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With an enthusiastic and hardworking group behind it the Cottingham Little Theatre has been bringing drama to the people of Cottingham and it's surrounding area for almost 90 years.

The group originally held rehearsals above the Hallgate Pharmacy. From the mid 1920s the society moved its performing venue to the village hall which it occupied for 35 years. In 1965 productions were moved to the Civic Hall but now productions are held at the Darby and Joan on Finkle Street in Cottingham.

Ten years ago Bob and Kaye became involved with the group and although they've never had any urge to tread the boards themselves they work hard to support the group in the two to three presentations held each year.

Since retirement, Bob who worked in administration and Kaye, who was a teacher, have immersed themselves in the world of promotion and ticket sales. Promotional work starts months before a performance and even when posters are produced, press contacts and tickets are sold. Bob and Kaye can still be found welcoming patrons on the night in addition to helping out backstage when required.

This picture shows Bob and Kaye enjoying themselves at a 70th birthday celebration for Bob aboard the Orient Express, Northern Belle which was organised by his family. The Belle pulled out of York and travelled around the West Riding and parts of North Yorkshire whilst Bob and Kaye enjoyed lunch during their journey and Bob says it was a most enjoyable and memorable journey.

For their main picture Bob and Kaye selected a photo from the November 2007's performance of Cat's Cradle and shows the high production values the shows aim for. He says there's a hardworking crew behind the scenes to ensure that the sets and props are as accurate to the period of a play as they can make them.

Members are often scouring car boot sales and flea markets to try and pick up a lamp or piece of furniture that might suit a particular performance. As for the cast themselves, their backgrounds are varied. Nurses, publicans, retired teachers are just some of the professional people who take part. The current director is a garage owner.

There's a social element to the gathering too. There's a friends group and people who subscribe get a good deal on tickets, but they also get together to attend other social functions together which is how Bob and Kaye were drawn into the workings of the society.

Cottingham Little Theatre also encourages youth talent too. There's a youth group which manages its own affairs and is aimed at 11 to 18 year olds who put on their own performances at various venues in Cottingham or Wyke Sixth Form College.