THE KERNOW PLAYERS were founded on the 27th April 1956 by a group of people formerly known as ‘Bits and Pieces’. This group was a breakaway group from the Ladies W.I. Group, as they wanted to include men in their performances, and men being in the W.I. Drama Group was strictly forbidden!! There were several female members from all the afore mentioned groups who seem to have formed a group called the Victory V Girls that staged variety concerts during the 2nd World War. 

Though formed in 1956 the company didn’t manage to stage their first show until 1958 for various reasons and performing only sometimes once a year unlike the company today who perform anything up to 4 shows a year and have their own Little Theatre. 

The Kernow Players have over the years won competitions during the 70’s at the County Drama Festival and latterly the Calor Gas Pantomime Competition. Moving from The Church Rooms in the early 80’s, the players relocated to The Pollard Hall in Barry’s Lane which was then owned by the Methodist Church and when the hall came up for sale was purchased by the Kernow Players and has been a permanent home since the latter part of the 80’s and renamed The Little Theatre. Kernow Players still strive to provide good all round family entertainment, as well as entertaining at care homes, giving away monies and helping raise monies for various good causes locally and nationally.

As to the shows and using early minute books where possible I think I have been able to trace most of the shows and their producers. The list on the past shows page is as accurate as records show.

Venues used for the early concerts were St Merryn, St Columb, & Church Rooms Padstow.

Sue Norfolk – President  of Kernow Players