Bognor reunion marks 40th anniversary of West Meads Players

Two of the ex-members of West Meads Players flew from France to join in the get-together.

Others travelled long distances in the UK for the chance to relive old times on the stage of the former Esplanade Theatre.

The Players were renowned for their annual Christmas pantos. They ran for a week at the theatre and commanded total audiences of some 6,000.

Former West Meads Player Jean Garforth hosted the reunion at her home in Wessex Avenue. Bognor Regis.

She was joined by 30 others as they marked the 40th anniversary of the Players' first meeting and rehearsal.

"All the shows were produced and directed by the late Peter Young," she said.

"His talent was recognised by the entertainments manager, Charles Powell, who was so impressed by our first panto held in Bognor Community School's hall he contracted us to do future shows at the Esplanade Theatre.

"In the 70s and 80s, we performed a variety of shows in the 700-seat theatre. These popular shows ranged from variety old time music halls to revues.

"Sadly, with the death of Peter Young in the 1980s, the group split up.

"Many of the members joined other groups in the town, such as the Bognor Regis Operatic Society and the Arun Sounds, which are still entertaining today."

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