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New Era Players

The New Era web site is at www.neweraplayers.org. Twitter @NewEraPlayers or Facebook.

We are now doing fortnightly improv sessions. See below.

Next production

Where

New Era Theatre, Wash Common, Newbury RG14 6NU.

Box office

booking.westberks.gov.uk for 7th and 8th, New Era web site for 9th and 10th.

Reviews of The Old Country

11th to 20th September 2025

Review from the Newbury Weekly News.

Thought-provoking theatre

For their September production New Era offer this thought-provoking play; one which leaves you thinking long after you leave the theatre.

The play rests on the interactions between three couples, starting with Hilary and Bron. He has betrayed his homeland, yet in exile he has created a small patch of England to live in.

Richard Tripp conveyed something of the frustration of this tired ex-spy, a self-centred snob thoroughly bored by his genteel imprisonment. Jacqui Trumper gave a likeably rounded performance as his wife, more sociable and torn between her husband and a wish to return home.

It’s a wish that will surprisingly be granted during a visit from relatives Veronica and Duff, played by Lucinda Lane-Hill and David Tute. Their arrival brought humour and vigour to the action, and they both maintained a captivating panache throughout. Eric and Olga were somewhat fringe characters, but well portrayed by Gareth Croft and Val Gladkova. They were instrumental in revealing some of the tensions between Hilary and Bron, and later in effecting their eventual repatriation.

This is Bennett’s study of Englishness. Although set in rural Russia, the play’s main protagonist is really England. Like Rebecca and Godot, the eponymous entity is much discussed but never actually present.

And the country is certainly ageing – declining in the opinion of both Veronica who lives there and brother Hilary who has been away for 15 years. There are no Lyons Tea Houses and the WI “isn't what it was”. The many contemporary references to mid-70s Britain give a true sense of period to the action.

A small cast means lots to learn for the actors. As well as mastering most of the lines, they all displayed excellent technique in using the ‘fourth wall’, gazing into the auditorium to watch and hail unseen characters passing by.

The set was excellent. Director Ann Davidson had her team well prepared and confident. This was clearly a labour of love for her, and the result is cause for considerable satisfaction.

MIKE BROOK

About New Era

This small, friendly and very successful theatre group was established in Newbury in 1978, and we are lucky enough to have our own small theatre in Wash Common. (click here for a map). We produce several plays each year covering a wide variety of theatrical styles.

New Players Acting Membership

Share the experience of performing on stage; join the challenge of set-building or the creativity of costume design; enjoy the teamwork in whatever direction your talents take you. You could be an active participant in our future productions, or join us for play readings, workshops, theatre outings and a variety of social events. Whether you are experienced or just have bags of enthusiasm, you can be assured of a warm welcome.

If you are interested in becoming an acting member please email our membership coordinator at the address .

New Era - ImprovNew Era - Backstage halp wanted

Audience Membership

To book tickets for any of our productions, please contact our Box Office on 07919 916009 for more information.

Previous productions