WORKINGTON AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY
Presenting LIVE THEATRE IN THE WORKINGTON AREA for over a CENTURY
Presenting LIVE THEATRE IN THE WORKINGTON AREA for over a CENTURY
In 1906 the Society was formed following a meeting held with a group of like minded people in what was described as the “Drawing Room” of a now defunct bank in town. Its first production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “PATIENCE” was performed that year in the Opera House, Workington.
During its history of over 100 years, 109 full scale shows have been presented of which 10 in recent years have been performed by the Junior Section. This record of outstanding productions has earned the Society a reputation that is second to none in this part of the country, and today we aim to maintain and improve on these high standards.
In 1962, following the closure of the Opera House, Workington Amateur Operatic Society moved to the new but smaller CARNEGIE CIVIC THEATRE to stage its productions which had become ever more costly; today sees costs for a full scale production in the region of £26,000 including scenery, costumes, carriage, royalties, theatre rent, orchestra, producer etc. After 46 years in this new venue the Society feels very much “At Home”.
A former Methodist Mission Hall in Queen Street was purchased in 1951 by the society, and this has been our Headquarters ever since. Over the years "the Mish" as it is affectionately known, has been extended and updated; more recently we have completed a major refurbishment on both the exterior and interior of the building costing in excess of £100,000. We now have “State of the Art” rehearsal facilities and an outstanding hall for hire by other groups in the community.
Much of the success over the Societies lifetime is owed to its many members who have adopted a professional attitude to their hobby, whilst still remaining ‘Amateurs’. The continued strength of the Society relies not only on its performers, but very much on those many members, who when their ‘treading the boards’ career is over, still maintain a very close and active interest as non-playing members and who work as officials, committee members, and back stage, undertaking tasks which don’t get the limelight or applause, but are so essential in providing outstanding musical productions for the local community to enjoy.
Workington Amateur Operatic Society a registered charity and is affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) who award medals to those members who have actively served the movement over a long period; currently we have over 42 members who hold NODA medals ranging from 25 to 60 years service. The Society also acknowledges outstanding service by electing members to Honorary Life Membership.
The North West region of the national body (NODA) awards amateur “Oscars” to the 230+ societies in its area. Many of our society members have been nominated and some have won for parts played in recent productions including "White Christmas (2017)", “Hairspray (2016)” "Evita (2015)" and “Jesus Christ Superstar (2014)”. We achieved the ultimate award for our 2006 production of “CHESS” as “Best Musical” in the North West region.
With a history to be proud of spanning over 100 years, Workington Amateur Operatic Society presented “Jekyll and Hyde the Musical“ for their Autumn 2008 production; this had only been released for performance by amateur societies and had never been staged in West Cumbria before. In 2009 we presented Stephen Sondheim's musical “Sweeney Todd” and in complete contrast 2010 brought the very popular “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”. In 2013 we were fortunate enough to secure "Whistle Down the Wind" which again at that time had only recently been made available for amateur societies.
As a society, our aim is to provide a musical theatre experience performed to the highest possible standards. Our audiences tell us that we achieve this. Why don't you come along and find out for yourself.
Workington Amateur Operatic Society - A Registered Charity 1065045
During its history of over 100 years, 109 full scale shows have been presented of which 10 in recent years have been performed by the Junior Section. This record of outstanding productions has earned the Society a reputation that is second to none in this part of the country, and today we aim to maintain and improve on these high standards.
In 1962, following the closure of the Opera House, Workington Amateur Operatic Society moved to the new but smaller CARNEGIE CIVIC THEATRE to stage its productions which had become ever more costly; today sees costs for a full scale production in the region of £26,000 including scenery, costumes, carriage, royalties, theatre rent, orchestra, producer etc. After 46 years in this new venue the Society feels very much “At Home”.
A former Methodist Mission Hall in Queen Street was purchased in 1951 by the society, and this has been our Headquarters ever since. Over the years "the Mish" as it is affectionately known, has been extended and updated; more recently we have completed a major refurbishment on both the exterior and interior of the building costing in excess of £100,000. We now have “State of the Art” rehearsal facilities and an outstanding hall for hire by other groups in the community.
Much of the success over the Societies lifetime is owed to its many members who have adopted a professional attitude to their hobby, whilst still remaining ‘Amateurs’. The continued strength of the Society relies not only on its performers, but very much on those many members, who when their ‘treading the boards’ career is over, still maintain a very close and active interest as non-playing members and who work as officials, committee members, and back stage, undertaking tasks which don’t get the limelight or applause, but are so essential in providing outstanding musical productions for the local community to enjoy.
Workington Amateur Operatic Society a registered charity and is affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) who award medals to those members who have actively served the movement over a long period; currently we have over 42 members who hold NODA medals ranging from 25 to 60 years service. The Society also acknowledges outstanding service by electing members to Honorary Life Membership.
The North West region of the national body (NODA) awards amateur “Oscars” to the 230+ societies in its area. Many of our society members have been nominated and some have won for parts played in recent productions including "White Christmas (2017)", “Hairspray (2016)” "Evita (2015)" and “Jesus Christ Superstar (2014)”. We achieved the ultimate award for our 2006 production of “CHESS” as “Best Musical” in the North West region.
With a history to be proud of spanning over 100 years, Workington Amateur Operatic Society presented “Jekyll and Hyde the Musical“ for their Autumn 2008 production; this had only been released for performance by amateur societies and had never been staged in West Cumbria before. In 2009 we presented Stephen Sondheim's musical “Sweeney Todd” and in complete contrast 2010 brought the very popular “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”. In 2013 we were fortunate enough to secure "Whistle Down the Wind" which again at that time had only recently been made available for amateur societies.
As a society, our aim is to provide a musical theatre experience performed to the highest possible standards. Our audiences tell us that we achieve this. Why don't you come along and find out for yourself.
Workington Amateur Operatic Society - A Registered Charity 1065045