There's more than Just Us!

Helen Dawson and Betty Athorn of Just Us Players

Just Us Players are a local drama group set up 39 years ago by three friends, Betty Athorn, Doreen Holt and Mike Chester.

Two of the founder members, Mike and Betty, are still with the group. The players are based at Greenacres Community Centre, where, as well as dramatic productions, they hold an annual pantomime. (Oh yes they do!)

Local amateur dramatics groups wouldn’t exist without the enthusiasm of their members who do more than learn lines. Cast member Helen Dawson thinks Just Us Players has given her a real chance to have a go at everything from producing programmes to making props.

She says: “ I came to watch a production one evening and just wanted to become more involved”.

This is due in no small part to what Mike Chester describes as a special bond within the group. “ We pride ourselves on giving people, young and old, the chance to act and be part of a production. It’s very satisfying to see people’s confidence grow as they take part,”  he said.

This is definitely the case as far as Watersheddings man, Gary Webzell, is concerned. Taking the role of King Bonga Bingo in "Dick Whittington" gave him a chance to really “test me bottle” as he put it. Gary believes groups like Just Us Players are keeping community spirit alive.

The annual pantomime gives Just Us Players the chance to invite local children to join in, and director Betty Athorn rises to the challenge of working with up to 20 youngsters. “Some of the children have grown up with us and we see them change from being shy wall flowers to confident performers in the space of one production.”

Just Us Players are performing the pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk” at Greenacres Community Centre,  Galland Street, Oldham, on Friday, January 29; Saturday, January 30, and Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6, 2010.

For tickets and information email justusplayers@yahoo.co.uk or call Betty Athorn on 01457 870559.