PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS

Holt Village Hall was packed with amateur detectives on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April, as Holt Players brought Chris Martin's murder mystery Who Killed the Vet? to life in gloriously chaotic style.

Directed by Sue Bolden and Kate Palmer, the evening transported audiences to the Crooked Stile Veterinary Practice in Sandy Bottom, Sparrowdale -- home of celebrity vet and TV presenter Leo Cooperthwaite. Seated at tables of eight, guests followed the clues, debated their theories over a light Ploughman's supper, and did their very best to unmask the killer before anyone else on their table could.

The cast delivered a wonderfully colourful collection of characters -- devoted cat owners, enthusiastic dog lovers and one particularly irate local farmer among them -- keeping the audience guessing right to the end. Chaos in the Treatment Room had never been so entertaining.

Prizes went to the sharpest detectives in the room, the cash bar did a roaring trade in both celebratory and consolatory drinks, and a thoroughly good evening was had by all.

A brilliant night out -- and proof, once again, that Holt Players know exactly how to put on a show.

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This wasn't your typical production. We wanted YOU—the audience—to be part of the mystery! Unlike a traditional play, our actors didn't memorise lines. Instead, they delivered a scripted, three-act performance filled with hidden clues for the audience to uncover. Their job? To play detective, piece together the evidence, and solve the crime!

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It was a triumphant return to the Holt Village Hall stage for the newly-renamed Holt Players after three years. And the Vicar of Dibley was the ideal play to put on. It was light-hearted entertainment, full of funny lines, and eccentric characters so beloved in the popular BBCTV series. Not surprisingly, the three performances were a complete sell out.

Richard Everett’s bitter-sweet comedy unfolds in a charming English vicarage garden, where Grace, a recently widowed vicar’s wife, is juggling grief, losing her home, and the arrival of a new vicar. Add to the mix a free-spirited missionary sister, a daughter with her own troubles, and a few long-buried secrets waiting to surface, and you’ve got a heartfelt, witty tale of love, loss, and unexpected revelations!

The week the children of Holt and nearby villages broke tradition with their own musical version of Aladdin at Holt Village Hall! As part of the Holt Players' Summer School, 17 budding actors (aged 7 to 16) spent just five days auditioning, learning lines, and rehearsing under the guidance of Characters Stage School and director Emma Tierney—culminating in a fantastic performance for family and friends! 🎭✨

A fast-paced British comedy that takes place on a seemingly ordinary afternoon at a village cricket match—but the drama off the pitch soon overshadows the game itself! As the team’s players and their partners navigate relationship troubles, personal rivalries, and unexpected chaos, tensions rise and secrets spill, turning a simple cricket fixture into a hilarious and disastrous showdown. Packed with witty dialogue and sharp observations on love, marriage, and sporting obsession, Outside Edge is a classic comedy full of charm and mischief.

A delightful celebration of the wit, warmth, and sharp observation of one of Britain’s most beloved playwrights. Featuring a selection of his monologues, sketches, and scenes, this production brings to life Bennett’s trademark blend of humour and poignancy, showcasing the quirks, struggles, and quiet triumphs of everyday people. With unforgettable characters and razor-sharp storytelling, it’s an evening filled with laughter, insight, and classic British charm.

a touching and bittersweet comedy-drama by Gail Young, exploring the emotional and often humorous journey of a woman living with Alzheimer’s disease. As Irene struggles with her fading memory, she finds herself guided by the ghost of Barbara Cartland, the famous romance novelist, while her two daughters grapple with the challenges of caring for their mother. Blending humour, heartache, and family dynamics, this poignant play shines a light on the impact of dementia while celebrating love, laughter, and resilience.

A magical, fun-filled adventure that brings the classic fairy tale to life with laughter, suspense, and a sprinkle of mischief! When Hansel and Gretel find themselves lost in the deep, dark forest, they stumble upon a gingerbread house and its seemingly sweet but sinister owner—a wicked witch with a taste for trouble! With clever twists, colourful characters, and plenty of excitement, this enchanting production is perfect for audiences of all ages, blending humour, heart, and just the right amount of magic.

Holt Dramatic Society (HDS) marked its 50th anniversary with a spectacular Gala Evening at Holt Village Hall, celebrating five decades of theatre. The event paid tribute to the wide variety of dramatic arts performed by the Society over the years and welcomed back past members, proving that their stage presence and acting talent are as strong as ever!

First performed at London’s Bush Theatre in 2011, The Kitchen Sink quickly made waves for its fresh voice, heartfelt humour and beautifully observed characters. Set in a small Yorkshire town, the story follows a family doing their best to get by—holding onto hope, dreams, and each other as the kitchen quite literally falls apart around them. It’s tender, it’s eccentric, it’s laugh-out-loud funny, it’s packed with pathos in all the right places and the audience loved it!

This drama is the true story of a solidly middle-class family innocently caught up in an international spy scandal involving Russia and the Royal Navy. 

Is anyone as they seem?  Find out what happened when the Jacksons befriended the Krogers right across the road......

This play takes you on a theatrical journey through life’s big moments— from bawling baby to rebellious teen, love-struck youth to weary worker, and finally, the grumpy (but wise!) old soul. Inspired by Shakespeare’s famous monologue, this witty and touching production captures the highs, lows, and hilarious in-betweens of growing up, growing older, and everything that comes with it!

Trap for a Lonely Man is a gripping psychological thriller set in the eerie isolation of the French Alps. Tension builds as the mystery unfolds, leading to a jaw-dropping twist that left audiences stunned! In true Mousetrap style, we asked them to keep the ending a secret… and judging by their reactions each night, it was one they never saw coming!

A captivating drama set in 1930s Edinburgh, following the charismatic but controversial teacher Jean Brodie as she moulds her group of devoted pupils into the “crème de la crème.” Passionate, unconventional, and deeply flawed, Miss Brodie’s influence leads to both admiration and betrayal, as the girls navigate loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of blind devotion. A compelling mix of wit, drama, and intrigue, this play explores the power of influence and the fine line between inspiration and manipulation.

Holt Players took on the challenge of Shakespeare’s dark and complex ‘problem play’ Measure for Measure—and delivered a production that was both compelling and thought-provoking. Set against the backdrop of the Swinging 1960s, this innovative adaptation explored power, morality, and justice while keeping the audience engaged with strong performances, sharp direction, and creative staging.

With standout portrayals, a cleverly designed set at The Glove Factory Studios, and well-executed sound and lighting, the production successfully guided audiences through the play’s intricate themes while balancing its dramatic weight with moments of humour. A testament to Holt Dramatic Society’s talent and ambition, this production was both entertaining and a catalyst for reflection—exactly as Shakespeare intended.

A hilarious and bittersweet comedy from Alan Ayckbourn’s Norman Conquests trilogy. Set in a quiet country garden, the play follows the charming but hapless Norman, whose attempts to seduce his sister-in-law lead to chaos, misunderstandings, and plenty of awkwardly funny moments. As the weekend unfolds, relationships unravel, emotions run high, and the garden becomes the setting for romantic disasters and comic mishaps. A classic Ayckbourn comedy filled with sharp dialogue and brilliantly flawed characters!

a classic murder mystery spoof packed with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of laughs. Set in an isolated country house, a group of eccentric guests finds themselves at the centre of a puzzling murder investigation. With twists, red herrings, and a delightfully over-the-top detective, the play keeps audiences guessing—and giggling—until the very last moment. A perfect mix of Agatha Christie-style mystery and playful comedy, Whodunnit is a thrilling and hilarious night of theatrical fun.

A heartwarming and poignant drama, based on the film starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Set in 1930s Cornwall, the story follows two elderly sisters, Ursula and Janet, whose quiet lives are turned upside down when they rescue a mysterious young man washed up on the shore. Deep emotions surface as they care for him—particularly for Ursula, who finds herself reminiscing on lost opportunities and unspoken desires. A beautifully crafted tale of love, loneliness, and the power of unexpected connections, Ladies in Lavender is a touching and beautifully observed play full of charm and nostalgia.