The group was formed in 1949 and concentrates on drama, producing two plays per year.

The members are of all ages and from all walks of life and enjoy an active social life, with parties and outings during the year. The active members take part in all the activities involved in staging a play: building the set, organising props, lighting, costumes and front of house, as well as acting and directing. New members are always welcome, whatever their field of interest.

Ashtead Players have twice been awarded the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) Accolade of Excellence Award, for Separate Tables by Terence Rattigan and for William Nicholson's Shadowlands. But their greatest achievement was winning the Sir Michael Caine Drama Award at the Leatherhead Drama Festival 2005 (see box, right).