Alan Harris .......Our Founder Guide & Mentor

Alan had a life-long love of drama, beginning at Primary School, when he would join the older class to take part in sketches and play readings. His mother Daisy had a natural flair for reciting poetry, and even in her 90's could recite from memory long poems she had learnt in her youth. As a young man, Alan joined the Clay Cross Market Street Methodist Amateur Dramatic Society, and appeared in several plays with them, before joining the Old Tupton Social Association Players,who performed at the Association Hall, Old Tupton. When the Clay Cross Company's sports ground was opened in 1952, Alan appeared in a short play, 'Elegant Edward', by Gertrude E Jennings and E Boulton. He made a guest appearance in 'Waiting in the Wings' by Noel Coward, at the Civic Theatre in 1966, for Chesterfield Federation of Townswomen's Guilds. 

In 1957 Alan directed 'Three Half Crowns' by John J Mellish, which was the first production of Old Tupton Methodist Players. The intention was to involve the young people of the Sunday School and Church. These plays continued until 1961, when 'See How They Run', by Phillip King, was performed.

In 1963 Alan joined Saltergate Methodist Church Drama Group, which later became the Thespians. His first appearance with them was in 'An Inspector Calls' by J B Priestley. Favourite parts over the years included Rochester in Jane Eyre, William Corder in The Murder of Maria Marten or the Red Barn, Heathcliffe in Wuthering Heights, Charles in Blithe Spirit and Albert Tufnell in Sailor, Beware.

In 1975 the first Easter Play, 'Thirty Pieces of Silver', was performed in the Chapel at Tupton. An Easter Play has been presented in most years since then, under Alan's direction. In 1980 'Painted Sparrows' by Guy Paxton and Edward Hoile was performed on the stage in the schoolroom, and was the first in a run of three act plays performed once or twice a year since, most of which have been directed by Alan. In organising the Chapel Players, Alan had no time to act himself, but he did have a small part in 'The Woman In White'.
Alan loved designing the stage sets, and spent many many hours constructing them, often with only Billy his collie dog for company. His woodworking skills, (he began work as an apprentice pattern maker), proved invaluable. 

Alan was always grateful to the people who had encouraged him in the early years, taught him and helped him to learn his acting skills. Peggy Childs was a prominent figure, along with many more, especially at Saltergate Thespians. Alan had a special talent himself for motivating people, and encouraging them. People who had never considered being in a play in their life, were persuaded to take part, and proved to have natural talent and ability. With high standards and infectious enthusiasm, Alan has led the Chapel Players for many years. We have all learned from him, and it is up to us now to carry the Chapel Players forward, for as long as our audience continues to enjoy our plays. 

by Catherine Moorcroft