The Orchard Players Committee

Lynn Perera (Chair)

Hi, my name is Lynn Perera. I was an active member of The Orchard Players in my youth, regularly participating in summer shows and pantomimes.I rejoined in March 2014 when I took part in the summer show ‘Let’s Go to the Movies’.

I am now on the committee as chair person!

I am also one of the group’s choreographers creating dances for both adults and juniors.

Cheryll Burton (Vice-Chair)

I have been hooked by the performing bug since the age of around 8, performing with a local brownie group, through high school with the youth club pantomimes. I moved to Sproughton in the early 80s where I got involved in plays, directing panto’s for the local youth club and then performing in panto for many years with Sproughton Players.

My first panto with the Orchard Players was ‘Babes in the Wood’ as Maid Marion and have now played every role in panto (except Dame – will leave that to the boys!) and also regularly performed and directed for the group.

I also have a love of sewing and costume design and enjoy being involved in the wardrobe side of things. Being part of the committee I hope to represent the membership and see the group grow and evolve in the coming years.

  Linda Garrad (Secretary)

I have been part of the Orchard Players for many years either on stage or backstage dealing with the microphones. My husband Greg provides the sound and lighting for the Orchard Players productions, which is how I got involved in the first place. As well as my secretarial duties I am heavily involved in fundraising for the group, applying for grants and with the events themselves.

I co-directed with Rob Maplestone’s on his directing debut with Jack and the Beanstalk and with Cheryll Burton on two summer shows.

If I am not onstage I am in the tech team behind the scenes dealing with the 16+ radio microphones that we use for the shows. This is very challenging for an amateur group as each mic has a different frequency and can get outside interference which is beyond our control. Please forgive us if there is the odd glitch!

I also sing with the covers band Replay, New Band & Rock2Pop Duo.

I love being part of the group because they are appreciative and welcoming to all and appreciate my past experience.

  Glyn Hill

I was first a member of The Orchard Players in 1982, my first role was an ugly sister in Cinderella, I went on to play the dame in many panto’s as well as many other characters including Buttons in Cinderella. I was chairman of the group for a few years, as well as organising fund raising events, I also wrote the news letter for many years.
I left the group for a few years to have a go at plays and musicals, firstly at East Bergholt and then the Manifest theatre in Manningtree.
I’ve been back for quite a few years and have had a go at directing, Oliver being the first musical I directed a few years ago, I have directed a couple of summer shows, the secret to directing is have a very good co director. (Thanks Lynn)
My job on the committee is Health and safety, I’m getting to grips with it (I think).

Fiona Robinson (Treasurer)

Kerry Johnson  Kerry Johnson

I’ve been involved in performing for 18 years both on stage and behind the scenes - taking part in both pantos and summer shows over the years and taking on the role of chaperone. My daughter and I joined orchard players at the start of 2023 for their summer show “It’s Showtime” soon followed by my husband who joined for that years panto “Dick Whittington”.

I am one of the team of chaperones as well as taking care of the box office duties for each show (it’s me you speak to when you call to book tickets) and love being part of the Orchard Players family. Everyone involved is super welcoming and a joy to be around each week at rehearsals and show times. Whether on stage or behind the scenes everyone has a great time and I’m proud to be a member of the group and the committee.

Lauren Marriott Lauren Marriott

I have been part of The Orchard Players since 2023. At first I started out as a chaperone when my daughter performed in her first panto. I began to get a feel for the group and really enjoyed being a part of it. This lead me onto joining the committee in April 2023. In that time I have been involved in publicity, gathering raffle prizes and helping to organise fundraising events.

Judi Burwood

I joined the Orchard Players in 2000, initially to have some space and time out from a busy working and family life. Over the years as my children got older they also joined the group as did my husband who provided backstage support for a number of shows. A testimony to the family approach within the group.

I was drawn to the group as I’d always been involved in music in some way or another since my school years. Over the years I have undertaken chorus as well as solo/principal roles and now more recently find myself in charge of backstage where I still can’t resist the urge to join in and sing!

This is my second stint on the committee undertaking the lead for child protection. As a group we are committed to providing a safe environment where everyone can enjoy themselves and thrive.

There’s drama both onstage and off, but it’s fun and it’s lovely to be a part of the group.

  Jade Seager

I joined The orchard players in 2018, as a chaperone, whilst my eldest daughter and husband joined, in their first production, which was Oliver! From that first show, we were hooked and they've both been in all the shows since 2018.

Each show, I've always been a chaperone, loving the backstage and the hustle and bustle of it all. When the committee stated that they were looking for new members I jumped at the chance to become a member. Orchard players is an extended family, with everyone playing a massive part in the whole group. You will find me at the rehearsals and backstage, helping the juniors, playing a vital part in safeguarding and child protection.