by Jo Barnes | photo by Amanda Cribdon Photography –
A cardboard box becomes your castle; a wooden spoon is your microphone. When you’re a child, using your imagination while playing is just part of your day. But when you’re an adult, playing can transform your day.
Since 1952, local community theatre group Peninsula Players has been offering opportunities to people from all over the Saanich Peninsula to play, to tap into their imaginations, combine their talents, and tell a good story.
“Community theatre stimulates creativity,” shares Allan Haynes, President of Peninsula Players. “Theatre is something out of the ordinary in our lives.”
Based at and in partnership with the Mary Winspear Centre, Peninsula Players is not merely a local club of experienced actors, but a vibrant, inclusive group that welcomes anybody who wants to have some fun, make friendships, and use their skills in a variety of ways both on and off the stage.
“Our aim is to bring community theatre to the Peninsula and to attract as wide an audience as possible,” says Allan. “We want to get people involved in community theatre.”
Adds Past President Anna Lorenz: “Peninsula Players provides an avenue for creativity and camaraderie on stage, back stage and for audiences.”
So how does someone get involved? Whether it’s a variety show, musical or play, there are a number of ways people can participate. Maybe you love performing and are keen to portray a character. Maybe you’re handy with a hammer, nimble with a needle and thread or creative with cosmetics and would enjoy building the set, creating costumes or coordinating makeup. Often just taking that first step and getting involved can pave the way to other rewarding theatre experiences.
“Some people first get involved because they’re a parent of a child in a show. Then they themselves go on to participate as an actor or writer,” comments Allan. “Exposure to the creative side is a great thing.”
Valerie Rangeley, an actor in a recent show, reflects: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. When you get involved in community theatre, you get to know new people.”
Like other theatre groups, the pandemic has impacted the lineup of regular live shows. The productions Steel Magnolias and Black Adder have been pushed to May and September of 2022. The temporary postponement of live theatre, however, has not stopped the Peninsula Players from offering entertainment to local audiences. This past December, the group collaborated with Radio Sidney to produce A Child’s Christmas in Wales narrated by long-time Peninsula Player’s member Susan Anderson. The success of the show led to The Velveteen Rabbit, Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Tolling Bell, and Radio Sidney Hour of Smiles featuring students from Four Seasons Musical Theatre and Theatre Al Dente. Further broadcasts are planned for May including Sherlock Holmes – Scandal in Bohemia and The Adventures of Flash Gordon in the Multiverse written by Sasha Moriarty-Schieven. The shows are aired monthly then available on a podcast through Radio Sidney Soundcloud.
“We now have radio shows lined up until next October,” notes Allan.
The radio theatre programming has been well received all around the Peninsula.
“Apparently 400 people tuned in to listen, which I understand was a significant number,” says Allan.
In addition, Peninsula Players is finding other ways to prompt creativity from the community. Last fall, they ran a Halloween photo contest. Participants fashioned clever costumes and submitted photos. Another contest is planned in which contestants will need to record a song performance on video. Details will be posted on the Peninsula Players and Mary Winspear websites (www.thepeninsulaplayers.ca and www.marywinspear.ca).
“We are looking for creativity,” says Allan. “There will be a prize!”
Peninsula Players has a long history of mounting high quality productions including comedies, dramas, and musical theatre. The group has participated in juried festivals and garnered awards and performed at other locations such as the Berwick Royal Oak and Muse Winery. Venues, participants and the board executive may have changed over the years, but the appreciation for theatre remains constant.
“We have many regulars in our audience. We see familiar faces from show to show,” shares Allan. “There is a keen interest in community theatre in Sidney area. Many are desperate for it to come back.”
The annual panto presented by Peninsula Players is always a favourite which draws a wide range of ages both in participants and audience.
“We hope to do our December Panto. This time round we have Puss in Boots,” says Allan. “But we shall see; the schedule is up in the air.”
While live theatre may currently be on pause, Peninsula Players continues to provide entertainment and excellent storytelling. After all, the joy of reaching into our imaginations and playing is something that can never be stifled and brings out the kid in all of us.
