One of the most respected non-professional theatre companies in Bristol and the south-west, the Kelvin Players were founded in April 1929 by a small group of keen amateur actors.

For many years they supported various local charities before becoming a charity in their own right in the late 1980s, when they moved from their increasingly dilapidated premises in an old mews property in Somerset Street, Kingsdown to their present Studio on Gloucester Road, Bishopston.

The original intention was to present plays ‘of a light character’, but they have  since expanded this aim to ‘To educate the public in the arts, in particular the art of drama by the presentation of dramatic productions.’

This is reflected in the wide variety of genres presented, from costume drama to 21st-century playwrights, and from broad comedy to serious drama.

They now present five productions a year, mainly in their own studio premises which they have expanded and improved since taking over half of the somewhat dilapidated Methodist church premises in November 1986. Many of Bristol’s most talented amateur actors have played for Kelvin over the years, some going on to gain professional status.

However the over-riding ‘feel’ of the company has always been that of a welcoming family atmosphere.

Casting has always been done through an members’ open auditioning system which discourages directors from casting personal favourites and there has always been an ethos which encourages members to participate fully in sharing everything necessary to the running of a large company with the responsibility of owning their own premises.

 ( edited from NINETY YEARS OF THE KELVIN PLAYERS By STEVE WRIGHT B24/7, Apr 25, 2019 )

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