FORMER actors are remembering the 75th anniversary that a theatre group in Didcot was founded this month.

The Barn Theatre Group (BTG), which began in 1947 and closed down in the 70s, used to be held at “The Barn” located at junction of Park Road and Queensway.

For three decades the group was an “integral part of Didcot's life bringing to the town high standard entertainment and to those who joined the group purpose and pleasure”.

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William “Bill” Brind, when he returned from the Royal Air Force, directed the majority of the productions due to his professional with Windsor Repertory Company and touring with Royal Air Force personnel. 

The group put on seven or eight plays per year plus an annual pantomime, which ran for a week, for almost 30 years. 

Huge support was given over the years by the Friends of the BTG who organised jumble sales and Christmas fairs.

In 1963, Mr Brind had to retire for health reasons and by 1974 the curtain came down for the last year due to “increasing obstacles” such as bills.

During its lifetime, the BTG registered 120 productions which included 91 plays, seven Revues and 21 Pantomimes.  Several of its members went on to professional acting careers. 

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John Rowland, a member of BTG, said: “Those of us – members, supporters, audiences – remember fondly and with gratitude.”

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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