The Marlowe Players amateur drama group was founded on 15th January 1948, when a small group of people met round a fireside in Chaddesden to discuss the formation of an independent drama society. They wanted the freedom of ideas and choice of plays which independence allows and which is not always possible for an 'attached' society.
The first play, presented at the Railway Institute, in September 1948, was "Robert's Wife" by St. John Ervine. Rehearsals took place at St. Michael's Church House. Since then there have been over 140 major productions. In addition the Players have staged recitals of poetry and music, old time music hall and have entered productions for various festivals, both competitive and non-competitive. The Players celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1998.
Rehearsal venues have been as varied as our productions and have included a railway arch and a furniture showroom. After 30 years at St. Augustine's Community Centre in Normanton, we moved to Darley Abbey Village Hall in 2006 where we continue to meet every Tuesday evening.
