Paul and Eleanor Whitla
Valhalla Street Theatre was established in 2000 by Paul Whitla, a local historian keen to share the fascinating history of Ards. With Eleanor’s fun-loving nature and inter-personal skills, the group quickly grew. Using drama and humour to interpret stories of people, places and happenings through street tours, plays, sketches and murder mystery events. Now 20 years later, these pair are still tirelessly giving their time, energy and knowledge… bringing the past to life.
Tommy Croft
My name is Tommy Croft, the current Chairperson for Valhalla Street Theatre (VST). I’ve been a member of VST since its inception in 2001. Over the years I’ve written two plays (18 Miles to Freedom and Freedom’s Frontier), several scenes for other plays and performances, many tours and a multitude of murder mystery scripts.
Some characters I’ve played on stage with Valhalla include:
William le Savage in the ‘Greyabbey Pageant’: Jock ‘Pear Tree’ Graham in ‘18 Miles to Freedom’: Daft Eddy in ‘Daft Eddy and the Smugglers of Strangford Lough’: Tom Elliott in ‘Freedom’s Frontier’: Thomas Andrews in ‘Titanic and the Men of Steel’: Archie Stratton in ’A Letter Home and its sequel ‘A Welcome Home’
Outside of Valhalla, I also appeared at The Web Theatre in ‘Journey’s End’, playing the Company Sergeant Major, as well as the local Constable in the Heritage Theatre Project production of Lennox Robinsons ‘Drama At Inish’
I believe watching Valhalla grow from performing themed street tours only into the wide spectrum of events the group now delves into is in many ways one of my favourite things about this journey we’ve been on. Once a member of Valhalla Street Theatre, always a member of Valhalla Street Theatre. Here’s to the next 20 years! Wherever you go, there you are.
Lisa Duncan
I've been with Valhalla for over 15 years. During that time i have taken part in Murder Mysteries, Ghost Tours and Dramatic Plays.
I thoroughly enjoyed having a Prominent Role as Mrs Andrew's in the centenary play 'The Making Of The Titanic at St Andrew's Memorial Hall, situated in Comber.
I look forward to more Valhalla experiences.
Karen Todd
My name is Karen Todd & I have been in Valhalla from the very beginning over 21 years ago. On the very first tour the character I played was dressed up as a monk, jumping out at the old priory after a ghostly tale had been told of the history of the site.
Since doing that initial tour we expanded into a larger & enthusiastic drama group, covering all manner of acting and interpretive performances.
We’re made up of people from all walks of life and we have cultivated a great family atmosphere. Valhalla is full of fun when together a great group to grow with.
Maggie Colmer
Hello, I’m Maggie. I have been retired for 18 years and for many of those years I have been involved with Valhalla Street Theatre!
I love being around people - I am also in a choir and a walking group. I also really enjoy travelling.
Throughout my time with Valhalla I have enjoyed many roles - murder mysteries, Halloween ghost tours and plays. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Mrs Keys in ‘Titanic and the Men of Steel’. I was also cast in ‘18 Miles to Freedom’.
I am looking forward to being with the group and meeting in the hall again.
Pauline Campbell
'Please come and help us, someone is sick and we are one person down', they said, so I reluctantly donned a wig and learnt a few lines to help out.
Now Secretary, I've been part of Valhalla for a very long time, and enjoyed every minute... well almost. The few moments before going on stage or performing to the public, I'm usually so nervous I swear never again! ...but then adrenalin kicks in and the fun starts.
The variety of roles and parts to play always gives us something to work towards; from ladies of the gentry, to ladies of the night, maids, smugglers, murderers and the occasional medieval lady-in-waiting. I've had many roles to play but I've also enjoyed contributing to writing plays and sketches, assisting with costumes and arranging team building events. In this grown up world, Valhalla gives me an opportunity to play... and we all need to do that more often.
Bill Turner
My name is Bill Turner and I'm 67 years young. Since retiring from my main occupation some 15 odd years ago I started treading the boards initially in Musical Theatre with Bangor Operatic Society becoming their Chairman and performing both principle and chorus with them and other musical societies. Moving on I have retrained as an actor obtaining qualifications with LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art). I have appeared in many plays with 2nd Skin Theatre Company and also played Alfred Hitchcock with Accidental Theatre. Up until the pandemic I was in my 9th season as Pantomime Dame. If you didn't blink and miss me you may have spotted me in various TV and Film roles e. g. The Fall, The Truth Commissioner, The Bishop and the Beggar, (winner of the Jamaican Film Festival), Mother's Day and stand in for John Henshaw (The Keeper). Recently I played Egeus in A Midsummer Night's Dream which brought me into contact with my chums at Valhalla Street Theatre. Sure ya couldn't bate it wi' a big stick! As the saying goes.
Lisa Morrow
My name is Lisa Morrow and I went back to drama in about 2010 when I joined Bangor Drama Club and was in a few productions including Christmas Carol, Animal Farm and Pygmalion. I then joined Helensbay Players then 2nd Skin Theatre Company. I have had played many different roles including Panto, Sam Cree and was part of the Terra Nova production of Midsummer's Night Dream. I also played Grace Neill in Donaghadee Parish Church Tour and took part in a Comedy Sketch Club for Mental Health. I joined Valhalla recently to help with the Heritage Filming for Heritage Stories. I enjoy drama and hope to take part in more productions in the future.
Chris Curry
Tracey Bell
I am a new member to Valhalla. I have loved acting/ drama since I was very young. I have been involved with other theatres over the years and have played leading roles in a few plays along with many supporting roles.
I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Landmark Heritage Plays with Valhalla.
The group are so friendly and welcoming and I look forward to taking part in Valhalla's new adventures in the future.
Laverne Boyd
I’m a late member to the group, joining in 2021 when I responded to a Valhalla Workshop advertisement, and I haven’t looked back.
With no previous experience, just a passion for local history and a bit of drama (dressing up)! I have been so fortunate to have fallen into a group with a lovely bunch of light-minded people.
I enjoy all aspects of what we do as a group. I love the graveyard and walking tours, researching the historical figures, so I can execute my performance with empathy in the hope of bringing characters back to life, albeit briefly.
I was in my late 50’s when I joined the group, my only regret, I didn’t join sooner!