Hudswell
Village Players
About us
Hudswell Village Players - Bringing community theatre to the Yorkshire Dales.
Hudswell Village Players is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), dedicated to enriching the community through musical and dramatic arts. Our journey began in 2019 when a passionate group of local theatre enthusiasts came together to stage a pantomime (Cinderella), offering young people in Hudswell a chance to step into the spotlight and experience the magic of live performance. Due to COVID-19, the group took a 2-year hiatus until returning in 2022 with 'Aladdin' to eagerly awaiting audiences.
Based in North Yorkshire near Richmond, we have transformed from a local initiative into a thriving theatre charity group, achieving official charity status in 2023. Our mission is to educate the public and foster an appreciation for the performing arts by providing training in various artistic disciplines and continuing to stage our yearly Christmas pantomime.
At the heart of our organisation is a passionate and experienced committee, made up of individuals with a deep love for theatre and the arts. Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience in performance, directing, media, stage production, and musical theatre, ensuring that every show we produce is filled with creativity, professionalism, and heart.​
We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our audiences. Thanks to our wonderful community, we have sold out every show to date—a testament to the area's love and enthusiasm for local theatre.
We are so proud of our volunteers whose dedication and talent bring our productions to life. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every member of Hudswell Village Players shares a commitment to making theatre accessible, enjoyable, and inspiring for all. Our love for performing arts drives us to create magical experiences that bring our community together, and we welcome anyone with a passion for theatre to join us on this journey.​
policies & procedures
At Hudswell Village Players, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and professional environment for all involved in our productions. Our Policies and Procedures outline the standards and guidelines we follow to ensure the well-being of our cast, crew, and audiences. From safeguarding and health & safety to equality and data protection, these policies help us maintain a welcoming and responsible organisation.
meet our committee
Jordan Hamilton-Leighton
Chairman (he/him)
I’m Jordan Hamilton-Leighton, Chairman of Hudswell Village Players - a role I’ve proudly embraced since founding the group in 2019. With over two decades of experience in amateur theatre, I’ve worked with numerous societies across the North of England, consistently bringing creativity, commitment, and a deep love for the stage to every production I’ve been part of.
I’ve been lucky enough to pick up some wonderful recognition along the way, including top honours at the Liverpool Performing Arts Festival. My acting and singing have earned me multiple National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) awards, including Best Individual Performer. As a director, I’ve also had the privilege of receiving NODA’s Best Production awards, acknowledgement I deeply value for the collaborative work that brings each story to life.
In 2019, driven by my concerns about the lack of theatrical opportunities in rural communities, I founded Hudswell Village Players. What began as a grassroots initiative has since grown into a registered charity, offering inclusive, community-led theatre experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Hudswell Village Players have become a vibrant hub of creativity, collaboration, and local pride.
I’m still as passionate as ever about making theatre accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I want Hudswell Village Players to keep inspiring, entertaining, and bringing people together through the magic of performance.
Nate Robinson
Secretary (he/him)
Hey! I’m Nate, and I’m the Secretary of Hudswell Village Players. I’ve been part of HVP from the very beginning – I played Prince Charming in our first-ever pantomime, Cinderella, when I was just 16. Since then, I’ve stayed involved with every production in one way or another, and it’s been such a rewarding journey.
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I’ve always had a passion for musical theatre. There’s something magical about watching a show come to life... from the first rehearsal to the final performance. That love for theatre, combined with how much I care about Hudswell as my home, is what inspired me to get involved. Being part of HVP gives me the perfect creative outlet and a welcome break from the day-to-day routine of university life. It’s fun, fulfilling, and a great way to stay connected to my roots.
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What makes it really special, though, is the joy we’re able to bring to the village. Hudswell is a small, quiet place, and putting on lively, joyful shows here feels truly meaningful. I’ve lived in the village my whole life, so being able to give something back and help create something new for the community is incredibly important to me. Whether we’re making people laugh, sing along, or just escape reality for a little while, there’s a real sense of togetherness in what we do.
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I’m so proud of how far HVP has come in just a few years, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. We’ve already done so much, but I know there’s plenty more to come and I’m excited to be part of it all!
Richard Hamilton-Leighton
Treasurer (he/him)
My name is Richard Hamilton-Leighton, and I’m proud to be the Treasurer and one of the founding members of the Hudswell Village Players. Since we first came together, I’ve worked passionately to help shape the group into a vibrant, welcoming space for performers and audiences alike. With a strong background in musical theatre and community performance, I’ve taken on many roles over the years... on stage, behind the scenes, and at the committee table.
Leading and supporting musical theatre has been a huge part of my life. I’ve had the privilege of serving on various theatre committees, where I’ve combined my love for performance with practical experience in governance, planning, and development. I believe strongly that theatre should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background, age, or experience. That belief drives everything I do with the Hudswell Village Players - from ensuring our finances are solid, to making sure our productions reflect the diversity and spirit of our community.
On stage, I’m perhaps best known for my performances as the Dame in our annual pantomimes. It’s a role I absolutely love...bringing laughter, warmth, and a bit of outrageous fun to our audiences. In 2024, I was honoured to be awarded “Best Dame” at the NODA Awards, and I’m thrilled to be nominated for the same award again in 2025.
Whether I’m dazzling in a dress and a wig or crunching the numbers as Treasurer, my goal is always the same: to help make theatre a joyful, inclusive experience for everyone involved. With the Hudswell Village Players, I’m excited to keep building something truly special—where everyone has a place in the spotlight.
Christine Meldon
Publicity (she/her)
Hello! I’m Christine, and I’m in charge of publicity for Hudswell Village Players. I first supported HVP as a professional freelance theatre photographer for the very first production of Cinderella and I just had to be involved. When HVP officially became a charity, I proudly became one of its founding members, and I’ve loved being part of the journey ever since.
Theatre has always been at the heart of my life. My very first job was as an assistant stage manager with North Country Theatre, and since then I’ve worked in all sorts of roles across the industry especially Youth Theatre support. But my biggest passion has become theatre photography – something I’ve proudly had exhibitions for.
What I love most about being part of HVP is dreaming up creative ideas and imagery to help show the world just how brilliant and unique this group really is. The sheer talent, passion, and inclusivity here are truly inspiring... everyone gives their all to raise the bar, and we’ve proven just how far a village hall theatre group can go when people believe in it.
I grew up in Wensleydale, and I often wished there had been more rural creative arts opportunities when I was younger. That’s why HVP’s mission means so much to me. We’re not just putting on shows; we’re building something really special for the whole community.
The success we’ve had so far has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see how much further we can go. I adore watching our youth members grow in confidence and take their first steps onto bigger stages – it’s one of the most rewarding things to witness.
Emma Johnson
Committee Member (she/her)
My journey with the Hudswell Village Players began in 2019 when my daughter took part in the pantomime Cinderella. She had such an incredible time—full of joy, confidence-building, and fun—that she couldn’t wait to return the following year. And from that moment on, we’ve both been involved in one way or another. What started as a one-off experience quickly became a big part of our lives, and the group has become something we truly treasure.
IIn the early days, I helped out behind the scenes with other parents, doing whatever I could to support the productions. That soon evolved into something more, and in 2023 I officially took on the role of chaperone. With a background in fostering and a real passion for working with children, it felt like a natural fit. Making sure our young cast members feel safe, supported, and happy during rehearsals and performances is something I take huge pride in—it’s a privilege to play a part in their creative journeys.
Following my involvement as a chaperone, I was invited to join the committee to represent the interests of both the children and their parents. Hudswell Village Players isn’t just a theatre group...it’s a community, a family, and a space where people of all ages can come together to create something magical. I’m grateful to be part of that magic and to help nurture the next generation of performers, dreamers, and storytellers.
Scott Edwards
Committee Member (he/him)
Coming soon.
John Holliday
Committee Member (he/him)
Hi everyone. I’m John and a Committee Member of Hudswell Village Players.
Theatre has been in my blood from a very young age having first performed as Kamikaze Fairy back in 1986! I’ve been involved in almost every show with HVP since it began and directed the most recent Summer production (Around The World In 20 Musicals).
One of the strengths of HVP is the opportunity it provides everyone whilst maintaining a real family feel. All my family have been involved in productions over the years, my wife Clair is also a Committee member.
Outside of HVP I am also the NODA representative for this area covering shows across North Yorkshire and County Durham. This role allows me to bring a close connection between Noda and HVP and allows me to witness the best of all amateur theatre in the North. I recently celebrated 30 years of work with NODA and local societies. I know what you’re thinking... I don’t look old enough!
Outside of HVP and NODA, running has become my 2nd passion constantly challenging myself to go further and further. The discipline and training required really mirrors being a production as well as the fun and social side both hobbies provide.
It has been amazing watching HVP grow over the years with new talent emerging from all across the region. The plans that lie ahead are most certainly going to put us on the theatrical map in North Yorkshire!
Nicola Dawson
Committee Member (she/her)
Hi, I’m Nicola and I’ve been involved with Hudswell Village Players since the very first pantomime. I grew up in the village, so being part of something that brings people together in such a joyful and creative way means a lot to me. My passion for creativity naturally led me toward costume making... a journey I never expected to go on, but one I’ve grown to love. It’s truly remarkable that our small village and this charity have been able to give people of all ages the chance to develop their skills, meet new people, and feel encouraged and celebrated for their creativity.
My love of theatre began during a school trip to London, where I got to see Cats. That experience really stuck with me, and now I get to channel that inspiration into creating beautiful costumes that help bring much-loved characters to life. I’m not professionally trained, and I had never taken a sewing lesson in my life before joining HVP—in fact, I hadn’t even sewn two pieces of fabric together! Costume design wasn’t something I ever thought I’d be capable of, but I’ve always been creative, and costume making opened up a whole new way of expressing that and it turns out, I’m actually pretty alright at it!
What makes HVP so special is the supportive community it fosters. It’s a place where everyone’s unique skills are welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated. At a time when the arts are receiving less and less funding (especially here in the North East) it’s more important than ever for local communities to create opportunities for people to get involved. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do and the difference this amazing charity continues to make.
Clair Boddy
Committee Member (she/her)
Coming Soon