About Us


We are a small, friendly and enthusiastic amateur dramatics society that meets in Poulner, near Ringwood in Hampshire, on the edge of the New Forest.

Productions

We produce three main shows each year: a musical play or pantomime in February, a play in May/June and a studio production in August.

Theatre Club

Groups of members and friends share monthly visits to local theatre both professional and amateur.

Social Events

Pub nights, barbecues, dance evenings, after-show parties, forest walks, Christmas parties and coffee mornings.

Play Reading Group

Fortnightly play readings in members’ homes, usually on a Monday afternoon

Courses

Professionally-led courses on all aspects of theatre. Since 2004 we have had weekend courses in Directing, Set Design, Acting, Make-Up and Stage Lighting; many more courses planned.

Technical Team

We boast one of the strongest technical teams in the local area with experience in sound, lighting, construction and property-making. Many young technicians learn their skills from working alongside our older members.

Young People

Young people from the age of ten upwards are welcome to join us. There are opportunities for performance in our February production as well as working backstage. We also cast young people in some of our plays.

Carnival

We often enter a float in the Ringwood Carnival procession which takes place the third Saturday in September. We have won several prizes! Planning for this takes place in the summer, with the major build/costuming happening in early September.

Charities

We have adopted a firm policy to select a local charity each year. Together with local sponsorships, Poulner Players has raised over £30,000 since 1978.

Hiring our Costumes or Properties

If you are interested in hiring any of our costumes or properties please contact us describing briefly what is required and we will let you know if we can be of help. Costumes are hired out free to members only; there will be a small weekly charge for other groups and individuals.

Affiliations

St John the Baptist Church, Poulner, a daughter Church of the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Ringwood. Ringwood Parish Church
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association, the major representative body for amateur theatre in the UK. NODA

Links

SceneOne - A non-profit-making publication in support of local amateur theatre in the Bournemouth area.
RMDS - Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society - Information about productions, membership, social events, news, past shows etc.
AJS - Theatre lighting and stage supplies
Stagecraft - leading suppliers of lighting, sound, staging and related technical equipment for hire, sale, installation and servicing