Biographies

I joined Petworth Players to be with my boys for my first time on stage. I'm a peasant, a chef, an octopus, a sailor and an ocean-dwelling chemist with lines and a song. I was thrown in the deep end with a life raft that are all the crew at Petworth Players who welcomed me on board with open arms!

I was born to be on stage but didn’t realise 'til I was in my mid- ahem never mind. Have been with players since 2018 and started as a tree whilst my daughter was a dwarf. I’ve played happy characters, evil characters and even some right drips. I’m always up for a challenge Petworth Players is my happy place where we are all like one big family supporting each other… especially when I forget the odd line or two, or say someone else’s!

Petworth Players! What can I say? It's my family, and like a family we have our highs & lows but we all pull together.

It's been a privilege to work with such talented people. From the off-stage crew to the cast young & old.

I find the stage my happy place & the various roles I've played have been great fun, but to me the most important thing is the acceptance of all ages & abilities, everyone is welcome.

Well I'd better get my bum & boobs back on and panto once more.
Looking forward to see you all after the show for a chat.
Cheers.
Howard Cronshaw
65-22-65!!!

Well where shall I start? I moved to Petworth 40 or more years ago and was asked if I would like to join Players and so I did. It is my second family, I always play the animal parts and love it! They are very friendly, always happy and always up for a good time.

I joined in 2018 with my daughter; all I signed up for was selling raffle tickets! Now I absolutely love being on stage, small or big role! My favourite role so far was Edith in 'Bloody Actors' in 2025. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, genuinely a second family!

Petworth Players have always been kind to me and always included me. I love going and being with you all. My first panto was Hansel and Gretl, I had a small speaking part and I remember my line "hang your father is a woodcutter and there's certainly no shortage of trees round here"!! Since then I've been the Poet and love it and very grateful that Andrew writes one for me. I think I would like to try a small role - I'm not good at dancing or singing - with maybe just one costume change? Then I could handle it I'm sure. Thanks for everything x.

I joined Petworth Players a year ago as something to do with my daughter. We both loved it, and I had a lot more fun than I could have imagined. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and rehearsals are full of laughter. This year my younger daughter wanted to join so we are back again. I’m so proud of my girls, watching them not only perform their hearts out, but also becoming part of this community, mixing with all ages and learning new skills. It’s a sheer delight.

I’ve been in Petworth Players forever; grandad was one of the founder members. I started in chorus dancing and singing, I’ve played princesses and fairies, been in plays and variety shows. Anyone that knows me would say I love to sing but Players is way more than a place for drama, it is part of my family who get me though the tough parts of life. In truth Players is so much part of me and I love it!

Amelia is a member of our junior ensemble.

Since joining Petworth Players, I have come to relalise that the stage was meant for me and now plan on pursuing it further with education and even my career. I’ve been in this group since 2018 and I love being a part of this family. One show that particularly stood out to me was my role as Alice in “Alice in Pantoland”. This role made me swiftly realise this is what I wanted to do with my life and I have never looked back!

Demetra was born in Dublin. She hasn't stopped singing and dancing since she was a toddler. This is her first panto and when she isn't panto-ing she likes playing rugby.

While this is only my first panto here, it certainly won't be my last! I have already had so many amazing memories that will last forever. This family is one that I never want to lose, and all of the members are so welcoming!! Thank you for treating me like I have been here just as long as some others, and not singling me out as the “newbie”. it really means so much to me!

I only joined Petworth Players in 2024 but feel at home there. I only had a small role in Robin Hood, and I was anxious at first to be on stage. After opening night, I genuinely loved it and realised how fun it is to be on stage and now I've realised this is a career I would love to pursue. My confidence has really grown over the past year thanks to panto.

Lauren is a member of our junior ensemble.

Rosie is a member of our junior ensemble.

I started back in 2018 with my mum and my friends, from a tiny little dwarf to being a princess last year. I love being in Petworth Players as everyone is ever so sweet and always boosts my confidence x.