Published: Monday, 11th February, 2008 16:00
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By Lucy Thorne
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Pic by: Andy Evans
THIS month Reading Operatic Society celebrates 30 years at the Hexagon. Lucy Thorne spoke to the society’s chairwoman Yvonne Maynard about its history and success, ahead of its latest production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic HMS Pinafore.
REACHING such a huge milestone is a sign of real achievement for members of the Reading Operatic Society.
It was the first amateur company to do a full theatrical show at the Hexagon in 1978. Since then the society has managed two shows a year, apart from 2004 when it had to cancel The King and I, after the Hexagon was forced to close while deadly asbestos was removed from the building.
Chairwoman Yvonne confessed finding the right show to mark the occasion was a real challenge.
“It is never easy choosing the production, we have to be sure it is something that appeals to the public and to our members but we have also got to try and entice new talent.
“We are restricted as a lot of shows are for professional theatres only, some shows are partially restricted and you have to pay a licence fee. And with modern shows the royalties are too much,” she said. “We have to be prepared to take a gamble.
“HMS Pinafore is a bit of a favourite with good tunes and we needed to make use of some of our good singers.”
She added: “Everyone is really excited about the show.
“The Hexagon have been very supportive throughout the 30 years, and without them we couldn’t have done the shows we have done.
“They have provided a lot of help both backstage and front of house. And the management have been very generous.
“We have seen the lot over the years; fire alarms and rape alarms going off during performances, and even actors disappearing into holes.”
The society has the same musical director, John Lawes, as it did 30 years ago, when he was the first amateur to conduct a full scale musical at The Hexagon.
This year’s cast is also bolstered by six members who starred in the society’s first production at the Hexagon, including Maggie Preston, who took the lead as Magnolia in Show Boat and is playing Buttercup in HMS Pinafore.
Yvonne believes this stability has helped keep the society alive, but attributes its success to the professionalism of its members
She said: “I think everyone is surprised to learn we are an amateur society, but the only thing amateur about the shows is that the members are not getting paid.
“People have paid good money to come and see us and we want to put on as professional a show as possible.
“It is important for us that we look at it from a professional point of view. The members all have a sense of pride in what they do and are very self-critical.”
The society was formed in 1950 by Archibald Lusty and a group of friends.
Yvonne said: “From the beginning it has been a family society and it has kept that feeling. We don’t just perform there is also a social side to the society and we also raise a lot of money for local charities.
“We hope in 30 years’ time the society will still be going strong”
Members come from across the Thames Valley and range from 16 to more than 60-years-old. The society currently has 176 members and 70 acting members.
Yvonne added: “We have got to have a good range of people and it is nice to have young people who bring a vibrancy that helps to keep the older members young, but we do need an influx of young men.”
With plans to replace the Hexagon on the council’s agenda, ROS are keen to have a new theatre in the town but also want to see another venue tailored for amateur groups.
Yvonne said: “I think what we need is a smaller theatre venue that also has space for children to come and do workshops. When you think about it the theatre is the heart of the town. Reading is improving in so many ways but the one thing that keeps it together is the theatre.”
HMS Pinafore runs at the Hexagon from February 19-23. Tickets cost £15 - £10.50, concessions available. Contact the ROS box office on 0118 926 7135.
New members, performers or backstage, are always welcome. Contact 0118 948 2438.
Open auditions on March 16 for the society’s next show - Die Fledermaus, 2.30pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road, Earley.
Link www.readingops.co.uk
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