The Orchard Players Committee

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.

          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.

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 in a covers Duo Rock2Pop. We perform at pubs, clubs, weddings, private parties & Capelfest 2025.

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

I have always loved music and drama, and I have been part of The Orchard Players since 2023 when I moved to the village. I love being part of both the summer shows and pantomimes and really enjoy being part of such a lovely, welcoming group. I am constantly impressed and amazed at how the team can develop and create such incredible shows. I am pleased to be part of the committee this year and I have taken on the role of Treasurer..

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.

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.