Actors' group celebrates 25 years treading the boards
AN ACTORS' co-operative is celebrating 25 years in the business.
The Hebden Bridge group is one of the oldest actors' co-operatives in the country.
Hundreds of actors have gone through the books over the years - including Maxine Peake, who starred in Shameless, See No Evil and Little Dorrit, John McArdle, who played Billy Corkhill in Brookside and appeared in Cracker and Merseybeat and Kathy Jamieson, who has appeared in Heartbeat, Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell, who was recently at the centre of a huge row when parents complained she was not suitable for the children's channel because she was born with only one hand, was a member before she moved to London.
North of Watford was formed by three actors - Susannah Cunningham and her brother Glenn, along with Emmerdale star Drew Dawson, who played Jock MacDonald.
Susannah said: "The three of us were sitting in Glenn's garden one day moaning about our agents not getting us work. My brother said we should set up on our own.
"He had come from one of the first co-operatives in London, and the idea was gathering speed at that time."
The unusual name has always grabbed people's attention within the profession.
"Acting is so London-based - it has always been the centre of the acting world - and people used to say they didn't want to do anything north of Watford. The name stuck!" said Susannah.
After contacting local actors, other people joined them, including Gillian Kerrod and Rob Garret, who were both members for many years.
In the beginning they met at each others' houses and put 50p in the pot to cover expenses.
Now they have an office at Bridge Mill and members have appeared in Heartbeat, Coronation Street and Emmerdale - as well as theatre and film.
Susannah puts the group's success down to the co-operative spirit.
"There is something quite unique and great about working in a co-operative. We all pulled together. The odd clash of ego is the downside, but there is a drive to help others get good parts."
Susannah eventually changed career and stopped acting, but still does scriptwriting and teaches drama.
Glenn moved to another co-operative in Manchester and then went solo. Sadly Drew died.
But although the faces change, the co-op is still going strong.
Current member Lisa Allen says that although not many people in the town know about them, they have never felt any need to be anywhere other than Hebden Bridge.
"There are so many media professionals and writers in the area that could use local actors. It has been kept quiet for 25 years but that is going to change," she said.
The co-op works as an agency, finding jobs for its members. It is staffed by members and they plough profits back into the business.
Effectively the actors are their own agents - giving them more autonomy over the kind of roles they go for.
Lisa said: "We have direct links with the industry, and have worked for years with the BBC and Granada. Most casting directors are aware of us." Most casting directors are aware of us.”
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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