The Players' Theatre - The World Famous Victorian Music Hall in London

Clearing up confusion!

We are very much aware of the confusion caused by the existence of two apparently similar groups.

We are the successors to the original Players’ Theatre Club. Dominic Le Foe and Bill Halson went to the High Court to legitimise the winding up of the old club and the purchase of its assets, including fixtures and fittings, furnishings, costumes, stage props and music-library.

The ‘New Players’ Theatre Club’ are the successors to the group that attempted unsuccessfully to regain the lease of the Villiers Street theatre.

The schism occurred following a meeting at which it was made clear that Dominic Le Foe was persona non grata to the leaders of this group. Indeed remarks were made about him that verged on the slanderous, despite the fact that he has crippled himself financially by paying off large debts that would otherwise have driven the club into bankruptcy, covering the initial costs of three High Court hearings and professional fees in relation to the winding-up, and funding three mailings and three members’ meetings.

Since then, loyal supporters of the original Players' Theatre club, have re-formed the club, and are working to restore its fortunes: none more tirelessly than Dominic Le Foe himself.

The NPTC have adopted a policy of putting on occasional ‘Extravaganzas.’ We, on the other hand, have now presented over 50 different bills in four short seasons, employed over 60 different artistes and presented around 250 different acts and songs.

The NPTC is optimistically hoping for sponsorship to acquire new premises, whereas our committee has already acquired premises just off Trafalgar Square. suitable for fitting out as a new, purpose-built theatre.

Is there any prospect of the two groups merging?

Bill Halson of The Players’and John Straw of the NPTC have met twice, not so much to discuss mergers, as to establish a channel of communication. They acknowledge that the perpetuation of two ‘rival’ camps is undesirable. However, regrettably, some personal animosities will be difficult to reconcile, and the approaches of the two groups are radically different.

We have indicated our readiness to accept members of the NPTC as members of The Players’ and offer them dual membership at no cost until their membership of the NPTC expires. At the appropriate time, such members would be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting. These overtures have elicited no response from the NPTC, but Bill Halson, in his January 2005 Newsletter, has again affirmed his intention to seek some form of rapprochement.

We are not, however, prepared to deviate from the direction we have decided to take. If the NPTC intends to continue its reliance on occasional shows and hope for sponsorship, then this unfortunate form of rivalry will continue.

The irony is that the members of both groups share the same love of Victorian Music Hall. Continuing confusion is likely to damage the prospects of both.

However, we of the ‘original’ Players have a clear sense of direction and are optimistic that Victorian Music Hall will be re-established in a permanent West End home.