The REMO Players

(Founded in 1948)
Page/Site created by Bob Tame.

The REMO ( Railway Executive Managers Office) players  were a Wolverhampton Based Amateur Dramatic Society, affilliated to the Wolverhampton and District Drama Federation.

You can email Bob at or visit my other Websites at www.tameclan.me.uk

This page construction was started in 2003 and gets updated when I receive new information and am not working on my other sites. I was a member from 1969 to 1979 so most of this page is related to that period.

I was recruited as a REMO member by Walter Jones, having been involved with the St Peters Church Players which he led.

If any ex Members have any pictures or memories they want to share or see displayed, please send me copies.

News and Updates:

August 2010

I have receved another collection of Photographs which I will be adding to the page when I have the time. I may have to change the layout slightly to accommodate them all, so please be patient, as I am going on holiday first.

May 31 2010

I was really pleased to greet Kate Parton (Kate Powell) and husband Dave, after 31 years since we last saw them when they called at our house in Paignton today.

May 2010

I have put a page of photos of REMO players that I don't know (or can't remember) on the site. If anyone can help to ID them then please email me.

I still have quite a few photos of plays to sort out and I may get more soon from another ex member.

March 2010

Dave Mobley sent me a whole box of Photos, to be sorted. There are quite a few un-identified persons which I have put on the site anyway, so if anyone can help please email me. The players list now includes photos for a lot of the players, apologies for the gaps.

January 2010

Dave Mobley un-earthed a Photo from Robin Hood, which I am on. I have added it in the list of plays below.

December 2009

December 15th 2009 .... Today would have been the 60th Birthday of ex REMO Player Elaine Brindley (nee Hill), had she not died in 1998 at the early age of 49 after contracting breast cancer. RIP Elaine, a good friend.

Linda Croston (Cotterill) tells me that she is in "Red Riding Hood" at the Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham this week, click here for more details.

I have an update from Dave Mobley, who says "As for myself I am still slogging away.I may have told you that I did a day on "Hustle" on the 11th September last, starring Napoleon Solo himself Mr Robert Vaughan. I thought at the time how nice it was for him to meet me in the flesh. Then on 19th of November I did another little cameo as a Nosy Neighbour and as a Taxi Driver in "Doctors" for the BBC. It`s not much but every little helps and I have just asked my agent to put me forward for a days extra work in a Supermarket Commercial somewhere in Brum on the 14th this month."

November 2009

Jayne Hepworth has updated me on herself and Alan from Australia as follows

quick points:

1) Alan retired last Xmas (600 made redundant, including Alan, but brilliant timing for him, as was retiring anyway; moved manufacturing to Dalian in China) but, worked 3 months in Thailand (May-July)for old E/r(Goodyear), and leaving for China shortly for a few weeks work. I visit at the end for a holiday!

2) Both just returned from tour holiday of Rajasthan in India - 21 days ;totally amazing but very full-on and tiring.

3) Prior to India, our new apartment finally finished in an Old Factory (a big project of appts and town houses)in the inner city. In process of moving there, but keeping our tiny flat/with garden, in Williamstown, for our "holiday home" (as it's so pretty here; only 15 km from city, with beach etc.

4) Alan hopes to play lots of golf after return from China.

5) Coming over to UK for about 3 months @ end April next year - hope go Europe etc. Hope to catch up with some "old" Remo players. (yes Jayne - we're all getting older)

6) I now work 2 days week (keeps brain active) and write poems (sometimes perform them)and stories; sing in Willin Wimin, and hope to return to drawing and painting.

October 2009

Added this month, Publicity Picture for Pygmalion.

September 2009

I have had contact this month from Julie Maurice, she was Julie Rollason when she joined REMO. Julie has press cuttings and photos from Sleeping Beauty and Pygmalion, a Rule book (I particulary liked rule 11, I think it adds professionalism to performances by amateur groups.), and a few memories of other plays and players which I have started to incorporate in the site. Thanks for sharing them with us, Julie.

Cast list for 'Flat Spin' (1976) and Sleeping Beauty (1973) have been added to Site

Remo Rule book (supplied by Julie Maurice - nee Rollason) Click on the cover for details:

I have also heard from Dave Mobley, he has been to Dublin to see Laurence Foster performing his 'Dickens in Dublin' Show. It was the first time in over forty years that these two ex-REMO members had met.

Laurence Foster during his one man show	Dave Mobley and his wife meet Laurence after the show

August 2009

Linda Croston contacted me with the sad news that her Mother Floss Cotterill has died after an operation following a fall at her retirement home. Floss was a valued member of REMO for a number of years, appearing on Stage in the Award Winning play "Rain" and also in "Pygmalion". Floss was also our resident teamaker. Our condolences to Linda.

June 2009

Linda Croston (nee Cotterill) has been in a recent musical show in Nottingham entitled Mod Crop Click here for details

June Mcmullen, nee Lowe contacted me to advise she was in Little Women in 1970, but did not stay with REMO very long.

December 2008

Dave Mobley returns to BBC TV, appearing in an Episode of the Doctors set in an old peoples home, where he is attempting to escape from the home.

November 2008

I sent an old photo of Paul Davies to him and in return I got a few from the 2006 reunion mentioned below. Click here for details.

October 2008

Dave Mobley advises me that, after a long break, he has recently returned to acting for the BBC and will soon be seen in an episode of Doctors. (and is available for other work, email me if you wish to contact Dave)

Glynis appeared in a performance of '1984' in October 2008 and 'Katherine Howard' in December 2008 and has been involved backstage with a number of plays this year. Click here for details.

Will Morgan appears to be still performing in Folk Venues, getting rave reviews for recent performances of Jake Thakray songs which may be released on a CD in the new year.

July 2008

I have now moved to Paignton and the web site which was off line during the move, is now back. If anyone has any pictures that could be added to the site then please send them to me.

December 2007

A few more pictures supplied by Dave Mobley and Laurence Foster added below.

November 2006

Recently found - a rare autographed program from the 1972 production of Robin Hood. Click on the cover for details:

September 2006

Email below was received from Jayne Hepworth, who some of you will remember:-

November 2005 - Dave Mobley has send a bunch of Photos which I have started to add as I scan them in.

October 2005 - Added a few new photos, started list of Plays I was involved with.

May 2005 - Dave Mobley contacted me, he's still in occasional contact with 'Gudge' and reminded me of Jackie's correct name. Theres a picture of Dave in an article about "The Incredible Robert Baldick" a BBC TV program he was in with Robert Hardy at this site

Article is at http://www.the-mausoleum-club.org.uk/Index/Gazette/Incredible%20Robert%20Baldick.pdf

Cast List for "The incredible Robert Baldick." filmed on and around the Severn Valley Railway

Click here to see some of Dave's other TV work.

April 2005 - Contact from Laurence Foster, Member from 1960 to 1966, has been head of Drama for Irish National Radio Station, RTE for a while since then, and is still a professional actor/director.

Nov 2004 - If anyone knows the whereabouts of Doug Cresswell, an old friend of his, called Jeff, would like to contact him.

Sept 2004 - Alan Hepworth emailed from Australia to remind me to add his wife Jayne to the members list. I don't know how I left her off as I had photos of her in REMO Plays.

The REMO players rehearsed at a number of venues, one being the old railway goods depot on the Wednesfield Road now demolished to make way for the Royal Mail building.

In addition to two or three plays per year or the occasional Pantomime they would have social events and outings.

After rehearsals many of the players would retire to the local pub (The Sir Tatton Sykes) for a nightcap before going home.

In the 80's they merged with Phoenix Players to become REMO-Phoenix players.

Some of the members of the REMO players can be found listed at the Friends Reunited site.

It is my intention to try and add a few names and pictures below as soon as time permits. this will be from when I was involved between 1969 (Picnic) and 1979.

Break in Reheasals Janet Moulton, Jonathan Bradford, Walter Jones and Mike Neil are on here.
	The Importance of being Ernest Jan Lavender, Iris Wilcocks, Mike Neil and Jayne Hepworth

Some of the people I remember being in the REMO players. Where are they now?

Let me know if I got any wrong or missed any out. It was a long time ago:

	Walter Jones	He introduced Glynis and I to REMO from the St Peters Church Drama Group, but left Wolverhampton to work in Montgomery.
	Norman Bishop	Made his Debut in 1965 on Lighting. Always found rather 'Strange' plays to produce, usually quite interesting.
	Janet Moulton	I remember her as the Glamourous American in "The Hollow" which was the last production I saw before I joined the Society.
	Tony Pettit	Another recruit from St Peters Drama Group, Tony was a chemical engineer but as he worked for the Central Electricity Generating board he was usually our Lighting expert. He also appeared in numerous plays.
	Dennis Whitmore	Stage Manager for Little Women, the play that won the 'Best Set' award in 1970. Also appeared on Stage on many occasions. (And 'Best Man' at my Wedding! )
	Steve Brindley	Friend and schoolmate of Dennis Whitmore, he married another Member Elaine Hill, leaving REMO when they moved to Hull with his job.
	Elaine Hill	Elaine married Steve Brindley, and left the players to bring up her two daughters, moving with Steve to Hull where sadly she died in 1998.
	Eileen Sowden
	Jackie Homfray	Husband Allan was also involved with 'front of house' duties
	Lewis Roberts	Trader Horn in 'Rain'. A rather 'camp' Sheriff of Nottingham in 'Robin Hood'. (Sadly passed away in 2008)
	Val Mackness
	Iris Westwood	Performed in and produced many plays and married Ron Wilcocks.Sadly she died in August 2006
	Ron Wilcocks	Was a member and Chairman for many years, sadly he died in 2003.
	Dave Mobley	Regular REMO actor, was an ambulance driver, also took bit parts in BBC and ATV productions. I'm still in contact with Dave (2010) and he is still getting occasional TV work.
	Paul Davies.	Member from 1971 to 2002. This must be almost a record (31 years).
	Will Morgan	Once spent 30 minutes lying on a Box in front of the Tabs on Stage before the play even started. (The Italian Girl)
	Janet Hore	Married Paul Davies, also remained a member of Remo until 2002.
	Pat Cohen	Joined from St Peters Drama Group, recruited by Walter Jones
	Linda Cotterill (Cresswell)	Linda was also involved with Bilston Operatic Society as she had a good singing voice, and was occasionally an extra in 'Crossroads'. Now living near Nottingham, still performing in Musicals in 2009.
	Floss Cotterill	Linda's Mum, very good with a teapot, also went on stage at least twice. (in 'Rain' & 'Pygmalion'). Sadly Floss passed away in August 2009 at the age of 93.
	Mike Neil	Always known as 'Gudgeon' after playing a character of this name in the 1969 production of 'The Hollow'.
	Steve Kirby
	Bob Burrows
	Bob Dalton	Seen on the "When we are married" photo
	Janet Lavender	Only REMO member to remove all her clothes on Stage, in 'The Italian Girl'
	Mary Hartley	Only bringing her sister along for a Panto but was persuaded to join the group for a number of years
	Doug Cresswell	Producer of 'Rain', the play that won the Wolverhampton and District Drama Federation Award for Best Play.
	Alan Hepworth	Now in Australia and recently retired. Alan is in centre of 'When we are married' picture below.
	Jayne Smith	Joined the group as Jayne Smith but married Alan Hepworth. Moved to Luxembourg, where she acted and did set design for the New World Theatre group. Moved with Alan to Oz in 1985, and did a bit of theatre work in Sydney for a few years, before moving to Melbourne in 1990 - hasn't done much drama since but is a singer in "Willin Wimmin" a-cappella choir (blues, spiritual, folk, activist - around the world), which she says is great fun.
	Kate Parton (Nee Powell)	Was mainly a backstage worker, I can't recall her being in any plays. Kate was very artistic and was usually involved in the set design and painting.
	Shirley Pitchford	Can be seen in some of the "Italian Girl" pictures. (1976)
	Julie Rollason	Played Sleeping Beauty in one of our early Pantomimes
	Liz ??	Workmate of Glynis, Lived in Wombourne, was the Maid in 'Boeing Boeing'
	Glynis Evans	Married Bob Tame in 1971, still involved in Drama now with the Toads in Torquay. Click on name for Glynis's Web site
	Mary Doughty	Friend of Janet Moulton, tended to work backstage, especially good at making costumes.
	Janet Banks	Now living near Bristol.
	Barbara Goodwin, joined from St Peters Group, recruited by Walter Jones
	Lilian Bancroft
	Chris Morgan	Another one of the unsung heros who worked backstage, Contacted me this year, glad to hear that her and husband Will are still enjoying life.
	Jon Tame	Cousin of Bob Tame. Appeared on Stage in a number of Plays and Pantomimes.
	Bob Tame	Thats me, usually did sound FX or Lighting or Stage Manager between 1969 (Picnic) and 1979 when I left Wolverhampton, only took to the stage for 'Pygmalion' and 'Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood'. Click on name to see my own web site.
	Jonathan Bradford	Usually a Stage Manager , joined from St Peters. Left fairly soon after I joined, went to work away from W'ton, something to do with Aeroplanes I believe.
	Sue & Bill Adey	Sue is on 'When we are Married' picture below, Sue's husband Bill was also a member who helped backstage.
	Janet Barrett	Member during the 80's
	Sally Freeman	Member during the 80's
	Laurence Foster	Member from 1960 to 1966, went to Birmingham Theatre School, has been professional actor director since then, moved to Eire, was head of Radio Drama at Irish National Radio Station RTE for 8 years. Laurence has now written his autobiography, click here for details
	Other Members in early 60's include:	Pat Cooper, Pat Hancock, Terence Saunders-Fern, Mike Bradshaw, Ray Griffiths, Harry Delany, Harry Homer, John Ward, Norma McGinty, Wendy Holmes, Eileen Westwood, Jean Brettell, Laurence Swain, Jim Bodley, Leslie Thompson, Michael Adkinson, Jackie Meredith, Janet Foster, Susan Pulker, Paula Moore. Michael Hall, Carol Guest, Alison Husunndee, John Clewett, Linda Savage, June Lowe.
	Children, involved in Panto's (I think these were all children at the time)	Including: Sheena Bishop, Susan Mobley, Dianne Rollason, Dorothy Tame, Mary Tame, Abigail Hartley, Sarah Punter, Alicia Webb, Amanda Dainty, Carol Walters, Louise Holloway, Sally Pettet

Watch this space for Pictures. Apologies for the poor quality, but they are taken from my 30 year old Colour transparencies.

Flat Spin (Spring 1976), Pictured are Tony Pettit, Will Morgan, Jayne Smith and Mike Neal	Scene from 'When we are married'
A few of the members pose for a picture on a day trip to Wales Dave Mobley, Norman Bishop, Val, Mary Doughty, Janet Moulton, Ron Wilcocks, Dorothy Tame (my sister), Kate, Glynis.	Will Morgan and Jayne Smith (Hepworth) in a Scene from 'The Italian Girl' produced by Norman Bishop
Remo Players with the Trophy presented by Wolverhampton and District Drama Federation for the "Best Set" Award, unfortunately it is being held upside down!	Glynis Tame (nee Evans)in "Separate Tables" (possibly)
Remo Players "Happiest days of your life"	Liz, Floss and Glynis are the natives, in "RAIN"
Laurence Foster in 1965	And in his one man show "Dickens in Dublin" in 2007-2008

Our plays were adjudicated by Mr Steele, a former teacher at the WMGS, click here for more info.

I remember being involved with the following plays and Pantomimes between 1969 and 1979:

 

Post Horn Gallop (1968?)
The Hollow (1969) ( I watched these two)

Picnic (1969)	(I was on Sound Effects - first attempt, nearly got them all right)
	The cast of Picnic stop while the Producer makes a few points. Click on Picture for a bigger version with names.

Little Women (1970) (Sound FX) (Glynis has produced this Play with the Duston Players)

This play won the best Set award from the Wolverhampton Drama Federation, the A.E Wood Plaque.

Boeing Boeing (1970) (Sound FX/Music)

Rain (Spring 1971)(My Sound FX, including lots of Rain, which I recorded under the cooling towers at Wolverhampton Bilston Road Power station and jungle drums that drove the cast insane!)
This play won the Express & Star trophy for Wolverhampton Drama Federation Best Production of the year

Waltz of the Toreadors (Autumn 1971)

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (Click on the title to see the program) (Jan 1972) ( I was Alan a Dale, seen here with Glynis (the Jester), Elaine Brindley and Ron Willcocks (The King)

Photo Finish (Spring 1972)
Separate Tables (Autumn 1972)

Sleeping Beauty (January 1973) (Sound FX)
Cat on the Fiddle (Spring 1973)

Pygmalion (Autumn 1973)	(I had walk on part, probably my last time on Stage)
	.. Click on Picture for a bigger version with names.

Something to Hide (Spring 1974)
Enter a Free Man (Autumn 1974)

Wuthering Heights (Spring 1975)
The Importance of being Ernest (Autumn 1975)

Rumpelstiltskin (January 1976)

Flat Spin (Spring 1976)

This play won the best Set award from the Wolverhampton Drama Federation, the A.E Wood Plaque.

When we are Married (Spring 1977)
Move over Mrs Markham (Autumn 1977) (I was on Lighting) (Cast and Crew)
- Glynis was Mrs Markham in the Duston Players production of this play in 1996)

Little Boxes (by John Bowen)(3rd - 5th April 1978).
This was in fact two one act plays designed to be shown together using two very similar sets.
- The first play was called 'The Coffee Lace', in which a group of elderly concert party artistes sell the body for a celebration when one of them dies'
The second one was called 'Trevor' in which a lesbian couple hire an actor to pretend to be fiance of one of them, when her parents come to visit. Complications arise when the other girl's parents also arrive, and 'Trevor' finds he has two parts to play

The Man Most Likely Too (April 1979)

The Pied Piper of Hamelin(a Pantomime) (Jan 1980)

In 1977 Mr Roy Steel - former Adjudicator for the Wolverhampton and District Drama Federation became our president.

Let me know if you can name any other plays we did during this period to:-

End of Page

(Page updated 18/08/2010)