The History of WADAOS

This history of the Society from its inception until he laid down his pen in 2003 was compiled by Ken Simpson, a stalwart of the Society and it is to him I owe so much information. Thank you Ken!                       - Ripley Steele

 

The 1900's

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In the autumn of 1904 the Whitehaven Amateur Operatic Society commenced rehearsals for their first production, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Patience”. The Society gained access to the Theatre Royal just after midnight on Thursday 2nd  March 1905. Mr Charles Harrington’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” Company had taken down their scenery and moved out in the middle of the night! The society then commenced the dress rehearsal which ended at 6.00am.

Curtain up was thirteen and a half hours later, 7.30pm Thursday 2nd March 1905.

The Whitehaven News reported a ‘big, fashionable audience’ for the opening night with a ‘still larger audience’ for the Friday evening performance. The formidable Madame Forbes Wilson, a strict disciplinarian, was the director and was there again when the society reformed after the First World War. She directed all the society productions until 1932.

In 1906 the society presented two productions. “The Pirates of Penzance” from Wednesday to Saturday 21st – 24th February and, on Tuesday November 9th for two performances in the afternoon and evening, “The Burglar and the Judge” and“Trial by Jury” with a concert also included was given. It was described in the advertisements as “A Triple Bill” in the Oddfellows Hall which was situated on Lowther Street above where the “Whittington Cat” pub is now.

Of the “Pirates of Penzance” the News said ‘the choruses were admirable and the orchestral part of the performance left nothing to be desired.’

The “Triple Bill” attracted a ‘fair’ number of ‘country visitors’ for the afternoon performance and the evening show was three quarters full. There was a cast of three for the farce “The Burglar and the Judge” consisting of the burglar, the judge and the judge’s servant. The concert in the second half  was of choruses from “Patience” and “Pirates”, various other solos by the four principals present and a “Sonata in C Minor”  written and played by Mr James Galloway, the Musical Director of the society and a well-known local musician. “Trial by Jury” reportedly ‘wakened up the audience, it was distinctly well done, the chorus vigorous and full toned.’

The next production of the society was “The Mikado” in November 1907. Miss Cissie Flynn’s portrayal of Yum-Yum was “natty, vivacious with a natural chic, inimitably and charmingly coquette, she played the part to perfection.” The long report of the show continued to inform the public what every amateur wants to prove … “there is not a stick or dummy on stage, they all sing well in their several parts and if one pleases more than another it is the part that is conspicuous, rather than the person for they play well together and are very uniform in their excellence.”….”the fan-handling, the salaams and Eastern squat were well done”. There evidently was a problem with the Gentlemen of Japan as some of them refused to shave off their moustaches! .. “and one had not to be too particular about some hirsute growths which, on tall, robust figures suggested perhaps rather the Afgan than the Jap”. The ladies though “were spic and span and altogether charming”.

As there was a problem with the licence, the Theatre Royal was closed in 1908 and the society could not stage a full production.

However in 1909, with the licence renewed the group presented “H.M.S. Pinafore” from Tuesday to Saturday 16th – 20th November. There were special train laid on from Egremont, Frizington and Millom for this production ‘to bring in many eager to avail themselves to see so good a performance’.

The last show the society gave in those far off days was “The Gondoliers”between November 29th and December 3rd 1910. The News reported that …’we think the Society never had a better chorus than this. There was no mistake about it. The opening goes with that easy confidence so essential to openings and it is a well justified promise of the good things to come in their splendid combination that follows’.

There were no more shows prior to the First World War due to industrial unrest in the coal-fields and the town had to wait until peace returned before the Operatic Society could again tread the boards.

 

The 1920's

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In 1921 the Society reformed with "The Mikado" which was presented in the last week of May 1922 again in the old Theatre Royal under the direction of Madame Forbes Wilson.  The part of Nanki-Poo was taken by Jackie Johnston who took the role of the Duke of Dunstable in the society's first production of "Patience" in 1905. Playing the organ in this first production was Mr Alfred Robertson, who became Musical Director of the Society in 1922 and, apart from a short break of two years, remained in that post until his death in 1965,  His wife, Ethel, took the part of Inez. 

Together with the notices advertising the 1923 "The Gondoliers" there appeared an advert announcing the complete operetta could be purchased on eleven double sided HMV records for the sum of £4/2/6d! - (£4.25)

In 1924 the society produced "The Rebel Maid" - which includes the popular song "The Fishermen of England"  - and did not present any further Gilbert and Sullivan operettas for another 14 years, until 1938.

 "The Rose of Araby" in May 1925 was a tremendous success financially and with the general public.  The Whitehaven News commented 'Had the Theatre Royal been twice as large it would have failed to accommodate those desirous of being present at the last performance of "The Rose of Araby".  Shortly after 4 o'clock queues started to form near the unbooked entrance, proof of the determination to be present at bouquet night.  The audience was of the type that gladdens the heart of an artiste, frankly appreciative.  Some of the principal numbers and dances were given no fewer than four encores and the 'What a Scream' trio experienced  the utmost difficulty in shaking off a particularly tenacious audience appealing for more'.  The 'What a Scream' trio contained encore verses with a local flavour written by Dr Ablett which made references to the Bransty Arches, new Loop Road and the harbour..

From 1926 to 1934 the Society presented shows that are now no longer heard..  They include "Havannah", "Princess Caprice", "My Lady Molly", "Katinka",  "The Boy", and "Sybil".

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The 1930's

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"High Jinks", presented in the Queens Theatre in 1933, included a novelty dance to a very popular number of the time entitled 'Butterflies in the Rain". The story involved a perfume with magical properties and each evening, thanks to a unique number printed on the programme (price 2d), a member of the audience had a chance of winning a bottle of High Jinks perfume!

With the move to the Queens in 1931 the Society made extensive use of theatrical devices which were capable of being employed in a bigger theatre.  These included the trappings and rich hangings of Morocco in the 1935 "The Desert Song" and the sound of cannon fire and battle scenes in "The New Moon" in 1936.

In 1937, as an intended Coronation Pageant for Edward VIII - which, of course, did not take place because of the Abdication, there was a production of "Merrie England" held in the Castle Park for three nights in July.  With war clouds gathering over Europe the Society presented this most poignant of shows for the time, two years later again in the Castle Park in July 1939 with an orchestra of 40 musicians, conducted by Alfred Robertson with a well known B.B.C.  concert singer, Olive Groves, taking the leading role of Bessie Throckmorton.  At the end of the performance heralds stood on the roof of the bandstand and in ringing tones delivered the speech of John of Gaunt in Shakespeare's Richard II beginning:

"This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,

This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars" 

With Hitler threatening our island this speech, with hindsight, took on an even greater significance as, within a few short weeks of the production, we as a nation were fighting for our very existence.

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The 1950's

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After the war, in 1952, the Society reformed again and, as it was Coronation year in 1953, the Society presented 'The Gondoliers" - with the wonderful quartet 'A Regular Royal Queen'.  Ted Robertson, the son of the Musical Director, took the part of Francesco and his wife Betty was a beautiful Tessa. Derek Hetherington, Joe Arrighi, Richard Cradduck,  and Gordon McKee, a future Chairman of the Society, all made their debuts in this show.

 In 1954 'The Desert Song" included the comic timing of Joe Arrighi and Betty Robertson with the 'neatly portrayed Captain Fontaine' and future President of the Society - Robert Crosbie.

The Society's time in the Queens Theatre was drawing to a close and a new home for our productions was found in the Kells Community Centre.  Due to the size pf the hall the shows presented were limited to those with little or no scene changes.  A young Elizabeth Robertson (nee Simpson) daughter of the Musical Director and still a stalwart of the Society took her first leading role as Yum-Yum (after only six weeks rehearsal) in "The Mikado", the first show produced at Kells in 1955.

The Society was the first group in the country to stage "Old Chelsea" in 1956 and it was produced by John Dennis who took the part of Peter Crawley playing opposite Richard Tauber in the 1943 London production. The 'burly silver voiced tenor Tom Murphy has a Tauber touch' according to the Whitehaven News and Tom would continue to take leading roles in several of the Society's productions.

The 1958 production of "No, No, Nanette" was the last time the Society had the services of a professional producer for their shows.

 

The 1960's

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The Society came back into town in 1960, to the Dunboyne Hall, and "H.M.S. Pinafore" was chosen.  Like Kells Centre shows involving many scene changes would be difficult to stage.  It was decided to ask Joe Wallace, a member of Carlisle Amateur Operatic Society to direct for us.  This he was delighted to do and so began an association which lasted until 1969.

During the run of the 1962 "The Gondoliers" Catherine Knight, who took the role of Tessa lost her voice! Elizabeth Simpson sang BOTH parts!  New members for the 1963 "The Pirates of Penzance" included Dorothy and Margaret Wilson (Mrs. Lawrence).  Ken and Elizabeth's son, David, was born on the Wednesday of show week - March 27th!  For the 1964 "The Yeoman of the Guard" Mrs Audrey Johnson joined the Society.

In March 1965 the Society presented "The Mikado" with Elizabeth Simpson, Betty Robertson and Pauline Southward as the 'Three Little Maids', Des Toole as the Mikado, Richard Cradduck as Ko-Ko, Ann Graham as Katisha, Gordon McKee as Pooh-Bah and Baxter Shaw as Pish Tush - what a cast!!! The show was a sell-out long before the curtain went up.  On October 15th that year Alfred Robertson, the Society's Musical Director for the last 35 shows, died, aged 83. Co-incidentally this Gilbert and Sullivan was both his first show as Musical Director and his last.. His son, Ted, took over as Musical Director with Ken Phillips as Honorary Pianist.

In the 1966 "Ruddigore" a new member of the Society was Val Hendren (Val Fox) a future principal and director of many shows.  In 1967, with the proposed extending of the Civic Hall, it was decided to move to the lovely Theatre at Rosehill.  With such a large chorus it proved impossible to accommodate everyone inside - so a caravan parked at the rear was used - a unique and very crowded experience!  Also in 1967 for the production of "Iolanthe" Peter Hendren, Pat Dalton and Anne McGuffie joined the Society.  For the 1968 "Patience" George Dalton, a future Chairman and Ripley Steele, a future principal and Ticket Secretary became members.

A successful double bill of "Trial by Jury" and "H.M.S. Pinafore" brought the Society's sojourn at Rosehill to an end in Spring 1969 but we returned there during the 1980's to produce musicals and in the 1990's with dramas and comedies.

Bob Bowker, a chorus member and principal with both Ulverston and Barrow Amateur Operatic Societies was invited to direct the 1969 "Merrie England". This show was given in the newly opened Solway Hall.  It was the Society's first Autumn production since 1910 and we gave a lavish presentation which was a sell out. The wonderful music and gorgeous costumes gave the population of Whitehaven live amateur theatre at its best.

 

The 1970's

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With the start of a new decade the Society decided to produce a lesser known Gilbert and Sullivan, "Princess Ida". The Whitehaven News enthused over Elizabeth Simpson's 'lovely soprano ringing true on every note'. Chris Wishart was 'truly regal' as King Hildebrand and Peter Hendren was 'magnificent' as hunch-back King Gama.  Audrey Johnson 'took her chance to prove what a fine voice she really has'. The 1971 "The Desert Song" with Avril Cowper Ramsey 'showed herself to be a very good actress having extremely clear and distinct enunciation'.

In 1972, Lionel Lightfoot produced "The Gondoliers".  Mr Lightfoot had produced more than forty Savoy operettas and this was to be the sixth time he had directed "The Gondoliers".  Unfortunately he died in August the same year.

Under Ted Robertson the Society gave Whitehaven a taste of old Vienna in Johann Strauss ' 'The Gipsy Baron" in 1973 and Franz Lehar's wonderful "Merry Widow" in 1974. This was the start of a period when the shows were produced by a popular and charismatic local head-teacher by the name of Jack Coan. He inspired enthusiasm and anyone lucky enough to be directed by him would never forget the experience. Ripley Steele re-joined the Society in 1973 for "The Gipsy Baron"  Amanda Johnson, daughter of Keith and Audrey, Jonathan Cowan, son of Bob and Shirley and David Simpson, son of Ken and Elizabeth were all cast as gipsy children.

Of "The Merry Widow", the Whitehaven News proclaimed, 'for gaiety, charm romance and comedy 'The Merry Widow' would take a lot of beating.  Monday night's audience was captivated. Professional, exciting and colourful this show gave the greatest of pleasure and a happy company was clearly full of enthusiasm as they acted and sang the beautiful melodies.'  'The News also added that ' the real humour came from Ripley Steele as Njegus, in a non singing role he was a distinct success'. The show was most emphatically stolen by soprano Elizabeth Simpson who 'with great pose and beauty played the part of the Widow superbly, being aristocratic, autocratic and always charming.  Her duets with Danilo (Peter Hendren) both angry and romantic were enthusiastically acclaimed.'

"The Yeoman of the Guard" in 1975 belonged to the wonderful voice of Pauline Bragg (Mrs. Robertson).  She was described as 'magnificent, her professionalism shines out'.  In "Die Fledermaus" in 1976 Pat Dalton excelled as Adele and proved 'she has a nice gift for comedy and her singing is good too'.  Although the Whitehaven audiences were a little bemused by the 'Die' in the title - meaning 'The'-they tended to think the show had something to do with death!!

The Society presented an Edwardian musical comedy in 1977 with "The Quaker Girl" and the following year, 1978, gave their sixth "Mikado". with a chorus of 49 members.  Later the same year, we gave a wonderful production of  "The King and I" under the direction of John Skelton.  In "The Mikado" Baxter Shaw as Ko-Ko introduced some 'zany touches of comedy'.  During the run of "The King and I' Audrey Johnson gave the most powerful and moving rendition of 'Something Wonderful' and almost stopped the show.  The 'colourful ball-gowns and lighting turned the ballet feature 'The Small House of Uncle Thomas' into something little short of spectacular on such a limited stage'.

The decade ended with "Lilac Time" in 1979.  In this show featuring the music of Schubert, Pauline Robertson once again 'gave a real show stopping performance .... her clear and soaring notes adding immeasurably to the evening's success, particularly when joined by Val Hendren and Gillian Cowley for the trio 'Litzi, Mitzi and Fritzi'.

 

The 1980's

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Tom Murphy once again played the Count in the 1980 production of "The Count of Luxembourg" and The Whitehaven News commented that the show was 'cheerful, talented, fast moving, colourful and well dressed'.  Following the success of "The King and I" the Society presented "The Sound of Music" in the Autumn of 1980 and this proved a real audience hit with almost capacity houses the whole week of the run.  All of the Von Trapp children went on to take principal roles in future productions.

During the run of "The Gondoliers" in 1981 the Society lost one of its most stalwart members - the widow of the Musical Director - Mrs Ethel Robertson.  She had been associated with the Society for 59 years - a truly remarkable achievement. 

"Merrie England" in 1982 was chosen to mark what was then thought to be the Diamond Jubilee of the Society before further research proved there to have been shows produced before the First World War.  Alison Phillips joined for this production and continued a family tradition as her father and mother had both been in the Society during the 1950's.  The Whitehaven News described the production  as 'an evening of sheer delight ". Elizabeth Simpson gave a 'charming interpretation' of Bessie Throckmorton and Audrey Johnson as the May Queen was 'a good actress with a lovely voice'. Valerie Hendren  in the role of Queen Elizabeth was 'suitably regal' she 'looked and felt the part'.

There were two shows presented in 1983 - "The Pirates of Penzance" and "Salad Days". 'Cheery Pirates provided some excellent singing' said The Whitehaven News. Peter Hendren 'cuts a dashing figure' as Major General Stanley and Elizabeth Simpson thrilled the audience with 'Poor Wand'ring One' in the role of Mabel.  Kate, the Major General's daughter, was 'charmingly portrayed by talented' Ann Simpson.  "Salad Days" was presented in the Autumn of 1983 at Rosehill..  The show gave principal roles to younger members of the Society including Vanessa and Gillian Cowley, Graeme Norman, Ann Simpson and Stephen Smith - all of whom graced future productions with fine acting and singing. The show ran for five nights in September - three of those nights played to capacity audiences

Continuing the Gilbert and Sullivan theme the Society chose "Trial by Jury" and"H.M.S. Pinafore" in 1984.  Val Hendren directed "Trial" and Elizabeth Simpson "Pinafore".  Elizabeth has since directed both musicals and plays for the Society.  'A double bill of rollicking musical entertainment with a host of foot tapping tunes had Monday night's audience humming along with the performers" commented The Whitehaven News.  Peter Hendren 'captured the character of the Judge to perfection'  whilst Stephen Smith 'scored an instant success as the pompous First Lord and his rendering of 'When I was a lad' was extremely funny'.  Again the younger members of the Society shone in the Autumn production of "The Boyfriend" also staged at the Rosehill Theatre. Again directed by Elizabeth Simpson this 'fast and furious' show involved a great deal of dancing.  Indeed the Whitehaven News was considerably impressed by the talents of Debbie Johnston, the choreographer. The News stated that 'she deserves special congratulations particularly bearing in mind  that some of the cast had never been in tap shoes before'

The 1985 "Gipsy Princess"- 'a Romany romp of pure delight' gave the audience the wonderful singing of Gillian Cowley and David Simpson whilst Ann Simpson's voice 'was as clear as a bell'. The production was complimented on the way the action flowed and the attention to detail given by the director, Val Hendren.  The orchestra, under the direction of Ted Robertson, was 'in fine form'.

For 1986 the Society chose "The Mikado" for the Spring show and "Half a Sixpence" as an Autumn production.  In "The Mikado" David Simpson 'made an engaging hero' and Gillian Cowley 'sang beautifully throughout' as Yum-Yum.  For 'Half a Sixpence", because they took the male and female leading roles,  David and Ann Simpson - brother and sister - were 'married' during the show.  A point highlighted in the feature in The Whitehaven News.

'The costumes were dazzling and the Ascot scene judged to perfection' enthused The Whitehaven News concerning the Society's 1987 production of "My Fair Lady". Peter Hendren was 'a tour de force' as Professor Higgins and the lovely Karen Venters was a wonderful Eliza Doolittle.

In 1988 and 1989 the Society presented two shows by Offenbach,  "Orpheus in the Underworld" and "La Vie Parisienne". Orpheus was described as 'laugh a minute stuff delivered in panto style' and also it was noted the it was 'a pleasure to see an amateur operatic society fulfilling its potential and staging an ambitious dynamic show that is such a success'. Of course the well known Can-Can number added to the public's appreciation of the operetta.   "La Vie Parisienne" also gave 'excellent music and singing and authentically sumptuous costumes'.  Anyone who saw the show would find it difficult to forget Peter Hendren's amazing Daliesque moustache and outrageous costume.

 

The 1990's

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In January 1990 the Society presented the children's show "Alice" based on the novel by Lewis Carroll, 'Alice Through the Looking Glass'.  There was the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Dormouse, played by Ripley Steele, Stephen Smith and Karen Wishart (Mrs. Bannon) complete with appropriate costumes, a striking Queen of Hearts - played by Betty Robertson - and Tweedledum and Tweedledee played by John Branch and Leon Fussell.  The part of Alice was played by a talented youngster, Carol Elliott.  Also in the Spring of 1990 the Society returned to Gilbert and Sullivan and gave our third  "The Yeoman of the Guard".  Stephen Smith stole the show with his portrayal of Wilfred Shadbolt, the Head Jailer and his comedy duet with Andrew McCrae as Jack Point was very funny.  The 'box' set was very effective and the moving final scene was 'beautifully staged  helped by thoughtful lighting and inspired orchestration under Ted Robertson'.

The 1991 "Hello Dolly" proved to be a box office winner.  Ian Watson was 'ideally cast' as Horace Vandergelder and Elizabeth Simpson made the part of Dolly her own displaying all the deviousness and guile demanded by the role.  David Simpson gave the performance of the show as the clerk Barnaby Tucker. The Whitehaven News said he 'does not merely speak his lines, he lives his part through his stage mannerisms in a way that separates the best from the rest'.  Also in 1991 the Society gave a production of the musical adaptation of Melvyn Bragg's novel"The Hired Man".  This is literally 'The Musical of Whitehaven' as it  is set in Whitehaven and West Cumberland at the turn of the century.  It was a very bold venture and we were delighted that members of Melvyn Bragg's family attended the production.  Ethel, the daughter of Harry and Emily Bragg, two characters portrayed on stage by John Johnstone and Ann Simpson was present on the Wednesday evening.  Ann Simpson  and Roger Wilson as Jackson were singled out for particular praise for their characterisation and singing.

1992 saw the Society give "Iolanthe" and returned to Rosehill Theatre to present a comedy based on the popular TV series, "The Liver Birds".  Sandra and Beryl were 'excellently portrayed' by Vanessa Cowley and Ann Simpson, whilst Ripley Steele as Mr. Duval, the over-the-top camp caretaker and Sue Rankine and Sandra's snobby mother added to the hilarity.

There was a celebration of 300 years of Christianity in Whitehaven in 1993 and the Society reprised the show from two years earlier, "The Hired Man" with a largely unchanged cast.  The story seemed highly appropriate for this celebration and again proved very popular.

In Spring 1993 "Oklahoma" was chosen.  Martyn Wilson and Ann Simpson were marvellous as Will Parker and Ado Annie with Stephen Smith as Curley and Karen Wilson, who had played Eliza Doolittle in 1987, made a great Laurey.  The show was a sell out every night.  After the success of "Oklahoma", in the Autumn of 1993, "High Society" was presented and Graeme Jolly 'stood out for his enthusiastic portrayal of Dexter'.

For "Carousel"  in 1994 Roger Wilson not only directed but appeared as Billy Bigelow with Karen Wilson as Julie Jordan and by the final curtain, with the full company singing 'You'll never walk alone'  there wasn't a dry eye in the house! In the Autumn of 1994 the Society also presented another play at Rosehill.  This was an Agatha Christie, "A Murder is Announced" with Pat Dalton 'wonderful as busybody' Miss Marple and Elizabeth Simpson as Letitia Blacklock.  Agatha Christie is always popular and the play was very well received

'Old Henry's fish and chips stole the show' when "Charlie Girl' opened in 1995. Handing chips out to the audience during a number was very highly recommended ploy!  Betty Robertson was an elegant Lady Hadwell. 

To adhere to the terms of the licence the 1996 "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was presented in the Whitehaven School Hall and was a sell-out.  John Branch was 'fantastic' as Joseph and The Whitehaven News commented that Darren Day and Phillip Schofield had a rival! Stephen Smith as Pharoah 'took the stage, hips gyrating and lips curling' and a special mention was made of seven sheep and one goat played by very small children in 'woolly costumes enjoying themselves and playing dead excellently'

A successful concert of "Showstoppers" with 49 members of the Society was given at Rosehill in 1997 and we gave a second "King and I" at the Civic Hall in Spring 1998.  Martyn Wilson, as the King, shaved his head to help pay for the costumes! 'A rainbow set brings "The King and I" to life.  On stage the backcloths looked nothing but from the auditorium they were a blaze of colour" enthused The Whitehaven News.  Ann Simpson 'gave a commanding performance in the lead role worthy of the West End with her strong voice working will in the popular and catchy 'I whistle a happy tune' and 'Shall we dance?'

In the 1999 "Wizard of Oz" Ann Simpson's first shot at directing proved a tremendous success and a very enjoyable show.  Rikki Thorpe as a very funny Scarecrow, Clive Green as a convincing Tin Man and Ripley Steele as the Cowardly Lion added to the fun not forgetting a 'brilliant performance' by the talented Lorna Christie as Dorothy.  The Society returned to Rosehill for the comedy "No Sex Please, We're British" in the Autumn of 1999.  'I left Rosehill Theatre with my ears still ringing with the richly deserved applause for the wonderfully funny performance of this hilarious play' wrote the critic for the Whitehaven News after he saw "No Sex Please, We're British". Rikki Thorpe, who played the prim bank clerk, 'echoes the gait of a young John Cleese' while Ann Simpson and Howard Cooper 'excel' as the newly married couple inundated with pornographic books!

 

The 2000's

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The Society headed for the Black Hill of Dakota for the 2000 show - "Calamity Jane".  'Jane's rip-roar return to town' headlined The Whitehaven News. Howard Cooper as Wild Bill Hickok 'must have endeared himself to the audience and Ann Simpson's portrayal of Calamity 'gave one of her best performances'.  New members to the company included Elaine Draper, Ray Casson, Clare Grootendorst and Audrey Pedersen.  A thriller was given at Rosehill in the Autumn of 2000"House Guest" with newcomers taking principal roles. Ray, Clare and Audrey all made this thrilling play a great success.  The Whitehaven News congratulated the cast 'who delivered an almost perfect performance'  Ian Hinde also joined the company as Crozier - foully murdered by Inspector Burford - played by Ripley Steele.

"Annie" in 2001 seemed to be a natural choice as we had an influx of new younger members.  Maegan McTiffin as Annie 'belted out the songs..... with such energy and professionalism that it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end' wrote the critic.  All the children as the orphans whose 'cheeky grins and sarcastic tone when greeting Miss Hannigan .... is guaranteed to put a smile on your face' were amazing and even the dog. Sandy (played by Ruby!) 'was a delight'.  A unique and delightful bond was forged between Maegan and Ruby during the rehearsals and show-week.

We returned to Rosehill with another comedy in the Autumn of 2001 with "Pardon Me, Prime Minister".  This 'Well tuned, hilarious political satire was a triumph over adversity' as Elizabeth Simpson, 'the Society's talented mainstay' had fallen ill and could not appear during the run of the play.  The part was taken by Margaret Thorpe who did a wonderful job and 'was totally convincing' as Dora Springer.

The children also played a vital part in the success of "Oliver" in 2002.  Geoff Hubbard was 'outstanding' as Fagin and Audrey Pedersen 'brought colour and drama to the show' as Nancy.  The News also commented how good it was to see visually impaired members like David Hardy and Graeme Bowe taking their place in the chorus.  Martin Bragg was an 'excellent' Oliver and their was an 'unforgettable performance' from Neil Manning as Bill Sykes.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” was directed by Ian Hinde in Autumn 2002 and many felt the production should not have been transposed to the 1960’s as the dialogue of Wilde’s classic comedy did not lend itself to doing so. However that was the director’s take on the play. This was followed by a children’s show at Rosehill, “Smike”.

The Society visited pre-war Berlin for their 2003 show "Cabaret" and created a vivid picture of an age when violence and intolerance were mixed with the heady atmosphere of the Kit-Kat club and all who saw it or appeared in it were impressed by the strong story-line. Lisa Anderson was a wonderful Sally Bowles and Ray Casson a convincing American as Cliff Bradshaw. In June we presented "The Liver Birds" which proved to be a hilarious success. The strong cast gave the audience a wonderful evening's entertainment. As Mrs. Hennessey, Lynn McTiffin's Scouse accent had to be heard to be believed and her call of 'Are you there, our Beryl?' certainly grabbed the audience's attention! Margaret Thorpe as Mrs. Hutchinson, Sandra's snobby mother, was a perfect Southport Hyacinth Bucket! Also the two flatmates Elaine Draper (Sandra) and Ann Casson (Beryl) give incredible performances as they are never off stage and have a phenomenal amount of script to learn!! Ray Casson as Beryl's lover, Robert, was very funny especially when he is drugged, loses his trousers and is pushed into a cupboard!. Chris Simpson, as the camp caretaker Desmond Duval gave a superb performance complete with limp wrist and mincing walk!

The Society presented another junior production later in 2003, again at Rosehill. This was entitled “Ulysses”.

In 2004 the Society returned to Rodgers and Hammerstein with a very ambitious production “South Pacific”. We were fortunate that a fine baritone from Wigton, Shaun Reay, came to take the role of Emille de Becque playing opposite Audrey Pedersen as Ensign Nellie Forbush. There was a strong male chorus to enhance such numbers as “There is Nothing Like a Dame”.

2005 was our Centenary year and a moving portrayal of local life from the pen on Melvyn Bragg, “The Hired Man” was given extra poignancy by a fine production directed by David Simpson. The scene depicting the end of World War 1 was very moving as hundreds of red petals cascaded from the roof of the Civic Hall, a truly memorable production for those of us lucky enough to have performed in it. Later the same year the society presented a great version of a popular TV series. With a huge cast “Allo, Allo” was given at Rosehill Theatre.

Local solicitor Roger Wilson gave a magnificent performance as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2006. His rendering of “If I Were a Rich Man” was a showstopper. He admitted later he had always wanted to play the part and was pleased the Operatic Society had given him the chance to fulfil a lifetime wish. One of the Society stalwarts for many years, Ripley Steele, was given the opportunity to direct a play in 2006 when “Murder on the Nile” was chosen. With a set including depictions of Egyptian gods and goddesses and a centre piece of a mask in the shape of a pharaoh’s head kindly loaned to the group by The Flower Basket the setting was in true keeping with the aims of the Agatha Christie book on which it is based. The leads, Ian Quirk, Rebecca McDowell and Cuth Murphy were incredible in their respective roles.

It was onto the high seas for our 2007 production of Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” written in 1934. The show featured wonderful songs like ‘You’re the Top’, ‘I get a Kick out of You’ and ‘It’s De-lovely sang with gusto by Cath Smith, Tex Houghton and the delightful Tracy Walker – now Tracy McOuat. The was also incredible dance numbers like the title song ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Blow, Gabriel Blow’. “Anything Goes” was directed by the versatile David Simpson.

Gavin Dodd made his directorial debut later in 2007 with the cult musical “Little Shop of Horrors” featuring the man-eating plant Audrey. The pairing of Chris Simpson with Audrey Pedersen was brilliant and the show together with Gavin’s wife Elizabeth, Ann Simpson and Rebecca McDowell as the glamorous songsters made a sure-fire hit. A mention must also be made of the scary Dr Orin, the pain loving dentist played by the talented Aron (Jacko) Armstrong.

The Society went back in time to the Second World War in 2008 and presented“When the Lights Go On Again” which was a compilation show of all the favourite songs of that era featuring numbers such as ‘They’ll Always be an England’, The White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘We’ll meet again’. Apart from the great songs and enthusiasm of the Society directed by Ann Simpson, whose experience of directing the group is always known to bring out the best in the performers, the show featured many hilarious scenes such as the queue outside the grocer’s shop and inside the cinema. The camp concert which included Cath Smith as Carmen Miranda singing ‘I-Yi-Yi’ and Ripley Steele and Wadvern Davies camping it up in ‘Der Fuhrer’s Face’ were very enjoyable.

A wonderful photo of Steph Metcalfe while she was singing ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ was on the front page of the Whitehaven News – great publicity!! - for our 2009 “My Fair Lady”. The show was presented by Ripley Steele in his debut as director of a musical. Steph was a brilliant Eliza and Roger Wilson gave a stunning performance as Henry Higgins. The costumes for the Ascot Gavotte were particularly fine and contributed greatly to the ‘feel’ of the show.

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The 2010's

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Steph was also to give a great performance opposite Chris Simpson in the 2010 production of “The Wedding Singer” a show set in the 1980’s and also proved the versatility of the Society. Chris as Robbie gave a wonderful performance, playing the guitar and singing with gusto. The trio of Aron “Jack” Armstrong, Stuart Buchanan and Chris were outstanding.

In 2011, at the Rosehill Theatre, we presented one of the ever popular series of plays featuring the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild in a “sinister, spine chilling mystery of murder and mayhem that is guaranteed to bring the house down, or at least a substantial part of the set!” Entitled “The Haunted Through Lounge and Recessed Dining Nook at Farndale Castle” this was directed with great verve by the late, and much loved, Cuth Murphy, It featured inspired performances by Greta Gregg and Audrey Chapman among a host of others.

The Society decided to reprise a favourite show in 2012, “The Wizard of Oz”, last presented in 1999. The cast included the very talented young singer Amy Smith as Dorothy complete with a delightful Blossom as Toto. The cast also included The Cowardly Lion, played again by Ripley Steele in a role he loved with Dan England as an athletic Scarecrow and a lady Tin-Man played by Jayne Vincent who was wonderful. The show was directed by Ann Simpson, who also directed the 1999 show and the Wicked Witch was Audrey Pedersen with fantastic green make up making her look suitably scary!

Continuing in the same vein as “The Wedding Singer” the society presented“Bugsy Malone” complete with custard pies in 2013 directed by the talented Carol Corless. This was our last show to be given in the Whitehaven Civic Hall before it’s closure in October 2013. The atmosphere of Fat Sam’s Speakeasy with the incredible dancing featured in the production gave the audience an evening to remember.

Later in 2013, in a joint production with the Whitehaven Theatre Group, the Society gave another brilliant show. This time, again directed by Carol, the show presented was “Calendar Girls”. The brave ladies of both groups literally ‘bared their all’ to ensure a good show!

In May 2014, just before the Rosehill Theatre closed for renovation the group again proved how versatile it is by deciding to give a version of Frankie Howard’s classic T.V, show from the 1970’s “Up Pompeii” which was directed by Elizabeth Simpson with great enthusiasm and the cast certainly rose to the challenge. Elizabeth herself took the role of Senna, the Soothsayer, ‘Woe, woe, and thrice woe’ came to be anticipated by the audience and we know they thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Ian Quirk was a brilliant Lurcio who had an astounding amount of script to learn and he played the camp character to perfection. Ann Simpson was a joy as Suspenda, ‘the well-known nymphomaniac and beauty’ and her scenes with Gavin Dodd as Ludicrus Sextus were hilarious. The cast also included Greta Gregg as Ammonia, Alistair Jones as Captain Treacherus and Ripley Steele as Treacherus’ sidekick, Kretinus.

In November 2014, in the Egremont Market Hall, the Society give a version of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” directed by Ripley Steele. Again Ian Quirk took the lead role as Ebenezer  Scrooge, a role so totally different from Lurcio earlier in the year as can be imagined. Gavin Dodd was a great ghost of Jacob Marley as well as being a convincing Bob Cratchit. Ann Simpson was a Narrator of the story as well as being a fine Mrs. Cratchit. The three ghosts, past, present, and future, were also well drawn by Elizabeth Simpson, Wadvern Davies and Dot Killen. A number of talented children also appeared in the show and the music, expertly rendered by Mike Ames, was a mixture of folk songs and carols which let the audience feel as if Christmas had already arrived!

In September 2015 we presented our yearly musical and this year we chose“Summer Holiday”, the popular musical with songs from the movie from the 1960’s starring Sir Cliff Richard. A talented cast gave an enthusiastic performance in the newly reopened Whitehaven Civic Hall. The hall itself was laid out with tables, instead of the usual rows of seats. An inspired idea by the director, Ann Simpson. The audience were singing along with the well known songs and we had an excellent band led by Mike Ames. On the last night of the show Mrs Elizabeth Simpson was presented with a medal for 60 years service to the Society and Mrs Audrey Johnson was presented with a medal for 50 years service. Thank you, Elizbeth and Audrey for such service to the Operatic Society.

Now let’s concentrate on our January production of three episodes from “The Vicar of Dibley” , which was presented in the Egremont Market Hall and gave us our first NODA nomination for Becky Hardman's portrayal of Alice Tinker (Best Supporting Actress in a Drama). In July 2016 we performed a musical which had just been released for amateur societies - and we were the first in this area to present it - “Legally Blonde, the Musical.” Legally Blonde proved to be an exciting modern show full of bouncy numbers sung - and danced - with great enthusiasm by a vibrant company. Congratulations to Director Ann Simpson, who stepped in at short notice, and Jennifer Daglish, also stepping in as MD with less than a week to go, for a colourful show which was very well attended by a appreciative audience.

March 2017 saw us reprise a classic and a favourite - Oliver! Last performed in 2002, with our own Ann Simpson at the reigns once again. We were joined by lots of returning members, such as Jamie Wilson as Bill Sikes, and many new ones - including Oliver Jarvis as Oliver, and Jon Lucas as the Artful Dodger. This show was one of the most successful we have ever performed, with two sell-out performances, incredible reviews and our second NODA nomination for Becky Hardman's portrayal of Nancy (Best Lead Actress in a Musical). 

In 2018 we took on the challenge of Sister Act and are so glad that we did. We repeated our success with yet more amazing reviews, another sell-out and some of the most memorable performances in recent years. Maegan McTiffin returned to us to take the lead of Doloris Van Cartier and what a star she was! With outstanding direction from Roger Wilson and superb choreography from Tracy McOuat, we really were on to a winner. 

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In 2019 the society performed the sound of music once more after 38 years! The production was Directed by Ann Simpson.

Our next production was Annie a show that society has performed before. There was a gap in the years between The Sound of Music and Annie due to the outbreak of Covid 19 this caused multiple problems and delays.

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2022 brought Showstoppers Directed by Liz Dodd as well as the Addams family later in the year Directed by James Last.

We performed the play Allo Allo in the first half of the year 2023, and that was a great success. 2023 also brought our main production that was 'Into the Woods'. It is the first time that WADAOS have performed this musical and although a big challenge it all went very well. You can read the full historical record of our production of 'Into the woods' on its page within the archive on this site. 

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