The Capel Players - About Us

The Capel Players are an unusual Amateur Dramatics group based in Enfield, Middlesex who now specialise in Cabarets and Singathon's solely to raise money for children's charities.

We were established in 1984, when the Parents and Friends Association of Capel Manor Primary School got together to perform their own unique version of Cinderella as an alternative to the children's usual Christmas party. It was intended just to be a one off performance, but proved to be such a resounding success that we put on three performances of Snow White the following year.

Our initial productions were not musical, however we gradually introduced more musical numbers during the coming years.

We made all the costumes and scenery within the group, having working parties during the weeks leading up to the shows, everyone made an effort to be involved, and the friendships that were made during the early years are still in existence now.

It's only since 1996 that we have had a regular rehearsal venue - before we were using local scout huts and school halls in an attempt to fit in as many rehearsals as possible.

During the time we were performing pantomimes we had to change venues for the shows three times due to the productions becoming bigger with more people being involved.

The efforts of putting on a pantomime eventually became too much for us and the expenses involved meant we were unable to give so much to the charity of our choice. We have however not ruled out the possibility of putting on more pantos in the future as this was an immensely enjoyable part of our history.

After the years of performing the annual pantomime, we took to performing singing shows for which were in increasing demand for, and developed an annual cabaret style show, which included songs and sketches, usually along a theme. We also moved to our current venue where we rehearse and perform our cabaret shows.

To promote ourselves we have taken part in local carnivals winning 1st or 2nd place, and we also advertise in our local councils organisations 'Blue Book' although word of mouth also plays a big part.

Our biggest fund-raiser however, is a 12 hour Singathon performed annually at our local shopping city, The Brookfield Centre in Cheshunt. Our 4th endeavour, in June 2002, raised over £3200 for the Special Care Baby Unit.

We also perform for local organisations, such as WI groups, OAP homes, Care groups, School Fete's, etc. to assist with their own fund-raising efforts. We do not charge a fee but a donation to funds or our current charity is always gratefully accepted.

We are not sponsored so our funds come from within the group. We endeavour that money raised from our shows goes directly to the charity. We raise funds by membership, running a bonus ball game, hosting quiz nights, treasure hunts, etc Our funds are used to buy or hire equipment and as our sound stuff is getting on a bit now, they will need replacing, but one by one!! Eeek!

Over the past 21 years,The Capel Players have given a approx £25000 to local children's charities and is something we are very proud of.