The Guild of Players 60th anniversary - BBC Scotland (Dumfries)

This year marks 60 years since The Guild of Players bought the Theatre Royal in Dumfries. The acting group moved into the historic building after its previous base - the Little Theatre - was earmarked for demolition.  Georgina Davies has more. Georgina VP: The Guild of Players was formed in 1913, making it one of the oldest amateur dramatic groups in Scotland. In its early days, the group was nomadic, performing at schools and church halls around Dumfries. During the Second World War, the Little Theatre at 15 Shakespeare Street became the Guild’s home – it was there that the group established its season, agreeing to perform five plays a year. Master of the Guild, Anne Aldridge says they began looking for new premises in 1959.   Anne Aldridge clip INWORDS: They were in… OUTWORDS: …pounds redoing it. DURATION:  0’29’’   This year - the 60th under Guild ownership - has been a momentous anniversary in the theatre’s history. The "Players" celebrated with a new logo, they held a gala night in October and allowed their audience to choose two plays. As this year draws to a close, there’s still a final play of the season to perform – the Christmas pantomime. [CLIP – I’m gorgeous OR wicked fairy] – faded into Emily’s clip. Emily Kelly clip INWORDS: My name’s Emily… OUTWORDS: …I’m loving it. DURATION:  0’19’’   Last year’s panto, Red Riding Hood sold more than 2-thousand tickets, meaning that over its 15 performances, 97% of seats were taken.    Dick Whittington is on track to do as well – if not better - this year.   But how do pantomime dames and slapstick comedy fit in an increasingly digital world? The Theatre Director, Mark Alexander says pantomimes is still an important Christmas tradition.   Mark Alexander clip INWORDS: It is where… OUTWORDS:…jolly good time. DURATION: 0’28’’   It’s been six decades since The Guild of Players bought the Theatre Royal in Dumfries.   The amateur group is still going strong and if this year’s panto is anything to go by, they’ll be based on Shakespeare Street for another 60 years.