Chatsworth House setting for theatre company’s productions

Chatsworth Players in a previous production of Charley's Aunt.

Lindsay Jackson, producer with Chatsworth Players, said: “We are thinking of a comedy with a smaller cast, perhaps on two consecutive weekends, one indoors in the Chatsworth theatre and the other outdoors in the grounds. That way, we hope to be able to cater for all our patrons – we know that they’re desperate to come and see us and enjoy an evening at Chatsworth.”

The company had planned to stage Twelfth Night at the intimate theatre in Chatsworth House in October last year before the pandemic forced the postponement to June 2021. Now the production has been put back for a second time, to October 2021. Lindsay added: “‘We simply couldn’t rehearse the large cast of Twelfth Night safely within Covid guidelines from March, to be ready for June.”

Members of the society are currently meeting up online once a fortnight for play readings. Lindsay, who chairs the theatre company, said: “It’s lovely to keep in touch with our friends on Zoom, and it’s a terrific way to put together a short list of plays for the future.”

Chatsworth Players was founded by Lindsay’s mum, Sylvia Jackson, a professional actor and director, in 2007. The company’s productions have included The Crucible, Jane Eyre, The Importance of Being Earnest and A Man for All Seasons and have been performed in front of sell-out audiences.

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