| The Opera Club was founded in 1952 and, according to the rules, the principal object of the Club “shall be to give amateur performances of operas, operettas and other musicals”. Until 1990, the Club specialised in the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, building an enviable reputation for its interpretation and quality of production.
In 1990 we broke into “new ground” with a production of “Merrie England” by Edward German, when the decision was made to perform a wider range of shows, while still including G & S.
Since then we have performed: The Merry Widow, The Zoo & HMS Pinafore, Die Fledermaus, Mikado, Beggars Opera, Broadway Pirates, Orpheus in the Underworld, Brigadoon, Iolanthe, Merrie England, Princess Ida, Chess, Yeomen of the Guard, Sweet Charity and the Scarlet Pimpernel.
We have had the privilege of performing at the Polesden Lacey Open Air Theatre, near Dorking, for many years, and have also taken part in several Mayors’ Charity Concerts.
A new venture in 1999 was a Concert - “Sounds Familiar”- performed at the Harlequin to a full house, in which about 70 members took part. As it was such a success, we have now made the Concert a regular event.
Although the Club enjoys amateur status, it aims to perform to the highest standard achievable, and is fortunate to enjoy the excellent facilities of The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill and the services of a professional orchestra, whilst remaining essentially a Club for enthusiasts. |
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