Oxted
Musical Theatre Company formerly known as
Oxted Operatic
Society
A brief history
The
Society Was "born" in 1947 - an offshoot of the Oxted Evening Institute,
under the aegis of Frank and Norah Sowerby.
Its
first production - "The Yeomen of the Guard" was presented in 1947 to
mark the reopening of the Barn Theatre after the Second World War. It
was presented under the name of "The Oxted Singers" but this had become
Oxted Operatic Society for the second production - "The Mikado" - in
1948.
For
the first ten years, the Society performed only Gilbert and Sullivan
operettas with one production each year. However, by 1957, audience
numbers had dwindled and the finances were dangerously low. The Musical
Director, Len Maynard, proposed a change with a musically demanding
opera - "Hugh the Drover" but this was not supported by the membership
and was abandoned.
It
was essential for the future of the Society to stage a show that could
be cheap to dress and stage, with all costs kept to a minimum. "The
Lilac Domino" was chosen and this proved to be a turning point in the
Society's fortunes, from which they have never looked back. Only one
other show has ever been cancelled since then, that was "State Fair"
in the year 2000.
Up
to 1963, only one show each year had been performed - in that year "Free
as Air" and "The Mikado" were produced, with two again in 1965. From
1971 onwards, two shows each year became the custom. To date the Society
has presented over 127 shows. The society has been gratifyingly successful
over the ensuing years with consistently good audiences and it has enjoyed
a reputation for the quality of its productions, as evidenced by a number
of NODA awards.
For
many years, the Society has been able to cast its productions within
its membership, which has always been the cornerstone of its casting
policy. Undoubtedly the success enjoyed by the Society owes much to
having its home at the Barn Theatre and appreciation of this has been
shown over the years by much financial support of the theatre. Typical
of this was the sponsorship by the Society of 35 seats when the theatre
was re-seated in 1991.
The
Society is well supported by a growing 'acting' membership of both adults
and juniors, which together with an enthusiastic body of Life Members,
Vice Presidents and Patrons totals some 200 members.
For
enquiries please see Contact page.
Costume
Hire
The
Society has sets of costumes available for hire to other Societies at
reasonable prices and also to schools at special rates.
The
following shows are available:-
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Bugsy Malone
Disco Inferno
Guys and Dolls
Gigi
Honk
Jekyll and Hyde
Sweet Charity
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
The Mikado
The Music Man
Mack and Mabel
There
are several sets of dancers costumes available which were used in the
above shows. We also have Keystone Kops outfits/1910 bathing beauties/kaftans
etc.
CDs
are available for all of the above shows with photos of all the costumes.
If
you are interested in hiring any of the above, please contact Jane Maisey
on 07912 847170 or janemaisey@yahoo.co.uk
and she will be pleased to help you.