Scaplen's Community Players
Meet the team...
Carole Allen - Artistic Director
It’s been an amazing journey since being asked if I could find a way to bring local history to life through drama, storytelling and song to where we are now. And we have plenty more ideas – watch this space
Bob Rankin - Treasurer
I've been with the Scaplen's Community Players since 2021 and I was really pleased when asked to perform in both 2021 and 2022 productions. Bringing small segments of Poole history to life through drama is not only fascinating but also super enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to our future plays & productions. Being part of this fantastic team, which has created an amazing team spirit has given me many memories which I will treasure.
Nicola King - Secretary
I have always been interested in history so I jumped at the chance of being a story teller for two 16th century characters from Dorset. I will continue to do this and also hope to act with Scaplen’s Community Players
Marie Bushell- Social Secretary, Social Media
I joined the Scaplen's Community Players in 2022 and have greatly enjoyed working with them ever since. I especially fell in love with the idea of combining history and performing, as they combine two of my favourite things. I am pleased and excited with how the company is growing, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. Thanks Carole and all x
Glanville Noye - Production Manager
I first became aware of Scaplen's Players when I went to see the very enjoyable Mayhem at the Inn, I was surprised that I knew most of the players. I was very pleased to receive a phone call inviting me to be their production manager for their future productions I have worked with several local groups but this one is rather special, I love the whole concept! So far two productions with this very talented and friendly group, hoping for many more
Helen Armstrong - Website Designer
I've really enjoyed working alongside Carole and the team to design and build a website that provides useful information and an insight into the activities of the group. I hope you enjoy exploring the site and learning more about Scaplen's Community Players!
Ian Bushell - Promotional Director
John Willmott - Health and Safety Advisor
Chris Roberts - Social Events Manager
Victoria Stanton - Lead - Scaplen's Singers
Josh Ward - Communications and Technology
Debbie Southern - Safeguarding Officer
Our Patrons
We are extremely grateful to our patrons who have helped us to keep going over the past few years
Roger Allen
Don Gent
Don Nutt
Katy Nutt
Our Playwrights
Katy Nutt, a local playwright, has captivated audiences with her works. Her plays, "Mayhem at the Inn" (2019), "Elizabeth Hyde" (2021), "Woodes Rogers" (2022), were co-created with Don Nutt. She explores World War II themes in "Unbroken Bonds: A Women's War" (2024) and "Echoes of Love" (2025), honoring D-Day and VE-Day anniversaries. Recently, she collaborated with The Scaplen's Team on "Shadows Over Whitechapel," set in 1888 during the Jack the Ripper murders. Nutt, a local playwright, has captivated audiences with her works.
Alice Hannibal is a dedicated BA European Theatre Arts student and enthusiastic writer. Her first play, "Big-Bottomed Anarchists," earned her a place at The Royal Central Academy of Speech and Drama. While she loves writing historical plays, she also enjoys crafting comedy and poetry, showcasing her diverse talents in theatre.
Activities
Our main aim is to have fun doing the things we enjoy...
Join us for a range of engaging activities designed to enhance your experience beyond rehearsals and performances! Participate in our workshops focusing on performance skills, fight sequences, improvisation, singing, and more. Enjoy play readings that explore various genres, including one-act plays and short scenes, and engage in informative talks with our talented playwrights, actors, and directors. Don't miss out on our social occasions to connect with fellow enthusiasts!
What people have said
Poole - Rotary
"They brought the Poole stories from our Pirates, Castaways and Codfish project vividly to life - Poole Rotary will be forever grateful for the excellent maritime heritage theatre".
Don Nutt - Pirates,Castaways and Codfish project Manager and author
They exceeded my wildest dreams in their portrayals of life in Poole in the 1600's and 1700's; and to popular acclaim. Bravo: Carole, Jo and all involved.
Chaz Davenport
I’ve performed in a couple of plays with Scaplens Players now. Playing Blackbeard and Thomas Hyde - husband to the legendary Elizabeth.
The beauty of working on projects like these is that you get to look a little deeper into some characters and events from history and you get to bring them to life.
As performers, we love to entertain and SCP gives us a chance to combine that with educating and informing. It may sound like a trite phrase, but we’re making history fun. For our audiences and, very much, ourselves.
Mike Pearce - The Society of Poole
Our contributions to the programming and activities on the day were welcomed by organiser Mike Pearce, of Society for Poole. They were provided so well by Scaplen's Community Players - with stories of old Poole on the first floor of the Oriel Restaurant and the first ever performances of The Hiring Fayre set in Poole in 1682. We owe a debt of gratitude to Carole Allen as producer and Rachael de Courcy-Beamish as director; and their brilliant cast of players and storytellers for all their performances.
