Giffnock Theatre Players

Find out more about the cast and crew that have worked with Giffnock Theatre Players. If you are interested in working with Giffnock Theatre Players or similar companies, join The Mandy Network and get alerted of upcoming job opportunities.

---

In 1948, three men - Tom Craston, Alan Mackill and Major Gray - had a dream to build a theatre in their local district. An Inaugural Meeting was called on 11th November 1948, where Tom Craston explained, to quote the minute:

"In view of the growth of Drama and the potential that a Company of Players be formed in the District, and that Giffnock should be chosen as the most central point. The final end in view is the erection of a building which would be a Community Centre with Theatre and Rooms".

They started a dramatic club the following year, and in April 1949 constituted the Giffnock Theatre Players at an Extraordinary General Meeting. The vision was reported in the Evening Times, and boasted the "ultimate aim [of building] an adequate theatre providing a weekly or fortnightly reportry". The first production was Grand National Night by Dorothy and Campbell Christie, directed by Alan Mackill.

Rikki both acted and directed for GTP in their early years, before going on to pursue his professional career.

Over the years, standards of productions have been consistently high, starting with three nights per week and gradually increasing to four or five nights plus a matinee. GTP have more recently ventured into Theatre In Eduction, hosting successful workshops for schools and colleges as part of their seasonal programme.

Whilst the dream of their very own repertory theatre has not been realised, a local theatre did materialise at Eastwood where GTP continue to present three full-scale productions each year.

---

Connected mandy members:

Giffnock Theatre Players Jobs

For details of known Giffnock Theatre Players vacancies, please check our jobs board for more information