Gareth Jones

I somehow found myself volunteering to join the annual musical production at school which was where the bug bit. Shortly afterwards a new young English teacher put on a play in which I got a leading role. A year later I found myself working for a PLC in London with their own amateur dramatic company and an 800 seat theatre which they could fill for a 6 night run. It was so “professional” that when I was props master and the props list required airline tickets I was required to go to the BA offices to get them on paid time (how things have changed).
A chance meeting in a pub followed with the English teacher who said “Come and see a play what I’m in.” Six months later I was a member of The Goring Players and cast in a play (at the age of 18 as an 18 year old, the only occasion where my actual age has coincided exactly with that required by the script).
As Goring players evolved into Cissbury Players I was involved in some way in every production but in recent years I’ve had to juggle my commitment with work and family life.
I have three daughters aged between 13 and 18 and you may well find yourself being sold a raffle ticket or served coffee by one of them.

Member Since	A founder member (1984)
Official Role	None
Can Be Found	Almost anywhere
Group Stage Debut	"Quiet Wedding" in 1985 (Cissbury Players inaugural production) as Dallas Chaytor
Group CV	Has produced 3 plays, had 23 acting roles and spent another dozen productions in the backstage or front of house. Have also served on the Committee, including a stint as Chairman
Favourite Production	As a producer even with only two to choose from it’s undoubtedly “The Ghost Train” - some great characterisations by a wonderful cast. As an actor it’s too hard to choose; there are so many variables from the fun of rehearsals to the audience reaction or your feelings about your own personal performance and each has something different to offer. Away from the curtains I’ve also really enjoyed doing the lighting.
Favourite Role	It’s a three way tie between Mookie Maguggins in “Dirty Work at the Crossroads, Henry in “The Farndale….Macbeth” & Tony in “The Brides of March. Is it that obvious that I favour the more comedic roles?
A Bit About Me	I somehow found myself volunteering to join the annual musical production at school which was where the bug bit. Shortly afterwards a new young English teacher put on a play in which I got a leading role. A year later I found myself working for a PLC in London with their own amateur dramatic company and an 800 seat theatre which they could fill for a 6 night run. It was so “professional” that when I was props master and the props list required airline tickets I was required to go to the BA offices to get them on paid time (how things have changed). A chance meeting in a pub followed with the English teacher who said “Come and see a play what I’m in.” Six months later I was a member of The Goring Players and cast in a play (at the age of 18 as an 18 year old, the only occasion where my actual age has coincided exactly with that required by the script). As Goring players evolved into Cissbury Players I was involved in some way in every production but in recent years I’ve had to juggle my commitment with work and family life. I have three daughters aged between 13 and 18 and you may well find yourself being sold a raffle ticket or served coffee by one of them.

Current Members