All About The Trustees
The Castle Players is led by a team of Trustees who manage and oversee the group, giving their time as volunteers.
Trustees are responsible for strategic planning and financial probity. Also within their remit are insurances, policies and procedures, budget monitoring, recording accounts, selecting and scheduling shows.
Gordon Duffy-McGhie
Chair
Gordon is an actor, theatre-maker and education consultant with a lifelong passion for the performing arts.
After beginning his professional acting career in theatre and television, he spent more than 30 years working in education before returning to the stage to create and perform original solo theatre. He is the founder of Perfect Fools, whose productions have toured the UK and internationally.
As Chair of the Castle Players, Gordon is committed to building an inclusive, ambitious and welcoming society that encourages participation, supports members to develop their skills, and strengthens the group's role within the local community.
Rob Pearson
Vice Chair
Having been a doctor in Stratford upon Avon for some years it is perhaps not surprising that we have a family interest in the theatre!
After our son Ben joined us in Barney he soon joined The Castle Players and has enjoyed being increasingly involved in their shows.
I have worked with scenery and props and been front of house, but Val and I always loved the terrific collection of people who put on and perform a real variety of plays and she was keen that I should offer support in any way that I can.
As a trustee I will do whatever I can to help to grow the tremendous heritage of The Castle Players.
Anne Platten
Treasurer
I moved to Barney in April 2018 and had a small backstage part in that year’s summer production of “Macbeth”. Since then, I’ve been stage manager for several shows and loved each one. My favourite is always the winter tour - touring the region and bringing theatre to so many different places. I’ve made lots of lovely friends within the Castle Players. It’s definitely the best family anyone could wish for.
Sue Byrne
I became a trustee in 2019 as I wanted to play a greater part in the management of the Castle Players.Over the years, the Castle Players have evolved and many people have come and gone (and come back again!). It has always felt like another family- a family which is diverse, creative and nurtures talent. Above all, a family which is hugely supportive, builds confidence and encourages its members to shine.
Lesley Cutting
Lesley is our Wardrobe / Costume specialist providing all manner of outfits for any production - she brings the vision to life and is responsible for thousands of items of clothing to create the perfect look.
Mary Stastny
Mary joined The Castle Players in 1991, firstly in order to act, but then, after 2005 she became involved as the artistic director of various plays. Directing has been her chief passion and interest, ever since she was 15!
Rhonda Hart-Davis
I first felt the magic of The Castle Players when I joined in to be part of the crowd in the 2006 summer production of Twelfth Night. Over the years I've been on stage, behind the stage, helped with marketing, and many of the other activities that are necessary to keep a community theatre company going. As a trustee I look forward to helping to keep the theatre magic alive and growing, for everyone who helps make it all happen, and especially for our wonderful audiences.
Mike Steinbock
‘The first Castle Player’s performance that I saw was Macbeth in 2018. I was so impressed by the quality and professionalism of the production that I knew I wanted to join company. While acting is the activity I like best, there are plenty of opportunities to be part of the Castle Player’s team for those who prefer not to be on stage. I joined the programming team and then became a trustee two years ago. I also produce the members’ newsletter.’