THE curtain could fall for the final time on a York amateur dramatics group that has been in existence for half a century.

Poppleton Players have been entertaining audiences for 50 years, performing twice a year in All Saints Church Hall in Upper Poppleton.

But now the group may have to fold if it does not receive an infusion of dramatic new blood, says chairman Nigel Evans.

Mr Evans said all the players except one were in their 50s, which made it difficult to find a play that reflected their age.

At the same time, the number of people who work behind the scenes had dwindled so it was becoming ever more difficult to find people who can build staging and deal with the props.

He said the group had held an extraordinary meeting to discuss their plight and were hoping that a push to try to boost membership would help.

Mr Evans said: “We have got about 30 people in the group.

“But our last production – the American Ambassador – was really difficult to produce, as a couple of people who work behind the scenes were on holiday and all our male members are getting on a bit now, which makes it hard to find plays which reflect their age.

“We aren’t getting new members in the 20 to 50 age group and that’s why we are in danger of closing. We are holding our AGM on March 27 and between now and then we will be trying to get some new members.”

At the extraordinary meeting it was agreed to distribute leaflets to homes in Poppleton asking for people interested in joining the players to attend a future meeting. If no interest is forthcoming then the players will be disbanded.

Anyone wanting to join the group should phone Mr Evans on 01904 340680.