St Nicolas Players Spalding

St Nics was set up in the late 1960s by Fred & Honor George who, having recently moved to Spalding, were asked to help the St Nicolas Church Youth Group produce a few plays. The group soon attracted members of all ages and St Nicolas Players was born. Their first productions in 1968 were 'See How They Run' and 'Christ in the Concrete City'.

 

The aim then, as it is today, was to encourage amateur performers to approach productions in a new and challenging way, developing and stretching them within a team of like-minded individuals.

 

The Society enjoys producing popular, well-known pieces, such as the recent highly successful 'The Vicar of Dibley', as well as more experimental productions. The South Holland Centre, Spalding is home to the majority of their performances but over the years they have also played in other diverse venues such as churches, gardens, and prisons.

 

Always keen to improve and learn new skills, 'St Nic's Workshops' a series of professional training sessions in association with members of the theatrical industry, including lecturers at RADA, took place in 1998. We are looking into the possibility of organising similar workshops soon.

 

St Nics prides itself that its members are all willing and able to take on any role within the society, whether it be making the tea or directing. Those working backstage are considered as important as those on it. The members are supported by a group of volunteers who form the committee and work tirelessly to run and develop the society.

 

An award-winning society, that has twice triumphed at the Bourne Festival, nominated and won NODA District Awards. St Nics also recognises members' contributions by presenting 'The Fred George Award' and Angela Newton Award annually. 

 

As well as being an amateur theatre group, St Nics also has a good social calendar, which includes theatre trips, a summer barbeque, quiz nights and, of course, post-rehearsal relaxation in the pub is not unknown!

 

St Nicolas Players are affiliated to NODA, the National Operatic, and Dramatic Association. NODA was founded in 1899 and has a membership of 2500 amateur theatre groups and 3000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK, staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts, and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing venues, ranging from the country's leading professional theatres to village halls.

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In October 2019 St Nicolas Players became a charitable incorporated organisation (Number  1185653) to advance public  education and appreciation of dramatic arts and music in South Lincolnshire and the surrounding area by:
A) The presentation of musical and dramatic stage plays.
B) Proving opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the production of amateur performances including scriptwriting, acting, music performance and production, and 'backstage' elements of stagecraft.