In the summer of 1946 a comparatively new member of the Ekco Social & Sports Club suggested to the Committee that the Members should run - just for the fun of it - a Works Pantomime. That was the beginning of the Ekco Players. The Committee supported the idea, as a result, in January, 1947 "Ekco and the Beanstalk" was presented in the Works Canteen for two nights subsequently extended to three by popular demand.
Only a few months later this vigorous new Social Club Section staged the Summer Revue "Ekco-on-Sea." which ran for three nights to full houses. The Players had become established and, apart from their Canteen original runs, had become established and, apart from their Canteen original runs, were now playing to local hospitals and institutions all round the district and were in brisk demand for concert party dates.
January 1948 saw "Aladin and His Ekco Lamp" take the stage, to be followed that summer by the Players' first straight play, "Such Things Happen".
In January, 1949 the third annual pantomime, "Cinderekco," scored perhaps the biggest success of all, and only a few months ago the Players made a hit in heavy drama with "Heaven and Charing Cross".
They have counted their success in the fun they get out of it and their reputation has arisen from the unique teamwork which characterises every show. The man who made the original modest suggestion has written and produced the pantomimes, backed with equal enthusiasm and flair in all departments of the Players' organisation. The scenery, the costumes and indeed everything is their own work and this year their orchestra too is an all-Ekco combination . . . and all just for the fun of it, some of which the Players hope they pass on to you, their loyal audience.
