Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The South Bank players have been in existence for many years. According to treasurer Peter Swann, the group's origins lay twenty years in a theatre group formed by Nina Heath associated with the local church in Barrow. Peter joined the group around fifteen year ago and was 'conned' into taking on a part in one of the group's early pantos and has been associated with the group ever since. He says over the years the emphasis has changed from being a church based group in Barrow to a community endeavour taking in members from other parts of northern Lincolnshire including Immingham. The group became so popular that there's now an offshoot branch based at Immingham.

The South Bank players are now based at the Ropewalk theatre in Barton. According to Peter, this venue has played a significant role in developing the talent and the experience of the people who take part and the patrons who come to see them at work. The group generally put on three plays a year although the range of activities is increasing as more and more younger people have become involved.

Jeanette Guy, is the current Youth Theatre Leader and a teacher and instructor who studied drama and dance at college. She joined the group around six months ago after being encouraged to take part in a panto. Jeanette has also encouraged youngsters in her charge to take part in the chorus line for the Players. Since then she's also been teaching adults to dance who represent more of a challenge than her younger charges. In addition to coaching the youngsters for the new group, Jeanette has also written for the stage. In the summer, the youngsters will be travelling as far as Bridlington to showcase their work.

The current public relations office for the group is Becky Hall who started out as a Youth Leader in Immingham and was asked to take part in a play a couple of years ago and has been a member of the group throughout that time. Becky is also involved 'ghost walks' which the group organises. The walks which take place on the last Wednesday of every month have proved very popular over the years and explore the spookier parts of northern Lincolnshire. Becky's role is almost full time for the group as she spends her time organising events and publicity for it's numerous activities.