There is a long tradition of drama at Old Tupton Methodist Church.  In the 1930's several short plays were presented in the chapel at Old Tupton, including 'Neighbours of Gooseberry Court'. In March 1938, an operetta, 'Zurika' by Clementine Ward, was performed by chapel members and friends in St John's schoolroom, in New Tupton.  Further productions were planned but were halted due to the onset of war. 

After the war a drama group was formed in the Association Hall, (now demolished), which stood next to the Chapel, called the Old Tupton Social Association Players. Several chapel members took part. Then, in 1956, the Old Tupton Methodist Church Dramatic Section was formed by Alan Harris and the young people of the Chapel. 'Uncle John from Yorkshire' was the first production, in January 1956, the intention being to encourage the young people in drama. Productions took place in the Association Hall, and continued until 1961. Several of the original members are still involved with 'Chapel Players' today -  Clem, Kathleen and Colin Sorrell. 

In 1968 the new school room was opened, complete with a stage, but this wasn't used for plays for some time. In 1974 building work in the Church, to combat dry and wet rot, resulted in the construction of steps and a raised plinth around the pulpit, which was ideal for use in drama. 
After a break of several years, an Easter play, 'Thirty Pieces of Silver' was presented in 1975, in the Church, performed on the steps around the pulpit. An Easter play has been produced almost every year since then. The stage in the school room was first used by the players in 1980, for the Easter play 'Bitter Heart' by G R Myres. Most of the Easter plays have been produced on the stage since then.

From 1973 to 1983 the Sunday School presented short plays and sketches for the Circuit Youth Concerts in the area. In earlier years there had been various pageants for the Circuit Junior Missionary Rallies and Sunday School concerts. Along with the annual Nativity, there were many opportunities for children and young people to experience drama and gain confidence in performing in public.

The name 'Chapel Players' was first used on the programme of the 1986  production of 'Counsel for the Defence' by Elizabeth Hale, but the name had been used informally before this. A newspaper report on 'Ma's Bit O' Brass' by Ronald Gow in 1985 mentioned Chapel Players. 'Painted Sparrows' by Guy Paxton & Edward Hoile, produced in 1980, began our present run of full-length productions. During 1993, as part of the Church's 150th year celebrations, Chapel Players presented, for the first time, three plays in the year. In this year also, improvements to the school room incorporated an extension to the stage, making it wider and deeper. A store for scenery has been built since. 
The Chapel Players have an enthusiastic and well established company. We are always seeking new members, especially young people who wish to take part in amateur play productions.