History

Among those who expressed an interest was the Head of The Collegiate School (now Silverhill) Miss J Cable. A fortunate interest indeed for It was in the theatre of the school with the permission of Miss Cable that the first production “Trial by Jury” was staged. Miss Cable retired in 1984 but the school continued to be the venue until 1994 when it was sold.

From the outset the company was very much a family affair with both parents and children appearing together in many productions. The production of a G & S work was an annual event but right from these early days the group also performed concert party programmes in various and sometimes prestigious venues. Barbara Smith, who joined in the early days and continues to appear today, recalled a concert which was given as an after dinner entertainment at Goldney House. Concerts were also given at the Redgrave Theatre and Chipping Sodbury Town Hall and this aspect of the groups work continues to this day. As we performed at Chipping Sodbury at the end of June 2009.

Barbara Smith is not the only one who has long service with the group for David Massey also joined at about the same time but, as far as I know, our only current member who has been there from the beginning is our President Ted King. The earliest programme in Barbara’s possession is for “The Mikado” which was staged in the spring of 1978. Many of the names listed would, I am sure, be familiar to many of you. Many are sadly no longer with us but to illustrate the family nature of the cast in those early days I can tell you that “The Mikado” included 3 Massey’s, 3 Omar’s, 3 James’ and 3 Mellett’s. Another name which appeared in those early days, was Steve Woolley who is still very active within the G & S fraternity, these days with Bristol Savoy. Two other ladies who were founder members and are still patrons of the group are Pat Clee and Betty Phillips. On a 1994 programme they are in charge of the box office There is no indication on the early programme of ticket costs but i do know that in 1980 it was the grand sum of £1.50 – including refreshments. The other big thing in those days was that the group were accompanied by a 15 piece orchestra.

Just how long this continued I have not been able to ascertain but, although in 1994 it had risen to 18, by 1996 our current pianist Katie Robson had joined as rehearsal pianist. Barbara Smith seems to recall that a one time there were two pianos.

Over the years there have been a number of producers, Barbara Sasin & Joan Thatcher in the past and more recently Mavis Campbell, Katherine Reed and currently Maggie Williams. Likewise with Musical Directors, from Steve Bedell in the early days to Heather Wren at present.

As stated previously The Collegiate School changed hands in 1994 and productions were transferred to Winterbourne Community Centre which has been our home ever since. The name of the group was changed to Winterbourne Operatic Society in 1981 and again more recently to Winterbourne Musical Theatre as it was felt this was a more accurate description of what we actually did – and some people might be put off by the Opera tag!

I am greatly indebted to Barbara Smith for her recollections of the history of the group that, in her words, has always been a happy, friendly and supportive society to belong to and where there has seldom been any bad feeling. Like any group who has been going for 39 years there have been ups and downs but in true theatrical spirit the show has always gone on. Friends and family of both past and present members have been a tower of strength. For example Anne Massey has been organising front of house for at least 15 years and several former performers or their spouses have helped in this role. Two other stalwarts over the years have been Joan & Peter Shore; either as performers or in charge of the box office. As another example of the family nature of our band, Peter Shore’s young granddaughter is now a member of the cast and our last two productions included three members of the Harrison family. Who knows, in another 39 years they may still be part of the company. If, in this brief history, I have failed to mention anything or anyone, which you may consider important, I apologise. I have only been a member for 5 years or so. Looking back at some of the old programmes I see many well known local names and I am happy to say that, although no longer performing with the group themselves they are either regularly numbered amongst our audience or are still helping out in some capacity or other.

In the past couple of years we have gained in strength with many experienced players coming to join us, thus providing the voices needed for more ambitious productions. Long may it continue.