Liz Turnbull: “WAOS” is a happy place to be part of telling a story.

Hi all, my name is Liz Turnbull and in the midst of the CV lockdown it has been an opportunity to sort through and organise the many photos and newspaper cuttings I have accumulated over the years since I joined “WAOS”.

I had always been involved in dancing from a very young age, when I was enrolled in the Diana Dixon ( nee Sheather) school of dance.

Singing seems to have always been a part of my life, from church anniversaries to local festivals and school productions, where I also had an opportunity to act.

There was a gap in these interests mid teens to early twenties when education took priority. On returning to Cumbria in 1974 I was persuaded by a friend to Join WAOS which I did in 1975.

My first show was “HMS Pinafore” when I was in the chorus. It took me another two full years to pluck up the courage to apply for a part.

 Auditions then were in the Carnegie and rather scary, looking out into the audience with difficulty seeing exactly where the selection committee had seated themselves. Although I do remember vividly seeing one gentleman fast asleep. The only other person on stage was the pianist during singing and the person reading in during the lib. I was over the moon when I was successful and cast as Aline in the “Sorcerer”.

My love of G and S continued to grow over the years and had many an opportunity to let rip both in the chorus and as one of the female leads.

Foot mics only then and backdrops to provide an indication of where we were in the show !

Thank goodness we have come a long way since then. Auditionees can see the selection committee and we have wonderful scenery, sound and special effects.

As the years went by I not only continued to develop a love of G and S but also of musicals, especially comedy and character parts. Two of my favourites being Miss Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls “ and Lena Lamont in “Singing in the Rain”.

The show I recall with the most fantastic costumes was “Camelot” the knights in authentic armour and as Guinevere apart from the long blonde wig I had 13 beautiful gowns and headresses. It certainly kept Joyce Walker who was our Wardrobe Mistress busy.

Over the years WAOS has moved from engaging professional visiting directors to our own brilliant homegrown ones. Such a good move and the opportunity to showcase one of WAOS members many talents.

Being a member of management and secretary of the selection sub-committee and more recently “WAOS” Chair, I continue to be committed to a society that has brought me much joy.

WAOS has brought many opportunities to members over the years, not only those who have made theatre their career, but also in providing a community backdrop for meeting like minded people, which facilitates expression and allows growth and the ability to communicate more efficiently, bringing creativity, patience and confidence into personal life.

“WAOS” is a happy place to be part of telling a story.

Much Love to you all
Liz x