Fun Facts

January 1935: The Mikado was the first show to run for 6 continuous nights. Since which time, the society has done a full week of performances every year, except for during WW2.

January 1938: The society broadened it's horizons with Arcadians, a move away from the traditional Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta.

January 1939: Wildflower featured a real donkey, borrowed from a local farmer, who had to be persuaded to climb 6 steps on to the stage every night.

January 1939: Rio Rita was chosen for the 1940 production but cancelled due to the outbreak of the WW2.

January 1946: The Society worked towards the pantomime Cinderella for it's re-opening in January 1947.

January 1948: A Country Girl saw the society return to full week performances with many of the pre-war members and a few new additions to the cast, many of whom are still members to this day.

January 1954: Carissima welcomed a new director in Barbara Bailey.

January 1955: Bless the Bride saw the return of Mary Connell as director.

January 1961: No No Nannette was Bessie Klenk's debut as choreographer, a position she held until 1984.

January 1965: Merry Widow brought Barbara Bailey back to direct after 10 years’ absence.

January 1973: Charlie Girl was a world amateur premiere. A new 15 year old member, Anne Drinkel, was given the leading role.

January 1977: Vagabond King was the last show to be given in the schoolrooms due to alterations to the building.

January 1978: Desert Song, the first show the society performed in the Library Theatre, was disrupted on opening night when the fire alarms activated causing cast and audience to vacate the building for 20 minutes.

January 1983: Student Prince saw the audience and cast evacuated for 1 hour and 30 minutes, due to an electrical fire, but the show continued despite 3 inches of water in the understage dressing rooms.

January 1990: Die Fledermaus was performed at the new venue of St George’s Hall.

January 1992: My Fair Lady welcomed a new production team with Colin Marchant as director and Brian Cryer as MD. This dream team served together for the next 11 years.

January 1995: Chess, a new release for amateurs, was a unique challenge with all music and no lib. This was the choreography debut of Janet Fletcher, who served the society for 17 shows.

January 2003: Mack and Mabel saw a change in the production team line up once more, with Steve Tetlow as director and Ian Sapiro as MD.

January 2012: Oliver welcomed a new director, Kevin Moore, and new choreographer, Cathryn Laban.

January 2013: Return to the Forbidden Planet was a first for the society with the use of pyrotechnics, fireman's poles and UV face paints.

January 2014: Annie saw some of the highest audience figures in the society’s history.

February 2017: Due to mass refurbishments at St George's Hall, the society moved their production of Fiddler on the Roof to The Bradford Alhambra. We said a sad farewell to Kevin Moore, our Director, due to illness but were thrilled to welcome Stephen Jamieson in his stead. Following this show, we also said a very fond farewell to Ian Sapiro as he retired from Amateur Theatre.

February 2018: Hello, Dolly! saw us back at the Alhambra with a new Director, NODA Regional Rep Judith Smith and MD Chris Pelly.