About Us
Willenhall Operatic Society - A brief history of the society
The society was founded in 1929 with its first production on the 18th March 1930 of "Pearl the Fishermaiden". Many of the founder members had performed in plays, sung in choirs and participated in other local musical activities. The idea of combining these talents was first mooted by Ray Taylor, later joined by a friend. Bill Griffiths and together they pressed forward with the creation of "The Willenhall Operatic Society". This title was later changed to "The Willenhall and Wesley Amateur Operatic Society" and so remained until 1973 when the society reverted to its original title.
A team was gathered together to produce the first show with Wilfred Anslow as leader of the Orchestra, Ernest Parkes on piano and with Athol Baker, Cyril Wolverson, Bill Hurd and others backstage, Fred Nicklin on lighting and Bill Griffiths and Ray Taylor producing and choreographing. This and the following productions were successful and very enjoyable.
After a few years changes in the society brought in the production team of Doctor E and Madame Parkes Darby who were, together with their daughter Vaudrey, associated with the society for many years.
Reginald Tildesley became Treasurer of the society and the Tildesley family retained close ties until the closure of their Willenhall car showroom in 1982.
After a break in performances during the Second World War the society moved from their Wesleyan Schools venue to Willenhall Baths for their 1947 production of "Viktoria and her Hussar"
The programme took on its present format under the guidance of Millie Gregory until the mid 1970's with Millie also supervising ticket sales during this period. Fred Gregory had also taken over as publicity manager, a post he held until his retirement in 1971. Many of these duties were taken over by the Poole family, Alan, Audrey and their daughters Alison and Kathryn. Alan and Audrey's contribution on stage is well documented and they played the lead roles in the 1955 production of Oklahoma.
In 1952, following the retirement of F. Brown, Tom Longstaff and Margaret Tildesley became joint secretaries of the society. Both had played many principal parts for the society over the years. Tom remained as Hon. Secretary till 1986 and then became President, a post he held until his sad passing in 2004.
The year 1953 saw the arrival of Marion Beasley as Producer, Beresford Pensom as Musical Director with Sheila Groom as dancing mistress.
Ernest Parkes retired as accompanist in 1966 and was replaced by Margaret Phipps who stayed until 1996.In 1973, the society reverted to its original and present title and Millie Gregory became our first lay President.
John Willis took over as Musical Director in 1974. Marion Beasley retired, due to ill health, as Producer in 1975 and was replaced by Alan Pooler who stayed in that post until 1980. The year 1977 saw the appointment of Jill Hodgkins (nee Gregory) as choreographer. Bill Hurd, a founder member, who had appeared in every show, finally retired in 1983 after 54 years. We think this could be a record but will have to check with NODA first. If anyone knows of a member of another company who can beat this, let us know, please?
Jeremy Hobbs joined us in 1983 as Producer and Arthur Doody the following year as Musical Director. In 1985 "Finian's Rainbow" brought in an influx of new members who have remained active on stage until the present day. Of these Tim Jones, Ruth Lewis, John Wiley, Mac Hammond and Stan Till have played many leading roles during this period.
Val Goodfellow, a long standing member was a memorable "Dolly" in 'Hello Dolly" in 1982 and followed this with "Nellie Forbush" in "South Pacific" and "Calamity Jane" in the show of the same name in 1986.
Don McClay took over in 1987 as Producer for "Fiddler on the Roof" and Peter Hopson joined us as Musical Director in 1989 for "Showboat". Since then we have seen Paul Lawrence and Sarah Browne as Musical Directors followed by Tim Harding. Simon Pugh and Tim Jones have enjoyed memorable stints as Producers.
2005 saw Beryl Andrews esconced as President, after the loss of Tom Longstaff. Tim Jones and Tim Harding were Producer & Musical Director with Collette Edwards as Choreographer for our very successful production of ‘Me & My Girl’. This was followed this year with ‘BILLY’. Produced by Tim Jones MD was John Bidulph and Choreography by Lyndsay Flavell. At the 2007 AGM Mike Barlow was made president along with Beryl Andrews, who was very frail and not well enough to see us as often as she wished.
Unfortunatley in early 2008 Beryl past away leaving Mike Barlow as sole president. Tom & Joan Bradley were subsequently made presidents later that year, however after a fight against illness Joan died later that year having joined the company in 1951, she was a woman who'd held many posts within the company. She will be sadly missed.