Our History

The Exmouth Players, was founded in 1928, by a break away group from the Exmouth & District Drama League.
Rehearsals took place in a Nissen Hut in the grounds of the Cranford Club, ( photo attached) and plays were first produced at the Church Hall, Savoy 1935, then the Pavilion in 1946, when the Players premiered R.F. Delderfield’s acclaimed “Worms Eye View” which broke all Box Office Records.
Miss Jessie Blackmore, a Member of the Exmouth Players, purchased a Billiard Hall in Bicton Street for the Players ( photo attached) In 1953 Bill Sleeman included it in his Photograph Collection. The Exmouth Players Drama Club was situated next door to a Butchers and the Players building at one time was a Slaughterhouse.
In 1984 the Exmouth Players was granted a Theatre License, and have performed all their Productions at the Blackmore Theatre ever since.
The Players have hosted the opening round of The All England Theatre Play Festival since 1979, and are held in high regard with Adjudicators throughout the UK.
In 1999 the Players were in danger of folding as their Landlord wished to retire to Portugal, and a property developer wished to purchase the site. The Members fought to keep their Theatre and after long and protracted negotiations with East Devon District Council were fortunate to obtain an interest free loan from the EDDC and £5’000 Grant from both the District and Town Councils.
We paid off our Mortgage in 2011, and in 2012 we once again produced “Worms Eye View” In 56 years we had gone full circle, from a Nissen Hut to the Blackmore Theatre, Home of the Exmouth Players.

Work in progress

Currently we are in the process of planning our latest project on the theatre. Things here never stand still and we have a number of projects we would like to do, funds dependant. Here are some of the items on our list for 2022:

  • Carpet replacement in the foyer
  • Dedicated ticket box office downstairs
  • Upgrades to the lighting
  • Lower dressing room refurbishment
  • Electrical upgrades downstairs

All of these project require both money and volunteers so if you willing to lend a hand then please do consider joining the Exmouth Players.

Credits

The Exmouth Players and Blackmore Theatre would like to thank all those that give their free time and support. We are very lucky to have such committed and valued members over many years. The time and effort given is crucial to the on-going work of the Theatre and our ability to produce at least 4 productions per year for the local community to enjoy.

As I’m sure you are aware, money is scarce at best which means we have to be almost completely self-funding. This takes many forms including Coffee Mornings, Theatre Hire, Costume Hire and our own Productions.

We are also very grateful to those who have given donations to aid with specific projects or even the continuing upkeep of our precious building. This gratitude further extends to money bequeathed to us from some very dear past members.

From all at The Exmouth Players and the The Blackmore Theatre, THANK YOU!

We know there are so many people to thank, below are some of our current members who help in so many ways. We would like to apologies, in advance, if we have missed anyone off:

Front of House Margaret Whilden
Props Lyn Hudson
Photography Emma Crane
Publicity Alix Kelman
Set Construction Members of the Club
Wardrobe Members of the Club
Furniture Annette & Steve Driver
Fund Raising Team Margaret Whilden
Bar Mike Goom

Get Connected

The Blackmore Theatre is available for external hire.
We already have a number of local charities & schools which regularly come use the theatre for their performances.
We actively encourage the use of the venue by the local community,
we work closely with everyone to tailor the needs and make their experience as enjoyable as possible.