Husthwaite has a long history of amateur dramatics, at least as far back as 1947 when villagers competed in the Yorkshire WI drama competition in York.
Interest was re-kindled in 2004 when Richard Wood moved into the village. On seeing our old village hall, he was inspired to direct Cinderella, the pantomime, drawing-in a cast of twenty five, supported by fourteen backstage crew, everyone living in the parish. That set the trend up to the present day:
| Year | Play | Director | Village Hall |
| 2004 | Cinderella | Richard Wood | Old |
| 2006 | Jack and the Beanstalk | Richard Wood | Old |
| 2008 | Aladdin | Richard Wood | Old |
| 2009 | When we are Married | David Pike | Old |
| 2011 | The Hypochondriac | Richard Wood | Old |
| 2012 | It Runs in the Family | Mary Hill | Old |
| 2014 | Drovers Road | Robin Walton | New |
| 2018 | Cinderella | Richard Wood | New |
| 2019 | Hay Fever | Lottie Alexander | New |
| 2020 | Wind in the Willows | Richard Wood | New |
| 2022 | A Christmas Carol | Lottie Alexander | New |
| 2023 | Treasure Island | Mike Wells | New |
| 2024 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Lottie Alexander | New |
The technical resources for our early productions in the old village hall were quite limited. For instance, the stage lighting used domestic light bulbs and security flood lights. However, the shows were great fun and always played to a near full house.
The move to the current hall in 2014 came with a vast improvement. We now have a flexible modular stage and professional stage lighting and sound systems, but the ingenuity and dedication of the cast and crew are still the same. Husthwaite is blessed with some very talented people.
Our plays are produced by Husthwaite Village Hall. Husthwaite Players, as we like to call ourselves, is one of many activities provided by the hall, for the benefit of anyone who wishes to be involved.
We are always on the lookout for experienced amateur actors of all ages, but also those with no experience who would like to give it a go. This also applies to anyone interested in working backstage. A big production needs so many skills:
| Set design, construction and painting | Graphic design of posters and programmes |
| Stage management and scene shifting | Publicity and advertising |
| Costume sourcing, alterations and fitting | Ticket sales |
| Props collecting and organising | Photography and videography |
| Make-up artistry | Front of house and bar |
| Lighting planning, rigging and running | Health, safety and safeguarding |
| Sound enhancement, sound effects and music | Management and finance |
If you would like to be involved in our next production in any way, please speak to:
Sheila Mowatt 868196 or Mike Wells 868398