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Happy Birthday BROS!
Our centenary year
Please see the Future Productions page for more details of the shows still to come.
| 29th Jan-2nd Feb: | A triumphant success at Richmond Theatre with Thoroughly Modern Millie |
| 3rd-7th Jun: | Flora the Red Menace was performed at Hampton Hill Playhouse. |
| 10th-14th Jun: | Mr Cinders was performed at Hampton Hill Playhouse. |
| Still to come | |
| Sun 29th Jun: | Summer afternoon garden party at the Lensbury Club, Teddington from 1pm. |
| Sun 17th Aug: | Family Day picnic. Venue tbc. |
| Sun 26th Oct: | BROS Centenary Gala, hosted by our Patron, at Richmond Theatre featuring past and present members of the company. |
| Sat 29th Nov: | Black Tie Dinner Dance, to be held at the Richmond Hill Hotel. |
Alumni Messages:
Messages of goodwill from:
Congratulations to BROS on your centenary, gosh 100 years of putting on shows and entertaining audiences!! That really is something to celebrate.
I played my part in the history of the society 29 years ago as one of the Von Trapp children in the Sound Of Music. I still remember the audition! It was the first time I'd performed in a proper theatre and it was incredibly exciting.
I hope it's still as exciting for all the performers and as enjoyable for the audiences.
All the best, and eyes and teeth!!
On the occasion of the BROS centenary, I would like to wish the Society a very happy anniversary, and express the wish that the next hundred years will be as happy and as fruitful as the last hundred years.
My family connection with society go back eighty seven years, to 1921, when my father, Edward Bellamy, joined BODS (Barnes Operatic and Dramatic Society), as it them was, as a stage struck Bank of England clerk. For the next fifty five years, until his death in 1976, the Society was perhaps the most important single influence in his life. His acting career spanned fifty years, his last role being, if my memory serves me correctly, Emperor Franz-Josef in White Horse Inn in 1971 [1969]. My own memories go back to 1947 when the Society revived itself after the blank war years, with Iolanthe at the Church Hall in Kitson Road Barnes, the venue for all productions until the metamorphosis into BROS and the transfer to Richmond Theatre in the 60s.
During the fifties, the Society was basically run by the redoubtable triumvirate of Edward Bellamy, Geoffrey Needs and John Webster. The offspring or the latter two, Alison Titchmarsh and Barbara Tailby Weedon were both very active members of Society and both subsequently became President. So where did I go wrong? In fact, for reasons best known to myself, I chose not to deploy my acting and singing talents in the same company as my father, so took myself off to other societies. However, in 1978 I saw the error of my ways, and played in Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore at Richmond Theatre. My association with BROS would have carried on from then, but travel and work commitments made regular performing impossible in the subsequent years, so my career with BROS finished almost as soon as it had begun.
As a final point, in one sense I do have a link with the foundation of the Society in 1907 [1908!]. I have very clear memories in the late 40s of Florence Ranson (Flan to her intimates), who along with her husband Walter, was a founder member. After the war, she was Secretary and in fact my father took over as Secretary from her. Though in her late 70s at the time I knew her, she was a committed and tireless worker on behalf of the Society, though, as I recall, in my parents’ opinion anyway, perhaps a little cantankerous. But thanks to people like her and of course her many successors, the Society has flourished now for precisely one hundred years:
Long may it continue to flourish!
Friends, Romans, Countrymen - and Bob Salter!Congratulations on reaching the centenary - Roger hopes to achieve that accolade in due course!
Roger's first appearance was in Kiss Me Kate 1979, Margaret's & The Gondoliers 1982. The 80's, (somewhat dismissed in the History?), produced some magical shows at Richmond Theatre. All these were major shows which sold out, giving BROS the necessary solid financial base for the future. My Fair Lady, Oklahoma!, Broadway Pirates (with more than 30 men as Pirates /Policemen) and The Mikado (again 30 men and from which the Post Office issued new postage stamps.) all to packed houses - too many bums on seats thus the need to refurbish the theatre?
Most of the time Roger seemed to play Margaret's father on stage until Half a Sixpence came along - we were paired in the Chorus, the rest is history. We have a gorgeous daughter, Henrietta, now aged 11 who takes her roles on stage with the same committed approach as did Margaret.
We have just started Bealings Youth Action Theatre for 10 -18 year olds, we now have 35 members and stage our first production in April, a compilation of musical and drama theatre. No coincidence that both My Fair Lady and Broadway Pirates will feature!
Memories? The Flying Nun award to the lady who caught her costume on the scenery for The Sound of Music as it rose for a change of scene, the sight of Roger's Area Manager's face as Mandy Matthiae entered his palatial office, scantily clad in her Iolanthe costume to accept a cheque for £5000 from Midland Bank as sponsor for that show. Producing a bigger "sausage" than Bob Salter in Beggar's Opera (not difficult) but most of all the magic that occurred in Half a Sixpence when Chorus Nos. 1 and 4 were put together by Val Fardell.
We both have happy memories of BROS - perhaps that is the secret of its success?
Rock On!!
100 years old and still going strong, (and that's only Peter Sporle-only joking- he's a mere 82).
It was great working with such a variety of talented directors - Val, Peter, Jessica to name just a few. But to me its the usually unsung (not a pun) backstage crew that get and keep a show up and running. In my time John, Barbara, Godfrey, Heather and many others.
Seeing now what you budget for a week at Richmond, I remember asking Peter Brown for £500 to design and construct a completely new set for "The Arcadians" - when he picked himself up off the floor, I finally got the money. Thankfully because of our 'real' jobs, Peter and I could beg and borrow all kinds of props etc. to get the look we wanted. The BBC's supplier of greenery etc. when I arrived at his office, "Don't look at me with that pitiful expression, it must be Richmond time, just take what you want".
Once again, well done to all concerned
I joined BROS in 1974 for the production of Fiddler, and my life
changed!
I have been lucky enough to have been in about 35 shows and have
played a wide variety of characters.
Kate in "Kiss Me Kate" at Polesden Lacey, Hannah in "A
Chorus of
Disapproval, a flying Fruma Sarah in the 1999 version of "Fiddler" to
name but a few.
I met and married Richard, we had 2 children both
of whom subsequently
appeared in BROS productions and both of whom have gone on to have
careers in film and theatre!
I have made so many good friends through BROS, many of whom go back
a
long way!! What fun we have had over the years.
I wish BROS another century of wonderful shows, friendship and fun.
I have had quite a long history with BROS. I saw my first Barnes and Richmond show in 1984. A saturday matinee of Patience at the Richmond Theatre. I attended with John Hebden as he was to meet the committee between shows to discuss directing Sweet Charity, which was the start of a long fruitful relationship. I continued to observe at John's rehearsals and support the company from the auditorium as I working in pro theatre at the time.
Apart from a few concert appearances with some of the company, my first BROS show was as a dancer in Annie Get Your Gun (1991). What fun. The camaraderie of the boy dancers was truly special. Due to other commitments it was 3 more years until A Little Night Music (1994). A highlight in 35 years of doing shows. What show. What a cast. What a part, Count Carl Magnus. And a RUTAC nomination for Best Actor in a Musical
Then there were the Minack shows The Boy Friend (1996) and Anything Goes (1998) as Billy Crocker. They are what companies are all about. The team work; handing out leaflets in Penzance, the human chain passing equipment, costumes, props and musical instruments down the side of a cliff and then up again at the end of the week. The parties, the pub lunches, the weather, the audiences, that unique theatre with the stunning ocean backdrop. Magical.
To have the chance to direct and choreograph Chicago. was daunting, but so satisfying. Again a great ensemble with committed, talented leading actors. It was not without it's problems. Changing M.Ds twice during rehearsals and having a basic studio stage with no pit, truly stretched the production team. Debbie McDowell did an amazing job stage managing it. And my second RUTAC nomination for Best Prodition.
My last BROS show was Hello Dolly and I finally got to perform at The Richmond Theatre. It was great to work with friends I had known for some years and there was also an influx of new blood. Again a happy company with more great memories.
Although work commitments and other conflicting shows have kept me away from BROS I'm sure I'll work with you again. Thankyou for the memories, the opportunities and most of all the friendships that I have made in my association with BROS.
HERE'S TO THE NEXT 100 YEARS.
Being one of the "oldies" of BROS performing at the Kitson Road Hall in Barnes in 1956, I am so full of admiration for the Society since those days and what they have achieved. (From acorns to oak trees!)
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS, BROS and wishing you many more successful years ahead.
BROS occupied and was a part of my life for a long time and houses many happy memories. My first show was Desert Song at Richmond Theatre and my last show was Pyjama Game at Questors in Ealing.
Best Wishes,
Congratulations on reaching 100 years. Wish I could be with you to share this happy occasion.
I am proud and delighted to have been associated with the BROS for the past 34 years, and grateful for the many friends and happy memories that I have.
Hope to see you all at the Gala Night in October. Keep doing what you do best.
Best wishes to the company - may BROS continue to be a stamp of quality
and fun for many more years to come. And may the centenary be the year
my 100 club number comes up!
Ken and I met at BROS (the best dating agency in the South-East!) and
married in 1963. Forty Five years later we are aiming for our half
century and congratulate BROS on reaching its century. Here's hoping
you go from strength to strength in your second century.
My vivid memory
is of during the Merry Widow at Richmond Theatre while
playing Valencienne I and my partner tried to exit through the summer
house door (vital to the plot) which was locked and wouldn't open. We
exited stage left in some disorder and one Alan Titchmarsh, with his
usual élan, entered stage right and with some very quick thinking
sorted the plot out so that the scene could continue with no hiccups.
His ability to think on his feet is still standing him in good stead.
Congratulations to BROS on the Centenary!
From our home in the French Alps, I remember with great affection my time with the Society - the friendship, the professionalism, the dedication, and the talent of the membership, all contributing to some wonderful and successful productions.
Good Luck, and keep going in the future!
With Very Best Wishes
Congratulations to BROS on its centenary. All good wishes for future success.
Congratulations to all members past and present for reaching 100 years of great entertainment. Every rehearsal, every performance was such fun and the memories will last for ever.
Swapped grimy London in 2001 for the beautiful countryside of the New Forest, Hampshire and haven't regretted it for a second. Eldest son, Dominic was born in 2002 and his younger brother, Sebastian, arrived in 2006, both of course adorable!
Joined the ranks of Southampton Operatic Society and have performed the following roles:- Mrs Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Adele (Die Fledermaus), Lisa (Grand Duke), Iolanthe (Iolanthe), Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes), Miss Adelaide (Guys & Dolls)
Have had 2 happy coincidences, firstly my Nathan in 'Guys & Dolls' and Sweeney in 'Sweeney Todd' was none other than Peter Barber, an old BROS member, and although I never performed with him in London we had great fun working together for SOS.
Secondly, and very happily, my best pal on the South Coast has proved to be the one and only Maggie Rose (Dawson). She lives but 5 miles away from me with a son the same age as my eldest, and we have spent many wonderful holidays and times altogether as the boys have become best friends too!
Congratulations BROS on 100 years, may there be many more to come!
We joined BROS in 1970 and both appeared in Jorrocks.
Dennis began other studies so did not stay but Rita played the soubrette roles in Little Mary Sunshine and The Desert Song and the part of Helen Walsingham in Half a Sixpence in 1972. This was followed by Salad Days as Jane with Alan Titchmarsh, Steve Alais and Wendy Taylor - a memorable experience!
In 1974 Rita played the schoolteacher with the refreshing approach in Anne of Greengables. The last show Rita was in she played Irene Malloy in Hello Dolly with marvellous Moira Butt as Dolly. It was a joy and a privilege to work in such a talented society as BROS making life-long friendships with lovely people.
I joined BROS in 1980 for Iolanthe, and due to work and marriage commitments, left in 1988 my last show being The Mikado. I think I was in practically every show during those years.
I had a great time and made a lot of friends, some of whom I am still see from time to time - Annie Kitcherside (now Roper), Peter Sporle, Trevor Marland, Ron Pharo.
I never graduated from dancer/chorus, and my main claim to fame was falling off the stage at Questors Theatre during a blackout in Salad Days. (No, I hadn´t been overindulging!) I knocked myself out on one of the front seats, and David Casey had to pick me up and carry my limp body backstage. He did this so efficiently that none of the audience noticed anything was wrong - not even my Mother, who was at the performance!
I moved to Spain with Ian, my husband, in 1995, and have been very happy working and living here. Ian died nearly five years ago, and I have retired. I keep myself pretty busy, though I have not been tempted to join any of the AMDRAM societies, (the standard is not comparable with that of BROS I´m afraid).
Best wishes to all past and present BROS members.
Many congratulations to BROS on its big 100!
Here's to another century of wonderful colour, drama and entertainment!
Best wishes
What happy memories of the old Barnes Operatic Society and the many productions at the Kitson hall in Barnes through the 1950s and 1960s. I wonder how many reading this can recall the fun we had then:
The whoopee cushions when the audience sat down and the sing song round someone's piano afterwards and the awful deflation the next day when it was all over - till the next show!
I was in several G & S productions then and recall also Pink Champagne and La Vie Parisienne, with Carousel the last show before I moved away from Barnes to Kent. My sister Elizabeth started in one of the first productions after the war, The Mikado. I can remember it then, with Edward Bellamy as the comedy role, Bernard Mitchell and Geoffrey Needs and a host of others whose names escape me but whose faces I can see in my mind with so much affection.
I recall the barrel of beer in the men's dressing room and the pile of sandwiches. (try to avoid the onion ones before rushing on stage!). The occasional kiss and cuddle with one of the chorus girls behind the scenery and the fun and happy atmosphere all the time. Those were the days when Barnes really was a village.
I would love to have seen Thoroughly Modern Millie, but it clashes with my part as Mr Brownlow in a banned (Kent) players production of "Oliver!"
Greetings to any of my contemporaries that may remember me, and to all connected with the old BODS and BROS in this fabulous centenary year!
Congratulations BROS – what a milestone! I joined the society in 1956(!) and spent many happy hours rehearsing and performing in the St Mary’s Church Hall.
When the momentous decision was made to take the shows to Richmond Theatre, it was wonderful. I thought all my birthdays had arrived at once. All that extra space on stage AND proper dressing rooms!
It has been good to see BROS going from strength to strength – long may it continue. Here’s to the next 100 years!
It was nearly two decades ago when I took part in Company, but to this day I have enormously fond memories of a wonderful show, and a friendly and professional cast and crew.
We also enjoyed watching many other shows performed by the society during our time in South London. Now living in Norfolk, we miss our London theatre contacts, but are gradually making new ones in East Anglia!
Very many congratulations to BROS on all their wonderful achievements over the last century - may there be many more!
I would like to wish the current company of BROS every success with their Centennial year productions and events and may future members continue to uphold the traditions of the society and give pleasure to audiences throughout the next 100 years.
I'm so pleased to be able to send both my congratulations to BROS on its centenary and also my thanks for such wonderful friendships and the happiest of memories.
My family and I look forward to joining you in the celebrations; the only regret being that my father, Ken, who passed away in 2004, will not be sharing them with us.
Best wishes for your continued success.
For about three years between mid 1995 and mid 1998 Frank and I were back from America (Boston) and living in our house in Kew Gardens. My elderly mother had been living there for the past 15 years, and was becoming more frail and in need of specialised attention.
The house itself had had nothing done to it for that entire period. Moreover, if we ever intended to sell the house, we needed to live in for a few years to protect from Capital Gains taxes!!
So back we came. I had been singing in Jazz groups for many years in Boston and taking dance classes from time to time. How to satisfy my singing and dancing needs while back in the Richmond area? Well somehow I came across BROS - probably saw an audition ad in the local paper.
For the first couple of productions I was active as prompt and then dressing room helper (to Brian Cardus), and then, WOW!, the next production was to be Chicago. So along I went to audition, sang a bit in my American jazzy style and did a few "moves", and read something, I think. I remember the phone call on decision day very clearly. We had visitors in the house and we were upstairs on the landing and the phone rang. I (moi - Sue Wellington) had been selected to be in the Chorus! It was one of the highlights of my life - no kidding! Here's what my CURRENT bio - www.fretlessvoices.com still says about that experience:
"Sue has also studied and performed as a soloist in jazz and cabaret settings, and has performed in musical theater, most notably in a small scale production of "Chicago" in the U.K. where her godchildren (and their fathers) got to see “Auntie Sue” in fishnet stockings and garters!"
And I made some wonderful new friends in Suzy Deal and Angela Sturgeon, and Barbara, my fellow jailer!
Thank you, BROS, for giving me that opportunity and that experience, and long may you provide wonderful shows and opportunities for participants and audiences. Bravo and Congratulations on your 100th birthday!
Warm wishes
My time with BROS was wonderful – if short-lived.
I first trod the boards with Barnes Operatic when I was about 14 as an Indian maidservant in A Country Girl. I was one of two – the other was Honor Clarke one of my oldest school friends.
Later, I met my future husband at a production of Lilac Time in 1961, having gone as a guest of Marjorie Somers Clarke who was then Musical Director. Our courtship was swift and we were married less than a year after our first date.
During that year, I was in the Chorus of Carousel, and the following year, Simon and I were both in South Pacific (to my chagrin – he got a small solo singing role, whereas I - despite my singing and drama training - did not). By the time the production was mounted, I was three months pregnant, and that put paid to any possibility of a 'starring role' or any other.
But, we both have the happiest of memories, and have remained best of friends with many of the alumni members over the years.
Hi, my name is Jan Rayner (nee Salter, Bob's little sister!).
Have small memory to performing at least Salad Days and My Fair Lady - did I do anything else?!! Well done BROS!
How can you help?
Obviously BROS TC has a long and rich history, much of which is documented in the archives, but is not easily accessible to BROS TC members or our audience.
In our centenary year we are hoping to make much more of this history available, either through some sort of centenary publication or via our website. However, much of the material is only in paper form, and needs converting into electronic form for publication.
We are therefore looking for volunteers to help us capture some of this material for publication, either by re-typing it or by scanning and subsequent processing by optical character recognition software. So if you have a bit of time to spare, please volunteer your services to our archivist Wesley Henderson Roe or to the secretary of the centenary steering group via one of the email addresses below. We're not looking for highly polished outputs ready for the printing press - just some assistance in getting the archives into digital formats. So please don't be put off if you only have a basic word processing skill; that's plenty to be of assistance to us!
Centenary Contacts:
Are you, or do you know of, someone who used to be a BROS (BODS) member or friend? Would you (they) like to be added to our contacts list? Please email your details and approximate time with the company to archivist Wesley.
centenary@brostheatrecompany.org
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