Fifty years ago, in autumn 1973, many important events were taking place in this country. Concorde made its first transatlantic flight, Britain’s first commercial radio station began broadcasting, Princess Anne married Mark Phillips and Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road was in the singles charts!
On a more local level, the future of musical theatre in Worksop and district was being assured. Two existing operatic societies, the Worksop and District Amateur Operatic Society and the Technical College Operatic Society, amalgamated to form the Worksop Light Operatic Society (WLOS). Rehearsals began almost immediately, and the new society’s first production, ‘The Merry Widow’, hit the stage the following spring.
Since then, this popular local society has produced one or more musical shows each and every year. First these were performed at the Technical College (now North Notts College), then at the Regal, and now at their present home, the Acorn Community Theatre.
In November members past and present will be marking the society’s 50th anniversary with a celebratory concert, suitably titled ‘Fifty’. The programme contains songs from various shows the society has already performed, some they are hoping to perform in the future and some from shows still running in the West End. With solos, duets and large ensemble numbers, there is something for everyone.
All the people taking part, either on stage or behind the scenes, are making an important contribution to the success of the show. However, one member has been making this kind of contribution for the whole 50 years of the society’s existence. Treasurer Debbie Savill has held the post since the first committee of the new society was formed 50 years ago. She has also appeared on stage over the years in a variety of roles, and also served as Property Mistress for a number of years.
The society Chairman, Andrea Colton, paid this tribute to Debbie: “Debbie has been loyal, dedicated and a supportive member of WLOS. Her outstanding service and contribution have been of immeasurable benefit to help keep the society running over the last 50 years. Debbie is a shining example to us all and we wish to express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to her.”
‘Fifty’ will be on stage at the Acorn from 9th to 11th November, at 7.00pm each night, and with a matinee performance on Saturday 11th. Tickets cost £18.00 and can be booked via the Acorn website (www.acorntheatre.org) or by calling the theatre booking line (01909 501817) any Wednesday between 12.00pm and 3.00pm. Seats are already selling fast so don’t delay.