As the year draws to a close, it feels like the perfect moment to look back on what has been another busy, enjoyable and laughter-filled year for The Monkton Players. From rehearsals and performances at West Monkton Village Hall to play readings, set builds, social evenings and our Christmas get-together, 2025 reminded us why amateur dramatics play such an important part in village life.
Here’s our look back at the year.
A Strong Start: Rehearsals, Readings and Renewed Energy
The year began with The Monkton Players easing back into rehearsals after the festive break. Tuesday evenings at West Monkton Village Hall soon returned to their familiar rhythm — scripts in hand, plenty of laughs, and that unmistakable feeling of a new production beginning to take shape.
By February, rehearsals were well underway for our spring production Stalker Beware. As a fast-paced farce, it gave cast and crew plenty to enjoy, and early rehearsals focused on timing, character and the comic moments that would later have audiences laughing out loud. Social posts during this period captured those early stages where ideas are tried, refined and gradually brought to life.
Our AGM in May provided an opportunity to reflect on the year so far, share plans for the future and celebrate the dedication of everyone involved — both on stage and behind the scenes — who make The Monkton Players what they are.
Spring Laughter: Stalker Beware Takes the Stage
May brought one of the year’s highlights as Stalker Beware opened to audiences for three evenings of classic farce. With mistaken identities, quick entrances and plenty of comic chaos, the show proved a big hit with audiences from Monkton Heathfield, Taunton and beyond.
Following the production, The Monkton Players welcomed new faces to play readings and informal get-togethers, giving people the chance to see how the group works in a relaxed and friendly setting. These evenings are always a reminder that amateur dramatics are about enjoyment, participation and shared experience — not auditions or pressure.
From Summer into Autumn: Behind the Scenes
As summer arrived, attention turned to the autumn production According to Rumour by Robert Scott. While things may have appeared quieter from the outside, behind the scenes there was plenty going on. Set builds began, paint brushes came out, and rehearsals gathered momentum as opening night approached.
Photos and updates shared on Facebook and Instagram offered a glimpse into this side of amateur dramatics — the teamwork, creativity and good humour that go into every show long before the audience arrives.
Autumn Comedy and Another Successful Run
October and November saw According to Rumour take to the stage for three lively evenings of comedy. The performances were warmly received, with strong audience support across all nights and a great atmosphere in the hall.
As always, The Monkton Players are grateful to everyone who supported the production — from those who came along on opening night to those who shared posts, spread the word or lent a hand backstage. Every contribution helps keep amateur dramatics thriving locally.
Ending the Year Together: The Christmas Meal
As the year began to wind down, members of The Monkton Players came together for our annual Christmas meal at The Merry Monk. It was a relaxed and enjoyable evening, giving everyone the chance to step away from scripts and scenery, share stories from the year and enjoy each other’s company.
Moments like this highlight that The Monkton Players are about more than productions alone — they’re about friendships, shared memories and a genuine sense of belonging.
Looking Ahead: Spring 2026 and Mindful Mayhem
As 2025 comes to a close, excitement is already building for The Monkton Players’ Spring 2026 production, Mindful Mayhem. A farce written by our very own Tim Hiscock!
Play readings began in November, giving members an early chance to explore the script, share ideas and enjoy the first hints of the comedy to come. These early sessions are always a favourite part of the process — relaxed, sociable and full of anticipation.
Rehearsals for Mindful Mayhem will start in the New Year, with Tuesday rehearsals starting in January and additional Thursday rehearsals from February. Performances are scheduled for Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 April 2026, once again at West Monkton Village Hall.
True to its name, Mindful Mayhem promises plenty of energy, laughter and classic comic moments — another production perfectly suited to The Monkton Players’ style of amateur dramatics. Whether you’re interested in acting, backstage work, technical support or front of house, this production offers a fantastic opportunity to get involved.
Come and see a world wide exclusive as this hilarious play is performed for the first ever time.
Thank You — and See You in 2026
Thank you to everyone who supported The Monkton Players throughout 2025. From audiences and volunteers to new members and long-standing supporters, your encouragement keeps amateur dramatics alive and well in Monkton Heathfield.
We look forward to welcoming you back in April 2026 for Mindful Mayhem — and to another year of laughter, creativity and shared enjoyment.