall. Sometimes run by external professionals and sometimes run by our members. 8pm start, probably
19, 22 & 26 Apr 2027: Chiswick Shorts 3 Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for lots of parts. Then leave it to the director. This will be the third in this series of summer productions, and why not? They are so popular. Lots of small plays showcasing new writing, all done in a cabaret setting
5 May 2027: Spring Social
It's a social and it is in Spring. I think that says it all. The group will even chip in a little towards your libation. Not a life changing amount, so don't start looking in estate agent windows.
9 Jun 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
30 Jun - 3 Jul 2027: Chiswick Shorts 3
Our summer show following Chiswick Shorts 1 and 2. Same idea; 7 or 8 short plays from the Bite Size stable. So that's all new writing and in a cabaret setting. Our un-subtle idea is that and new directors and/or new actors can dip their toes in a little way, with lots of support and help. If you're thinking about directing and just a bit nervous, then this is for you.
5 & 8 Jul 2027: Autumn Show Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for a part. Then leave it to the director
8 Aug 2027: Annual BBQ
We'll update this when we know the details - keep the date for yet another subsidised social event
1 Sep 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
9 & 13 Sep 2027: Dick Whittington Auditions
At the hall. No preparations needed, just turn up and read for a part. Lots of room for everyone in this show. Then leave it to the director
15 Sep 2027: Workshop
We'll arrange a theatrically linked workshop at the hall. Sometimes run by external professionals and sometimes run by our members. 8pm start, probably
29 Sep - 2 Oct: Autumn Show
Show number 3
3 Nov 2027: Play Reading
Our members know what this is all about, but for the casual visitors and/or new members what we do is gather at someone's house and read a play. All very relaxed and a good excuse for some socialising. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Bring a bottle and/or some nibbles and go with the flow. Perfect
3-11 Dec 2027: Panto Time - Dick Whittington
Yes, our world famous panto is back once again. Tickets sell super fast and so we've added some extra dates and this includes a second matinee. See you all there
PAST EVENTS
26 Aug 2026: Play Reading
We're putting on a rehearsed reading at the Hall so we can give Sue S's little 2CV piece a proper outing. Preliminary idea is as follows:
Dear “ Bohemian Buddies”!☯️
A quick update on my “ The Bank Manager’s( Bohemian) Dream” short piece, on 26/8. The Committee have kindly offered for it to be in the Hall, with a brief rehearsal at 8 and presentation at 9, (possibly with other items too). The piece is narrated and mimed, (no lines to learn!) with a few minutes for strolling Parisian figures (freestyle, at this stage) representing the Bank Manager’s nostalgic memories, in the background… I’ll provide a few scarves, but please come prepared /dressed with “Bohemian” items of your choice: (berets, cravats, etc…). Delighted to announce that Utku will kindly be playing live Parisian chansons on guitar, for the occasion!(Travel plans permitting). A bientot!
Plus we had Amelia's self penned play acted out for us alondside some marvellously memorised pieces and a few rehearsed read sketches. And lots of mingling too. A top evening with thanks to Guy for pulling it all together.
9 Aug 2026: Annual BBQ
We held this at the hall this time where we had shade and space and facilities aplenty. Moira worked her magic on the food and Chris and Elizabeth worked the BBQ. Many members provided salads and sweets and nibbles and a fine time was had by all. And by all I think we were 30 people and with all that help to tidy up it didn't take long to clean up and close the event. Phew - a lot of work but great fun.
13 & 16 Jul 2026: Autumn Auditions
Our Autumn show is Accidental Death of an Anarchist and these are the auditions. Just turn up at the hall and join in. No preparation needed and we'll work with that. If you're new to the group and feeling apprehensive, please contact us before hand (contact form on this website) and we'll make sure someone is there to meet you and say hello. 8pm as usual.
1-4 Jul 2026: Summer Production "Chiswick Shorts"
Following on from last year’s success, St Michael’s Players have once again teamed up with Bite-Size, a Brighton-based group who’ve been performing short plays at the Edinburgh Fringe, and in Brighton and London for many years. We’re very excited to be working with them once again. Among the selections are insects getting intimate, astronauts going AWOL, a desperate shopper, a hen do with a twist and a couple of bank robbers on the run.
Each play lasts about 10 minutes and some plays contain strong language and adult themes. We’ll be staging it in cabaret style, with tables and chairs. So why not arrive in good time, take advantage of our well-stocked bar and enjoy a summer evening of theatre?
10 Jun 2026: Play Reading
Camelot comes but once a year. It's time to read our panto script We'll be at Ann and Neil's ready to rock the night away with some panto cheer. Christmas comes early.... There's invisible knights, magical wizards and all sorts of spooky goodness. 11 of us all had great fun reading and also reminiscing over the 2017 production. Oh the memories.
6 May 2026: Spring Social
An evening of fun and jollity at the Duck and Ball. We invaded the marquee which was kindly put aside for us. And despite the large marquee and 27 of us attending.... we only used the first quarter of it. Much more convivial. This was a 100% social event for all members, family and friends (within reason). Just turn up and mingle. And I could put Moira in charge of the £5 notes too. Perfect. Actually, it really was great fun - weather not the best for May but we did stay dry. Thank you to everyone who organised. Jo and Moira basically.
29 Apr 2026: Workshop - Speaking Out
The wonderful Nikki Kelly presented the all important projection class we discussed at the AGM. Unmissable! After all, there’s no point in being on stage if your audience can’t hear you! Nikki Kelly is an English actress, best known for her role as Sylvia Garnsey in the long-running British sitcom Hi-de-Hi!. She is the great-niece of eminent actor and theatrical manager Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, who co-founded RADA in 1904. She helped St Michael's Players most recently with our American accents in "Harvey"
27, 30 Apr and 7 May 2026: Summer Auditions
At the hall from 8pm....lots of interest this year and we have directors and cast....what more could an am-dram group need?
22-25 Apr 2026: Spring Production "Cause Celebre"
Cause Célèbre, was Rattigan’s last play, first performed in 1977, just before he died. It is a courtroom drama based on the true story of Alma Rattenbury, who was put on trial in 1935 with her 18-year old lover for murdering her elderly husband. It was one of the most sensational trials of the century, with press headlines of sex, drugs, alcohol and bloody violence. Yet it was also a tale of star-crossed passion, obsessive love and loyalty, with each defendant trying to take the blame alone. The jury had to decide whether both or one were responsible – and if only one, then which one?
Brought to the stage by St Michael's Players with direction by Alison du Cane. A complete sell-out and our most well supported play ever. A huge cast and a chance to use every single square inch of the stage too.
25 Mar 2026: Play Reading
Gosh, I have left this late to update. We'll be reading possibilities for Chiswick Shorts 2. And where will we be? At Vikki's. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start with Guy in the chair. Bring whatever tipple you fancy and let's take our first look at our Summer Show. 21 of us crowded in for this evening and how good was the hosting too!
18 Mar 2026: Workshop ‘Playing It Differently’ - How actors create meaning on stage.
We start this year’s workshop season on Wednesday 18th March at 7.30 in the hall and we have enlisted the expertise of Caroline Perkins! Her aim is to unleash the creativity and the playful process of creating drama and not forgetting the importance of voice projection and stage craft.
Beginning a session with a physical & vocal warm-up, then a theatre game to introduce the value of playfulness and teamwork. She uses a variety of exercises to introduce and practise the skills we’re focussing on, then we break into groups to devise and rehearse a piece of work to perform to the group. Her thoughts for the St Michael’s Players workshop were that it would be fun to explore the "elastic" nature of text - how the intention behind the lines informs delivery and how the decisions that actors (and directors) make around proxemics, stance, levels and non-verbal communication all affect meaning. Her website is: www.drama4adults.com. She has been running Alter Ego Drama classes for adults at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton since 2008 and has also run courses at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington.
13 of us were in the workshop and a fine time was had by all. Amazing how many meanings are possible from just one word with only changes to delivery and posture. Very interesting and a big thank you to ourselves for subsidising another workshop. Caroline said – “I had such a fun evening with the group and look forward to the possibility of another workshop sometime in the future.”
25 Feb 2026: Workshop
From 8pm. At the hall. Alastair will talk to us about his set design journey. We've all seen and experienced the leap forward our sets have recently undergone mainly thanks to Alastair's skills and enthusiasm. As our first recipient of the Bryony Wilman Scholarship, Alastair studied set design at City Lit and now we all get to hear and learn from the man himself. In fact, here he is in his own words
"As some of you may know I recently attended a course in set design at the University of the Arts, London. As the group sponsored me on this course under the Bryony Wilman Scholarship, I thought it would be fun to share some of what I learnt on Wednesday 25 Feb
During the session I plan to cover:
4 Feb 2026: Play Reading
We'll be reading "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" lead by Beccy Lee. We'll all meet up at Neil and Ann's. Same plan as ever; bring some drinks and nibbles for the table and socialise while enjoying the play. Friends and prospective members all welcome. A small and perfectly formed group enjoyed some G&Ts and a fun read-through.
25 Jan 2026: Annual Dinner
We're all off to The Pavilion - School Kitchen on Hartington Road for our annual dinner this year. We have arranged the following 3-course meal for £28 per person. This covers VAT and tip and is booked via our website/tickets.. There are a few choices for each course and you are asked for your choice as part of the booking process. Here's the choices.
Starters (served plated)
- Smoked Salmon Roulade
- Chicken Liver Parfait
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (VG)
Main course (served buffet-style)
Sunday Carvery, with unlimited Yorkshire Puddings, Roast Potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese, Orange-glazed Carrots, Tenderstem Broccoli, Cider-braised Cabbage, and Onion Gravy. Order from the following three main elements:
- Roast Meats (choose on the day from Roast Beef, Roast Pork, or both)
- Hake Fillet
- Mushroom Wellington (VG)
Desserts (served plated)
- Chocolate Truffle Cake (VG)
- Vanilla and Toffee Cheesecake (VG)
- Apple Gyoza with Vanilla Ice Cream
Some notes when booking
21 Jan 2026: AGM
A review of all that was 2025 and a brief look at plans for 2025. Your current and new committee is:
Chris Hulatt - chair / Guy Fairbank - vice / Moira Reid - treasurer / Jo Harry - secretary / Arabella Harcourt-Cooze / David Burles / Vicki Belcher / Gareth Sammer
12 & 15 Jan 2026: Spring Auditions
At the hall. Here is the script for now. What an amazing turnout and we are cast.
We're putting on a rehearsed reading at the Hall so we can give Sue S's little 2CV piece a proper outing. Preliminary idea is as follows:
Dear “ Bohemian Buddies”!☯️
A quick update on my “ The Bank Manager’s( Bohemian) Dream” short piece, on 26/8. The Committee have kindly offered for it to be in the Hall, with a brief rehearsal at 8 and presentation at 9, (possibly with other items too). The piece is narrated and mimed, (no lines to learn!) with a few minutes for strolling Parisian figures (freestyle, at this stage) representing the Bank Manager’s nostalgic memories, in the background… I’ll provide a few scarves, but please come prepared /dressed with “Bohemian” items of your choice: (berets, cravats, etc…). Delighted to announce that Utku will kindly be playing live Parisian chansons on guitar, for the occasion!(Travel plans permitting). A bientot!
Plus we had Amelia's self penned play acted out for us alondside some marvellously memorised pieces and a few rehearsed read sketches. And lots of mingling too. A top evening with thanks to Guy for pulling it all together.
9 Aug 2026: Annual BBQ
We held this at the hall this time where we had shade and space and facilities aplenty. Moira worked her magic on the food and Chris and Elizabeth worked the BBQ. Many members provided salads and sweets and nibbles and a fine time was had by all. And by all I think we were 30 people and with all that help to tidy up it didn't take long to clean up and close the event. Phew - a lot of work but great fun.
13 & 16 Jul 2026: Autumn Auditions
Our Autumn show is Accidental Death of an Anarchist and these are the auditions. Just turn up at the hall and join in. No preparation needed and we'll work with that. If you're new to the group and feeling apprehensive, please contact us before hand (contact form on this website) and we'll make sure someone is there to meet you and say hello. 8pm as usual.
1-4 Jul 2026: Summer Production "Chiswick Shorts"
Following on from last year’s success, St Michael’s Players have once again teamed up with Bite-Size, a Brighton-based group who’ve been performing short plays at the Edinburgh Fringe, and in Brighton and London for many years. We’re very excited to be working with them once again. Among the selections are insects getting intimate, astronauts going AWOL, a desperate shopper, a hen do with a twist and a couple of bank robbers on the run.
Each play lasts about 10 minutes and some plays contain strong language and adult themes. We’ll be staging it in cabaret style, with tables and chairs. So why not arrive in good time, take advantage of our well-stocked bar and enjoy a summer evening of theatre?
10 Jun 2026: Play Reading
Camelot comes but once a year. It's time to read our panto script We'll be at Ann and Neil's ready to rock the night away with some panto cheer. Christmas comes early.... There's invisible knights, magical wizards and all sorts of spooky goodness. 11 of us all had great fun reading and also reminiscing over the 2017 production. Oh the memories.
6 May 2026: Spring Social
An evening of fun and jollity at the Duck and Ball. We invaded the marquee which was kindly put aside for us. And despite the large marquee and 27 of us attending.... we only used the first quarter of it. Much more convivial. This was a 100% social event for all members, family and friends (within reason). Just turn up and mingle. And I could put Moira in charge of the £5 notes too. Perfect. Actually, it really was great fun - weather not the best for May but we did stay dry. Thank you to everyone who organised. Jo and Moira basically.
29 Apr 2026: Workshop - Speaking Out
The wonderful Nikki Kelly presented the all important projection class we discussed at the AGM. Unmissable! After all, there’s no point in being on stage if your audience can’t hear you! Nikki Kelly is an English actress, best known for her role as Sylvia Garnsey in the long-running British sitcom Hi-de-Hi!. She is the great-niece of eminent actor and theatrical manager Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, who co-founded RADA in 1904. She helped St Michael's Players most recently with our American accents in "Harvey"
27, 30 Apr and 7 May 2026: Summer Auditions
At the hall from 8pm....lots of interest this year and we have directors and cast....what more could an am-dram group need?
22-25 Apr 2026: Spring Production "Cause Celebre"
Cause Célèbre, was Rattigan’s last play, first performed in 1977, just before he died. It is a courtroom drama based on the true story of Alma Rattenbury, who was put on trial in 1935 with her 18-year old lover for murdering her elderly husband. It was one of the most sensational trials of the century, with press headlines of sex, drugs, alcohol and bloody violence. Yet it was also a tale of star-crossed passion, obsessive love and loyalty, with each defendant trying to take the blame alone. The jury had to decide whether both or one were responsible – and if only one, then which one?
Brought to the stage by St Michael's Players with direction by Alison du Cane. A complete sell-out and our most well supported play ever. A huge cast and a chance to use every single square inch of the stage too.
25 Mar 2026: Play Reading
Gosh, I have left this late to update. We'll be reading possibilities for Chiswick Shorts 2. And where will we be? At Vikki's. Arrive from 7.30pm for an 8pm start with Guy in the chair. Bring whatever tipple you fancy and let's take our first look at our Summer Show. 21 of us crowded in for this evening and how good was the hosting too!
18 Mar 2026: Workshop ‘Playing It Differently’ - How actors create meaning on stage.
We start this year’s workshop season on Wednesday 18th March at 7.30 in the hall and we have enlisted the expertise of Caroline Perkins! Her aim is to unleash the creativity and the playful process of creating drama and not forgetting the importance of voice projection and stage craft.
Beginning a session with a physical & vocal warm-up, then a theatre game to introduce the value of playfulness and teamwork. She uses a variety of exercises to introduce and practise the skills we’re focussing on, then we break into groups to devise and rehearse a piece of work to perform to the group. Her thoughts for the St Michael’s Players workshop were that it would be fun to explore the "elastic" nature of text - how the intention behind the lines informs delivery and how the decisions that actors (and directors) make around proxemics, stance, levels and non-verbal communication all affect meaning. Her website is: www.drama4adults.com. She has been running Alter Ego Drama classes for adults at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton since 2008 and has also run courses at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington.
13 of us were in the workshop and a fine time was had by all. Amazing how many meanings are possible from just one word with only changes to delivery and posture. Very interesting and a big thank you to ourselves for subsidising another workshop. Caroline said – “I had such a fun evening with the group and look forward to the possibility of another workshop sometime in the future.”
25 Feb 2026: Workshop
From 8pm. At the hall. Alastair will talk to us about his set design journey. We've all seen and experienced the leap forward our sets have recently undergone mainly thanks to Alastair's skills and enthusiasm. As our first recipient of the Bryony Wilman Scholarship, Alastair studied set design at City Lit and now we all get to hear and learn from the man himself. In fact, here he is in his own words
"As some of you may know I recently attended a course in set design at the University of the Arts, London. As the group sponsored me on this course under the Bryony Wilman Scholarship, I thought it would be fun to share some of what I learnt on Wednesday 25 Feb
During the session I plan to cover:
- The role of the set designer within the overall production
- Factors the designer needs to consider in their design
- Techniques for idea generation
- Turning initial ideas into the final design.
4 Feb 2026: Play Reading
We'll be reading "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" lead by Beccy Lee. We'll all meet up at Neil and Ann's. Same plan as ever; bring some drinks and nibbles for the table and socialise while enjoying the play. Friends and prospective members all welcome. A small and perfectly formed group enjoyed some G&Ts and a fun read-through.
25 Jan 2026: Annual Dinner
We're all off to The Pavilion - School Kitchen on Hartington Road for our annual dinner this year. We have arranged the following 3-course meal for £28 per person. This covers VAT and tip and is booked via our website/tickets.. There are a few choices for each course and you are asked for your choice as part of the booking process. Here's the choices.
Starters (served plated)
- Smoked Salmon Roulade
- Chicken Liver Parfait
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (VG)
Main course (served buffet-style)
Sunday Carvery, with unlimited Yorkshire Puddings, Roast Potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese, Orange-glazed Carrots, Tenderstem Broccoli, Cider-braised Cabbage, and Onion Gravy. Order from the following three main elements:
- Roast Meats (choose on the day from Roast Beef, Roast Pork, or both)
- Hake Fillet
- Mushroom Wellington (VG)
Desserts (served plated)
- Chocolate Truffle Cake (VG)
- Vanilla and Toffee Cheesecake (VG)
- Apple Gyoza with Vanilla Ice Cream
Some notes when booking
- Food will be served at 7.30pm, We've told them people will arrive from 7pm.
- Please buy non-refundable ticket - the insurance is un-necessary and a complete waste of your money
- That said, the restaurant open all day. There is a full bar and seating area if anyone wants to meet early (maybe for a game of pool).
- If you have any real food allergies, we've added a free space for you to tell us. This is not for likes and dis-likes!
- Entrance is through the gates on Hartington Rd and then turn left towards the pavilion
21 Jan 2026: AGM
A review of all that was 2025 and a brief look at plans for 2025. Your current and new committee is:
Chris Hulatt - chair / Guy Fairbank - vice / Moira Reid - treasurer / Jo Harry - secretary / Arabella Harcourt-Cooze / David Burles / Vicki Belcher / Gareth Sammer
12 & 15 Jan 2026: Spring Auditions
At the hall. Here is the script for now. What an amazing turnout and we are cast.
