About the Cottesmore Village Players
The Cottesmore Village Players were originally formed in 1979 by a group of like minded people who shared a love of music, drama and dance. The group now has around 30 members from varied backgrounds, who live and work all around the Rutland and Stamford area.
The group based themselves at the Sun Inn at Cottesmore where there is a small stage at one end of the restaurant. As time went on and the group grew both in numbers and popularity it became obvious that they needed to find a larger venue that would not have to close on show nights.
The Players moved to Market Overton Village Hall in 1996. With the help of a lottery grant of £15,000, they bought much needed new equipment including curtains, an electric piano and computerised light and sound systems. They also made a generous donation to funds for the village hall, which was at that time undergoing some major improvements.
The Players usually put on two shows a year. A pantomime in mid to late January and a musical or drama in mid to late summer. All members of the group are welcome to suggest a script that they would like to see the group perform. If more than one script is put forward, the whole group is asked to vote for the show they would most like to perform.
As well as being an amateur theatre group, the Players also have a good social calendar, which includes the 'Post Panto Dinner', a summer barbeque, ten pin bowling, theatre trips and greyhound racing. They also still pay regular visits to the Sun Inn after rehearsals.
