About us
The High Tor Players are an award-winning community of amateur players with a shared love of theatre. We welcome actors of all stripes, and encourage all to participate, whatever their experience.
Our ranks range from players performing for the first time since school to former professionals with a love of storytelling. We aim to produce two to three productions a year, principally in Matlock, with additional performances from time to time in the surrounding villages.
1937
First meeting, at the High Tor Guest House on Dale Road
1939
First production: Potbound by member Lilian Smee
205
Productions and events in our archive
2025
NODA East Midlands Outstanding Play for The Crucible
"I did want to record somewhere how great the group is for new members such as myself. Everyone has been so welcoming, something that is certainly not the case with all groups. Knowing this might just encourage others to become involved."
Explore
Our history
From the 1937 meeting to our 80th anniversary in 2017, and the homes we've played in along the way.
Production timeline
All 205 shows and events, newest first, with posters and NODA reviews where we have them.
Poster archive
Original posters and programmes from past productions.
Awards and reviews
NODA honours and every NODA show report since 2016.
Gallery
Photos from the stage, rehearsals and behind the scenes.
1953: a theatre for Matlock?
The campaign for a permanent home, told through the original press cuttings.
Where we've played
Our first production after the war, George and Margaret in 1944, was at Matlock Town Hall. Since then we've moved around the Derbyshire Dales.
Read the full history- Matlock Town Hall (mostly, until 1979)
- Matlock Rockside Assembly Hall (1979 to 1988)
- John Turner School, later the Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale (until 1992)
- Ashover Parish Hall
- Touring to Youlgrave, Bakewell and Wirksworth
- Tansley Village Hall and the Grand Pavilion, Matlock Bath
- The Imperial Rooms, Matlock
There's a place for you
We're always open to new members, including people who love theatre but prefer a role behind the scenes. We welcome people of all ages.
- Acting
- Directing
- Lighting
- Sound
- Stage managing
- Props
- Front of house
High Tor Players is a UK Registered Charity, No. 1219197, and a member of NODA East Midlands.