Stirling Players Adelaide
In 2022, The Stirling Players celebrated 50 years of bringing quality drama to SA audiences, at the Stirling Community Theatre in the beautiful Adelaide Hills.
The group had its humble beginnings in the early part of 1972 when a mere 25 people voted for the formation of the Hills Drama Group. Soon after that inaugural meeting, the group's first public appearance later that year, was the melodramatic one-act play, ‘Colour Bar’ by Joe Corrie, the story of Sam Makepiece and his daughter, and of her engagement to an African American. It was produced and directed by Tom Dyster, the founding member of the group.
History of the Stirling Players
‘Colour Bar’ cast L to R - Lillian Lee, Judy Farrow, John Graham, Virginia Stanor, Helen Lazaroff, Tom Dyster.
This was soon followed by the production of a short play/melodrama, ‘Temptation Sordid or Virtue Rewarded’ by Winifred Phelps in which Sir Jasper, of the black heart, is out to win Lady Lucre's fortune by marrying lovely Arabella. Clarence, of the pure heart, is out to thwart him and also win Arabella.
Increasing interest in the group’s activities prompted a name change to The Stirling Players and in 1976, the group was the initiator of the Hills Festival of One-Act Plays, the first of which was held in the Stirling Community Theatre. Since those early days, hundreds of people of all ages have appeared on stage and behind the scenes in more than a hundred and fifty productions. There is never a dull moment, either on or off stage.
The group has gone on to establish a reputation for staging challenging plays, new plays fresh from success in London and New York, and contemporary Australian drama with the productions invariably receiving highly favourable commendation from the press and public.
In 2025 we are proud to launch our new logo and website, and become officially known as Stirling Players Adelaide, at stirlingplayers.org.au, to distinguish us from a similarly named group in WA.
We always welcome and encourage new members to become part of our award-winning group of performers and producers. So, why not join us?
2025 Committee Members
President: Tim Williams
Vice President: Bronwyn Chapple
Treasurer: Emily Currie
Secretary: Louise Lapan
Committee Members:
Roger Chapple
Probir Dutt
Christina Eblem
Laura Anastasie
Shelley Hampton
Andrew Batty
Roddy Emblem
Patrons & Sponsors
The Stirling Players acknowledge the continuing support of our patrons
Rebekha Sharkie MP
The Hon. Josh Teague MHA
The Stirling Players are grateful to our generous sponsor
Howard Vineyard, Bald Hills Road, Nairne
Whose support helps to keep the financial burden of producing quality theatre productions to a reasonable level.
If you would like to assist in any way please do not hesitate to contact us.