Norman Brayton - 120 Years of Workington Amateur Operatic Society:

Society president Norman Brayton joined the society in 1959, and his first show was ‘Me & My Girl ‘ 1960.
​Below he shares some of his favourite memories of the society with us.

Obviously meeting my wife Joan in ‘The Boyfriend’ (1962) has got to be a most memorable time ,to cherish forever . Throughout the many years I’ve been lucky enough to be part of countless outstanding shows and G & S operetta’s in the choruses or playing in both supporting juvenile roles or male leads , later years only when an ‘old Man ‘ was required !!!!

Singling out my favourite memory or show I find difficult, as throughout the many years I have just loved being part of a wonderful Society and currently get great pleasure in watching younger members taking the society forward in whatever role , both on and off stage . I recall my first ever ‘bit’ part in ‘The King & I ‘ (1965) and the title role in ‘Student Prince’ (1971) , ‘Half a Sixpence’ (1975) Oklahoma’ (1981) as Warbucks in ‘Annie ‘ (1985) Oliver in 1989 as Mr Bumble with my eldest son Mark playing the title role and younger son Grant as an orphan, as well as sister’s in law Phyllis and Gwen playing roles alongside too, Our first ‘Chess‘ in 1994 was a tremendous milestone in new musicals, and playing the lead with again Phyllis and Gwen in roles as suitors is a treasured memory too, as was the enjoyable lead role I played in ‘42nd Street’ ( 1995) not to mention an unforgettable fun time when I played the Micheal Crawford role in ‘Hello Dolly’ (1976) alongside Geoff Hubbard !!!

Just too many highlights to mention throughout my involvement for 66 years … but it’s not about me, it’s about the wonderful strong and talented Society that’s developed over the years, which I’m fortunate to have played a part in, for current and future generations to enjoy as much as myself.

Norman Brayton - WAOS President