Published: Saturday, 29th May, 2010 12:00pm

Making music for 60th year

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A POPULAR amateur dramatics group is celebrating it's diamond anniversary by putting on a musical extravaganza.

More than 50 members of the Crowthorne Musical Players are currently treading the boards in a production of Carousel - one of their largest casts yet.

Theatre-goers can catch the production, part of their 60th birthday celebrations, at the Wilde Theatre in South Hill Park in Ringmead, Birch Hill, until this Saturday.

Kim Halliday, who is managing the technical support for the show, said: "We chose to put on a production of Carousel because it involves so many people.

"Older members, current members and new members are involved, from seven to 77 years.

"The cast is made up of more than 50 people and we have managed to get people from all walks of life.

"Some members have even got their children involved. It is a real community effort."

The cast have been rehearsing for the past six months for the production, which is the main celebration for the anniversary, but the group is planning on holding a ball or party for members too. The club was formed in 1950 by members of Crowthorne Parish Church and members have produced more than 200 shows in the past 60 years.

Ms Halliday said: "We appreciate the effort everyone makes, we all muck in together which is probably one of the reasons we have been going for so many years. We are like a happy family."

The group is welcoming new members and their next project is a round the world in musicals production planned for October.

She said: "We are encouraging people to come along, there is plenty for people to do.

"You do not have to be on the stage, we need people on the front of house and technical support too."

She added: "It is a team effort, there is no one big star. We always believe every person has a part to play.

"Crowthorne Musical Players is a great group and long may it continue."

They meet weekly on Monday and Thursday at Crowthorne Parish Hall in Heathhill Road from 8-10pm and regularly hold social evenings.

Those interested in joining should call Kim Halliday on 07887 858209 or visit cmp-berks.org.uk for more information.