An amateur dramatic group has started work on a unique art piece depicting its history to mark 60 years since its first performance.

Current and past members of Teignmouth Players are painting a giant, diamond anniversary mural, which will eventually be installed at Teignmouth Pavilions.

The artwork has been sketched out onto eight separate canvases by Players chair Amy Burton-Smith, but anyone contributing is welcome to add illustrations of their own memories.

The artwork includes references to the group’s first production, When We Are Married, in 1964 and symbols from the Players’ history, such as a pair of scissors, relating to the production of ‘Splitting Hairs’. It also features members from the last 60 years, including former music director, the late Eric Searle.

‘We’ve got the wall of the Carlton Theatre because we always used to kiss it for good luck before going on stage,’ Amy explained. ‘And we’re going to add lipstick kisses,’ she continued. The Carlton Theatre was demolished in 2014 to make way for the current Pavilions, which opened in 2016.

Many of the established Players members are painting parts of the mural relating to productions they were involved in. Viv Wilson MBE, who once played the Princess in Aladdin, painted the genie’s lamp on Friday (December 6) morning.

Although the Players was officially started in 1962, they did not put on their first production until 1964, which is why the anniversary is being celebrated in 2024.

As well as marking the 60 years since the Players first production, the group hopes to use the anniversary as an opportunity to widen its appeal. ‘We want to grow the society side. It’s not just about putting on shows, its a group for everybody,’ Amy said. ‘There are opportunities for artists, who can help with creating sets. There are opportunities for sewing to help make costumes. We’re hoping to run sewing, crochet and knitting workshops next summer.’