Our History
In the heart of Derby’s West End in Watson Street there was a Baptist Church where an important part of the Church's calendar was the Sunday School Anniversary. Part of these celebrations took the form of a concert to entertain relatives and friends. Members of the church used to organise this yearly event, mainly singing, recitations and comedy sketches. The concerts always included the Primary aged children doing their piece, well rehearsed by Miss Nellie Ratcliffe, who later became President of The Watson Players.
In 1965, a few of those involved in the Sunday School wrote a pantomime called "Cinderella". This was a great success and the format stayed the same for some years. These productions involved a great deal of improvisation - including borrowing members lounge curtains, threading them on a washing line and using them as the stage curtains!
In 1970, with the threat of the church's demolition looming, it was decided to form a proper drama group and, on 27th May of that year, The Watson Street Baptist Players was born - its name being changed to The Watson Players in 1972.
The Players first venue, after the Baptist Church, was just across the road in St. Anne's Church Hall where "Maria Marten" or "The Murder In The Red Barn" was performed. This was quite different to anything the players had done before. They were (as always) short of men and one member took no fewer than five parts!
The Players have presented pantomimes at St. Anne's Church Hall, Mickleover Methodist Youth and Community Centre, Mickleover School (now Murray Park), Bemrose School and, in 1980, they moved to the Guildhall Theatre.
The first play that was presented was "Sailor Beware" in November 1974 at the old Playhouse Studio Theatre in Sacheveral Street. Nowadays the summer production is usually staged at The Guildhall Theatre but plays have also been performed at the present Derby Playhouse Studio Theatre, Mickleover Methodist Youth and Community Centre and, in the open air in Markeaton Park!
In the early days the players thought an audience of 300 for their pantomimes was wonderful - recent pantomimes have played to over 2,100 people!
In 1965, a few of those involved in the Sunday School wrote a pantomime called "Cinderella". This was a great success and the format stayed the same for some years. These productions involved a great deal of improvisation - including borrowing members lounge curtains, threading them on a washing line and using them as the stage curtains!
In 1970, with the threat of the church's demolition looming, it was decided to form a proper drama group and, on 27th May of that year, The Watson Street Baptist Players was born - its name being changed to The Watson Players in 1972.
The Players first venue, after the Baptist Church, was just across the road in St. Anne's Church Hall where "Maria Marten" or "The Murder In The Red Barn" was performed. This was quite different to anything the players had done before. They were (as always) short of men and one member took no fewer than five parts!
The Players have presented pantomimes at St. Anne's Church Hall, Mickleover Methodist Youth and Community Centre, Mickleover School (now Murray Park), Bemrose School and, in 1980, they moved to the Guildhall Theatre.
The first play that was presented was "Sailor Beware" in November 1974 at the old Playhouse Studio Theatre in Sacheveral Street. Nowadays the summer production is usually staged at The Guildhall Theatre but plays have also been performed at the present Derby Playhouse Studio Theatre, Mickleover Methodist Youth and Community Centre and, in the open air in Markeaton Park!
In the early days the players thought an audience of 300 for their pantomimes was wonderful - recent pantomimes have played to over 2,100 people!