25/06/12….The show must go on !

THE long-standing Chairman of Thame Players was given a great send-off by over fifty supporters, members and friends of the group at the Players Theatre in Thame on Friday evening.

Tony Long, who has chaired the Thame amateur theatre group for 13 years, had no idea that behind the scenes new chairman, Pat Shepherd, had organised the event. He expressed his delight at seeing so many people turn out on a wet evening to thank him for all his hard work as Chairman. It was Tony who oversaw the major project, transforming the old theatre in 2002 from a converted church hall into a modern theatre, with new stage, auditorium and bar/foyer facilities, that theatre-goers enjoy today. Tony led the drive to get funding, through a mixture of sponsorship and grant funding from South Oxfordshire County Council and Thame Town Council, commissioning the work and seeing it through to completion.

Tony commented: “The refurbishment of the theatre back in 2002 was undoubtedly the highlight of my stint as Chairman. Now we are looking to make further improvements and it?s an ideal time for a new Chairman to be at the helm.?

Tony also played a leading role in improving the variety and frequency of programming that the theatre has to offer. These days, as well as five Thame Players? own productions each year, including a much-loved pantomime, the theatre hosts visiting productions by other theatre groups and a range of celebrity appearances, and it also hosts a thriving cinema club.

Tony will remain an active member of the committee as well as continuing to take part in plays, whether acting, directing, or helping with the production behind the scenes. He said: “I?ve thoroughly enjoyed being Chairman of such a vibrant drama group, but now I?m happy to hand the reins over to Pat Shepherd who will, I know, continue the development of the theatre for the enjoyment of future audiences.?