Curtains up for centenary celebrations
21st February 2008
• Oklahoma (2007).
ONE of Weston’s best-loved and talented groups is turning 100 this year.
Weston Operatic Society is celebrating its centenary and the Weston & Somerset Mercury, with the help of current members, has trawled the archives to bring you pictures of some of the most memorable productions it has staged.
The group, which was formed in 1908, first performed at Knightstone Pavillion with leading parts taken up by Leslie Fursland and Winifred Thomas.
Weston Operatic Society got off to a successful start with productions including The Gondoliers, Merrie England, Princess Ida, Yeoman of the Guard and The Mikado and has only ever stopped since for the World Wars.
By the middle of the 1950s attendance at shows was falling, partly due to the introduction of television in Weston so the group joined forces with the Red Triangle Players to hold a joint production, a modern American musical, Call Me Madam. It was staged under producer Wilfred Fredricks, who remained with the society for 30 years and musical director at the time, Leon Godby.
• Annie (1989).
In the 1960s Maureen James started a junior section of the society called The Oppits, with ages ranging from seven to 14. Many of the youngsters have gone on to perform on the professional stage.
In 1964 Tom Shearman joined the group and stayed for 31 years, steering members through the new, popular style of American show which set the pattern for many of the productions which have continued through to the modern day.
In its centenary year Weston Operatic Society will stage a brand new musical, The Secret Garden, from March 26-29 at The Playhouse. Tickets, priced £7-13.50, are available from the box office on 01934 645544.
• Call Me Madam (1956).
• Finian's Rainbow (1973).
• Half a Sixpence (1995).
• Iolanthe (1914)
• The Mikado (1914).
• Pirates of Penzance (1909). |
• Darlings and Divas (2007).
• Jesus Christ Super Star (2004).
• My Fair Lady (1969).
• The King and I (2004).
• Carousel (2005). |