The Frodsham Players were formed in May 1942 from two separate play reading groups attended by local teachers, traders and housewives. Mr. J. H. Bu'lock, who was at that time residing in Runcorn. volunteered to act as Honorary Producer; a position he continued to hold for 11 years. Coming from a theatrical family, he laid the foundations of the Society in its early days, and any ultimate success attained was undoubtedly due to his deep interest and unbounded enthusiasm.
The first dramatic effort comprised two one-act plays staged in the Junior School, Overton on 23rd October 1942, from which a profit of £15.14s.9d (£15.74) was donated to the British Red Cross "Prisoners of War" Fund. After a certain grounding, Mr. Bu'lock felt that the Society was ready to tackle something a little more ambitious and the first full length play "Till Further Orders" was produced in the Drill Hall in June 1943. Further productions followed in the Drill Hall after which the Society moved to the Secondary Modern School (Frodsham High School), the Church Hall and, subsequently Frodsham Community Centre.
A powerful driving force behind the establishment and early success of the Players was Councillor Rowland (Ron) Shelbourne, who was Chairman until his death in 1974, and his wife Bertha.
On the death of Mr. Bu'lock in 1953, Mr. G. E. (Gran) Garley, an experienced acting member who joined the Society in 1948, became the Producer until his retirement in 1973 for business reasons. During this period he directed over thirty main productions.
It is interesting to note that, since its inception, two or three members have made a living in the theatrical profession. One went on to become a wardrobe mistress for the B.B.C., responsible for dressing, among other shows, that well known series "Porridge".