South Staffs Musical Theatre Company actors invited to 80th celebration
One of the country's largest amateur theatre companies has sent a rallying cry to former members to come forward and help celebrate its 80th anniversary.
South Staffs Musical Theatre Company – which has been the springboard for the careers of a number of professional actors – marks its anniversary on May 21and wants to be reunited with past players.
The group, formed in 1936, has presented operettas, musical theatre productions and concerts over its long history. Now on Saturday May 21, the group will be celebrating the big 80 with a huge dinner and party at Linden House, Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton.
Alison Norton, the chairman of the company, said: " There will be a four course meal, performances by members, dancing and the opportunity to meet with members new and old to swap stories about the good old days and relive some of the hilarious things that have happened on stage over the years.
"Members are encouraged to bring along old photos, mementos etc. as well as sharing videos and pictures on social media."
Talking about the group, she added: "Each autumn the company presents a week-long run at the Wolverhampton Grand, thus offering everyday folk a taste of what it is like to perform in a professional venue and has continued to perform despite World War II, the closure of the Grand Theatre and a variety of other adversities over the years. Everyone involved in the company is an amateur in their field, although we do strive to present a standard of performance which is as close to professional work as possible.
"There are approximately 70 members, acting and non-acting, and everyone pulls together for each show to make it special.
"We have those who appear on stage as well as dedicated committee of 10 people, a wonderful production team and a variety of helpers who do everything from working back stage to selling programmes."
Among the former members now working in professional theatre are actress Sian Reeves from Cutting It, Emmerdale and Mount Pleasant. Also Steven Harris who is now a professional choreographerand David Dolman who is head of Sales and marketing for Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, the firm behind the Mary Poppins musical.
Tickets for the dinner cost £25. For more details contact Alison on 01902 753037 or email nortonaj@hotmail.co.uk
