THE Abbey Players of Kingswood are immersed in their village community. Such is demand for tickets to their productions, shows invariably sell-out and on occasions extra nights have been staged. As the players celebrate their 30th anniversary, Gazette feature writer KIRSTY RAMSDEN spoke to a founder member, Mike Tapner, about the group.

THE VILLAGE of Kingswood could boast its own amateur dramatic group in the years following the Second World War.

The organisation was run by the village's Scoutmaster and Guide mistress. But, explained Mike Tapner, a member of the village's present group, the organisation eventually disbanded.

It was not until the 1970s that a new band of amateur thespians sprang up in Kingswood.

Mr Tapner said: "A group of us on the village hall project team wanted to raise money to build Kingswood Village Hall. We started doing some silly things to raise funds." One of these fundraisers was a Christmas show in 1973.

It was such a success, the group continued becoming Kingswood Abbey Players. Productions over the 30 years have included Toad of Toad Hall, Sailor Beware and the Ghost Train.

The plays and pantomimes up to the early 1990s were performed at the old Sunday School Rooms.

Mr Tapner said: "We used to have to build the stage and put lighting up." The scenery was painted elsewhere then transported by tractor to the Sunday School Rooms.

The players would work through the night building the scenery for it to be ready for opening night.

"The main curtain had to be fetched from the church and then taken down on Saturday night ready for Sunday church services," said Mr Tapner.

The players then moved to Kingswood Village Hall which has a permanent stage, lighting and space for a larger audience.

The group has up to 40 members, as well as a number of children which take to the stage for pantomimes.

Mr Tapner said: "We have done a lot for children and teenagers. There have been shows by them for them."

Some of the teenage performers have gone on to greater things including teaching at RADA and a musical career.

Mr Tapner explained the players were limited to just one production a year because members were such busy people.

"Everyone in the Abbey Players is also in the WI, village hall committee, cricket club and so on," he said.

He added a number of the village population worked miles away so had less time. He said: "We would like more members."

However the team attempt to get round all eventualities with the actors it has. For last year's production of Snow White a seventh dwarf could not be found. An amateur thespian of 6ft4in in height took to the stage to become the seventh dwarf.

Mr Tapner has been involved in entertainment since the age of 10.

He was a Cub and his family would organise the Scout gang shows in Bournemouth. When he and his wife, Sylvia, moved to Kingswood in 1972 they became involved in the village hall project and therefore the players.

There are a handful of founder-members.

He said: "There are a lot of members in their 70s and a couple in their 80s."

All the players either live or work in Kingswood and the village gives its support to the amateur thespians.

Mr Tapner said: "Shows are a total sell -ut every time and we have a reserve list. We enjoy doing it. It is fun."

He explained the players would "totally switch off" from their normal day and become immersed in the production.

They invariably stage their productions during the last week of November and begin rehearsals at the start of September.

The players each have individual talents to complement one another.

Mr Tapner said: "We have a lot of talent to call on. I'm good at painting scenery but very rarely act."

The players are a family-orientated organisation.

Mr Tapner's wife, Sylvia, is the group's secretary, his son-in-law helps with the stage and his two daughters help the children with song and dance.

For the 30th anniversary of Kingswood Abbey Players, performers are to recreate the first production.

In 1973 the players staged Christmas Crackers, a series of sketches, songs and a one act play.

The 2003 version is to be called Christmas Crackers - 30 years on. Kingswood Abbey Players began in a fund-raising capacity and has not forgotten its money spinning roots.

Mr Tapner said: "We have done performances to help other organisations with their fundraising."

Mediaeval banquets, Bedouin feasts and can can nights are just some of the events they have organised for organisations such as the cricket club and Charfield Village Hall.

To join Kingswood Abbey Players call 01453 843791.

Pictured: Kingswood Abbey Players perform Pyramus and Thisbe from their debut production in 1973, Christmas Crackers