New Book celebrates Golden Age of Harrogate Theatre’s history
History of White Rose Players documented
 
 
A brand new book has been published detailing the history of The White Rose Players. Full of stories and anecdotes from the first fifteen years of the Players time in Harrogate this is one of the most comprehensive looks at this influential period of the Theatre’s history.
 
Written by Derek Mills, whose father James produced the White Rose Players between 1934-1945 and his mother Marjorie Bennett who also performed with the Players, the book is full of insight and stories from someone who experienced the Players up close and personal.
 
In January 1933 the Theatre became home to the White Rose Players repertory company. The White Rose Players was one of the first permanent repertory companies in the country, performing around 45 shows a year on a weekly basis. Amongst the famous names associated with the White Rose Players are Sonia Dresdel and Trevor Howard who worked here in the 1930’s, and Brian Rix, Arnold Ridley (of Dad’s Army fame) and actor and playwright John Whiting in the 1940’s.
 
The White Rose Players: The First Fifteen Years examines:
-      The players themselves and outlines the many famous faces to grace the stage and charts their post-Players careers
-      The plays that were staged throughout the period exploring some of the more significant productions.
-      The rigours of weekly rep theatre
 
Jim Clark, Harrogate Theatre Chairman said: “Its tremendous that there is such a wonderful book has been written paying homage to a tremendous period of Harrogate Theatre’s past. The insights that Derek has brought to this subject allows us a unique glimpse into this wonderful time. It is staggering to see how many White Rose Players gained national prominence via their work on stage and screen. I hope that people will enjoy reading the book and marvelling at this bygone age of entertainment.”
 
Derek Mills said: “Writing this history brought back many happy memories of Harrogate; firstly during these halycon pre-war years when, as a boy, one had so much freedom. I was always meeting members of the Company and remember all of them fondly. I also remember backstage well, having walked across it before performances in the dark. I only appeared in one play, Goodbye Mr Chips, we had a wonderful time and the stagehands shared our mirth at what was, to us, a great event.”
 
The books are priced at £9.99 each and only a limited number of books are available in this first printing. They can be purchased from Harrogate Box Office on Oxford Street, 01423 502 116 or online by clicking here.