Jenny Beare reflects on her years with the Kernow Players, an amateur dramatics group based in the Little Theatre in Padstow. Jenny shares how her journey in theatre began at the age of nine, when her mum, Jane, and her Granny, Flo, encouraged her to audition for the group. Despite her nerves, Jenny was persuaded by her family to give it a try, and soon enough, she was accepted into the company.
She fondly recalls the many shows performed, including summer shows, pantomimes, and music halls, emphasising the importance of the behind-the-scenes team that helped bring these productions to life. Jenny credits the hard work of people like Pam Salvage and others who handled costumes, lighting, sound, and set construction, ensuring the shows were a success. The theater had a small but dedicated audience, and performances were often sold out, creating an energetic and joyous atmosphere.
Jenny also reminisces about Johnny Cowling, a fellow performer who became a big part of the company. She describes how he made everyone laugh and, being a huge Elvis Presley fan, introduced Jenny and the rest of the cast to Elvis’s music. The camaraderie in the company was evident, and Jenny fondly remembers the times spent singing Elvis songs and watching his films with the cast.
In terms of her acting career, Jenny recalls her experiences participating in the South West Cornwall Pantomime Awards. She remembers being nominated for “Second Best Speciality Animal” for her role as a mute cat in Puss in Boots, a show in which she performed alongside Fiona England as the principal boy. While she didn’t win that year, Jenny later won the prestigious award for “Principal Boy” in a subsequent production.
Jenny’s reflections capture the joy, camaraderie, and dedication that make community theater such an important and cherished part of life in Padstow.
