The Over Players  (TOPs) was first formed in 1984 by our President Christine Turner who placed a simple notice in the Village newsletter. It soon became apparent that there was a group of people who couldn't wait to perform! 

Since those early days, we maintain a membership of around 50 people who, in addition to performing, direct, produce, set-build, paint, make-up, sound, light, front of house – in fact do anything needed to produce a show from scratch. A number of our members have been involved with the group from day one but our membership ranges from age 11 to… well we won't embarrass anyone! Many members have grown up in the Players, for example there are currently three generations of the Lamoon family involved with the group.

Under the baton of our Musical Director Mike Bernard, the group has developed particular strength in performing musical theatre. We generally produce two large productions per year, a Spring Show in May/June and a pantomime in early December. A glance at our past productions page shows the variety of shows we have tackled. In addition we have performed several famous comedies and farces in September and more recently entered local drama festivals with "serious drama" to great success.

As well as scripted shows, we develop and perform our own variety revues and 'Old Time Music Hall' shows. We have been invited to perform on behalf of local charities both within Over as well as events including Histon Feast, Littleport, Fulbourn Feast, St Ives Festival and Swavesey.

If all that were not enough, TOPs have been on Tour! We've been lucky to be invited to perform overseas opening a local wine festival in the Czech Republic in 1997 and performing a Music Hall for ex-pats in Mallorca in October 1999 – Again both for charity and huge fun.  Return visits to Mallorca took place in March 2003, March 2005 and October 2008.

The group has made good use of individual members talents such as writing, choreography and technical. Sean Baker has written and directed several recent pantomimes and we are lucky to have the help of our Technical crew from Scrapheap Productions. We are particularly proud that several of our young members have gone on to make professional careers both as actors and back stage. 

If you are interested in seeing our shows in future, please let one of the group have your details and we'll put you on our mailing list.
 
If you'd like to go one step further and join us in any capacity (you don't have to perform), you'd be made very welcome. 

We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in Over Church Hall and our shows are usually performed at the Over Community Centre. If you are new to the area it's a great way to meet new friends.
For further details please see our Contacts page.

Awards
2008 Noda Award Best Pantomime in Region 4s
2011 Sawston Festival Best Junior Performance
2011 South Cambridgeshire Arts Award for Village Drama
2011 Cambridge Festival Best Junior Actor, Best Junior Actress, plus nominations for Best Cameo (2), Lighting and Set Design