Having joined Masque Players in 1973 I think I can reasonably claim to have the longest membership of anyone in the group. My first performance was in Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite – two actually, the hall porter and the distraught father of the bride. Since then I have played over fifty parts, ranging from a pantomime dame (twice) and the bumbling Grandfather in There Goes the Bride to Uncle Eddie in View from the Bridge, Hobson in Hobson’s Choice and Fagin in Oliver Twist. While remaining a faithful member of Masque.

I have guested with a number of other local amateur groups including Fourways, Phoenix and Ubiquitous. Apart from actually appearing on stage I also served for many years as Set Designer and Constructor. The efforts of which I am most proud were the sets for The Killing of Sister George, which featured a dormer window, and the attic set for Butterflies Can’t Sing with three arched windows and a double bunk bed built with scaffolding.

Over a period of years I Stage Managed a number of productions and even handled the lighting and sound when no-one else was available. My Directing debut was of my favourite plays An Inspector Calls. I prefer directing serious drama, notable Steel Magnolias, but have also directed comedy and farce (Move Over Mrs Markham and Play On).
Finally I have served two terms each as Chairman and as Treasurer, neither of which compared with a more active involvement, and have survived one actual and two potential splits of the group. Yes, I love my drama and hope to continue with Masque, in one capacity of another, for some time to come.
 

Peter has recently moved form the area (Up North) but as Life President will remain an ‘active’ Masque member.