Five decades of ‘Greek’ dramas

4:04pm Tuesday 17th June 2008

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FOR five decades a magical thing has been happening in the heart of Walthamstow every summer.

A space hidden in the grounds of Walthamstow School for Girls is transformed into courts and battlefields, desert islands and enchanted woods, as Shakespeare is brought to life by the Greek Theatre Players.

Celebrating their 50th anniversary with a performance of The Tempest this month, the Players were formed by a group of former Walthamstow School for Girls and Sir George Monoux students and former teacher, Annette Park.

Several actors have joined the company through the years who have gone on to bigger things, including Ricky Groves who plays Gary Hobbs in Eastenders.

And their contribution to culture in the borough has been described as "very important" by the Tim Bennet-Goodman, chairman of Apex Arts, formerly the Waltham Forest Arts Council.

He said: "They may be amateur organisation but they deliver, and to a very good standard too."

The venue itself is a miniature version of a Greek amphitheatre surrounded by willow and birch trees and built by unemployed labour organised by the West Ham Board of Guardians in 1924.

The Euripides tragedy Medea was performed there a year later with Dame Sybil Thorndike in the title role.

The theatre's unusual design - a circular arena with steps up to a stage on one side and a grand pillared portico on the other - offers actors a variety of options for performing, from close-up subtlety to grand spectacle.

Chairman Don Hart performed in the first production of King Lear and has been involved ever since.

He said performing with the players has been "a constant joy and pleasure, except when it rains."

Doors open at 7pm and performances begin at 7.30pm on June 25, 26, 27 and 28. Tickets cost £7/£4 concessions and are available on the gate. Refreshments are available. People are advised to arrive early and bring blankets and cushions to sit on.

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