Chris Poulton

After relocating to the charming town of Cheltenham in 2015, my partner Dave and I discovered the delightful Hardwicke Players, a local theatre company that stages performances each year. From the very first show we attended, we found ourselves completely enchanted by the performances, and we couldn’t resist the temptation to participate in some good-natured heckling from the front row—much to the delight of both the audience and the actors.

As we continued to attend their productions, we developed strong friendships with many of the cast and crew, who welcomed us into their close-knit community. It wasn’t long before we received an invitation to become more actively involved in the group. Initially, they reassured us that our role would be minimal—just a small part here and there. However, as often happens in the theatre world, those small roles quickly turned into a request to take over a lead character. They even asked if I could take centre stage for the opening number! It was an exhilarating moment, and after that, we were truly hooked on the magic of live theatre.

Though I live with chronic fatigue, which sometimes limits my energy during the demanding show week, I find great joy in supporting the company. I often assume behind-the-scenes roles, where I can contribute to the production without the intense physical demands of being on stage. My passion for the historic Kings Theatre, coupled with the camaraderie and enthusiasm of this big happy family, keeps me deeply engaged in the vibrant world of the Hardwicke Players. Each performance is a celebration of creativity and community, and I am grateful to be a part of it.