In 2020, Retford Amateur Operatic Society (RAOS) celebrated its 100th anniversary. The society had many big plans for the year, but sadly, it was not to be and for the first time since the Second World War, society performances and events were brought to a standstill, just like so much around the world over this past year.
However, the show will go on. The society is determined that it will, once again, produce quality entertainment for Retford. Whilst theatres have been dark and rehearsals have not been able to happen, RAOS has taken the opportunity to rebuild and rebrand. The Retford Operatic Society is now named Retford Musical Theatre Company, or RMTC for short.
The members of RMTC are proud of the traditions and success of the society over the last 100 years and wish this to continue. It was felt that as musical theatre, rather than opera, is what we do, a new name would better reflect us.
They are thrilled to be able to announce the support of their patron and Artistic Director, Mark Hedges. Mark is from the Retford area and was instrumental in the opening of their youth group, The MOB. Mark is a professional in the theatre industry. He has performed, choreographed and directed in numerous professional shows in the West End and on tour, and most recently been the Resident Director at Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre, London and Children’s Director on Les Miserables, London and UK Tour.
Retford Musical Theatre Company is planning to produce its pantomime in December at the Little Theatre. The pantomime, this year, has been especially written for them by one of their alumni Matthew Siveter, who is an actor and musical performer in the theatre industry and is himself, amongst other things, a professional dame!
RMTC cannot wait to start treading the boards again. If you would like to join them, please contact them and you will be sure of a warm welcome! Email: raos2017@outlook.com or visit their social media.
If you would rather sit back and enjoy the performance, please keep an eye out for further information. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They hope they can entertain Retford in our beautiful theatres for another 100 years and look forward to seeing you soon!
