Cast

Here are details of our members. Remember, we are always on the look out for more people to join, young and old alike, male and female. Do get in touch if you're at all interested.

 

Ernest started treading the boards by accident in 1959 with the Jubilee Players in Blackpool. Was asked to stand in and do a small part (village simpleton) with 1 weeks notice at the Jubilee Theatre in Blackpool, a wartime broadcasting theatre/studio with all its equipment still in place, and caught the bug. Had success at  local drama festivals with both acting and production and turned down an offer from a Repertory Company as well as some seasonal professional work for the relative security of a career in Banking. Joined the Little Theatre Group in Morecambe in 1961 to supplement the 3 productions a year in Blackpool and worked short seasons on the Pier. Had a rest from the stage after moving to Leeds in 1967 (family commitments) but got back into the groove with CAMC Drama in the early 1980’s. Has played the lead in, and directed many productions and feels that good comedy gives the most satisfaction.

Alison Yorke has been with the Group since 1981, at first helping with prompts and props and taking small supporting roles. More recently, major and leading roles have been the order of the day as well as directing. Alison loves causing chaos on stage (intentional of course) and is an expert at crying and screaming (her words)! She feels that at the wrong side of 40 (again, her words) she should progress from the ‘young love interest’ to more character roles in the future. Some who play opposite her (even more over 40) are still not so sure!

Paul Tosch originally from Tasmania, Australia, Paul is currently working as a Biologist at the University of Leeds.  He made his thespian debut in the 2005 production 'Party Piece' after seeing the Groups’ previous offering and thinking ‘I’d like to be a part of that.’. Paul does have trouble with an English accent, particularly a northern one, but he benefits from having some of the best northern accent teachers at CAMC Drama! He is waiting for a part where the leading role needs an Australian accent. We are not sure where this will leave the rest of the Group!

David Hick grew up next door to the local repertory theatre in Saltburn, David’s interest in drama goes back almost 60 years. Became seriously involved from about 1958 when he made his debut with the local “’53 Society”, joined a group of former pupils from his old school which put on productions during summer vacations and started producing with youth group members in local competition. Became something of an all-rounder, playing small parts, doing specialist backstage jobs - carpentry, make-up, making props  - and general stage management. Kept in touch during 3 years at college and university. Came to Leeds in 1968 and joined local group at St. John’s (Roundhay) Drama Group with whom he played major parts and became a regular producer.  David was a founder member and original producer of CAMC Drama Group for several years before “resting” when family was growing up.  Spent a few years with Leeds Art Theatre, including starring role in Pinter’s “The Caretaker” at the Civic Theatre, returning to CAMC group in 1994, David has been a regular as actor and producer ever since and has found producing all of our Alan Ayckbourn shows particularly satisfying.  He especially enjoys character parts and accents, having played a wide range of these over the years, including the odd supernatural role such as Zeus and Superman!

Janet Lapish has been involved with the Drama Group from the beginning, at first playing young women and then according to her, all too quickly, batty old women. She loves the fun and laughter during rehearsals and the stress as first nights draw near is always worth it in the end. Janet particularly remembers scenes involving mealtimes. Too much on the fork and ones mouth is still full when the next line needs to be delivered! During her time with the group Janet feels that there has always been great team spirit, especially during ambitious productions when everyone rallies round making sure everything is done in time for the production. Janet gets much satisfaction from making people laugh and the knowledge  that they have gone home cheered up and feeling happy.

Janet Daville felt that joining the Drama Group was one of her better choices. Having been involved behind the scenes in Youth Club pantomimes for a number of years she found herself unwittingly with a part in ‘Exodus’ and caught the bug. Her first part with the Drama Group was in ‘Holiday Snap’ in 2001 and since then she has been a regular. Each part, she has found, has brought a different challenge, in particular, what to wear. To one who likes to walk around in jeans, skirts are now becoming a regular part of her wardrobe. Janet is Secretary of the Group and as such is involved with casting. She feels that she is not a member of a ‘group’ but a member of a ‘Team’.

Desna Stewart joined the group in 1996 because of an interest in fashion when she thought that helping out with costumes would be just her thing! Helping with props and prompts followed but she got the acting bug and has progressed from ‘one liners’ to the very demanding role of Roma in a previous production called ‘Party Piece’.  She has directed one production and throws herself into all aspects of the Group’s activities. She enjoys the adrenalin rush when performing and gets a thrill out of just being involved. Desna is currently the Group’s Chairperson.

Vivienne Chaplin was one of the initial members of the group and has been taking part in amateur drama all her life.  She met her husband Paul, when they appeared together in ‘Dear Octopus’ when she was 12.  They have two adult sons, one in Manchester and one in Sydney, Australia.  She is now retired from her work as an Occupational Therapist and enjoys walking, singing and needlework, as well as drama.

Paul Chaplin was also one of the initial members of the group way back in 1979.  It is sometime since he trod the boards but is more than willing to if ever the right kind of role comes along – mainly very few lines to learn.  His main role is as the groups set designer and builder.  His sets vary from the relatively simple, a dining or sitting room to the more elaborate – garden with tennis court or the back gardens of two terraced houses with garden sheds, ponds, clothes driers and the like.  He prides himself on making sure whatever the set, it is solid, realistic and doesn’t wobble when a door is slammed shut.

Crew

A lot of work goes on backstage during a performance and also during the rehearsals and set building.

These range from prompters, set decorators, lighting and sound, photography, publicity, bookings, front of house, costumes, props and of course our directors.

A few names to mention:

Stephen Wakefield, Eileen Beedle, Jennifer Daville, Chris Grant, Helen Gill, Margaret Benson, David Barnfield, Mandy Grant.