Am Dram Star of the Week is Tettenhall Operatic Company tenor Julian Souter
This week we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tettenhall Operatic Company, who have delighted audiences with their performances since 1988.
I spoke to our Am Dram Star of the Week, tenor Julian Souter, who was part of their first production, appearing as a swashbuckler in The Pirates of Penzance.
“Tettenhall Operatic was closely linked to Tettenhall College and was revived in 1988 by Chas Rimmer and Olwynne Hutt,” Julian tells me. I remember Chas Rimmer well, as he was my English and Drama teacher at school. He was a talented performer and director.
Julian not only performs but directs too.
“My favourite production of recent years was Goodnight Vienna which I directed and played the part of Hans the delivery boy!” Julian laughs, presumably at the thought of appearing as a boy rather than a man.
In this special anniversary year, the group has chosen San Marino by Alfred J Silver and Stanley Guise.
“San Marino is a lost gem of a comic opera written in 1932. No one has heard of it; however, it was performed more than 50 years ago by St Margaret’s Operatic Group in Great Barr. The music is delightful.
“We have had it re-orchestrated and I have updated the libretto,” he says. “San Marino is a fictitious island in the Caribbean and the story is suitably daft, with a comic dictator, a pirate, an American film star, her English secretary, a couple of rich Americans and an English detective!
“There is comedy and romance and a lot for the chorus to do – an ideal choice for our 30th anniversary, as we have specialised over the years in reviving little known works.”
I ask Julian which role he was performing.
“I am playing the part of General Martinez, the comic dictator. I enjoy this kind of role and have done several over the years combining performing with directing the shows.
“I am working with an experienced and talented cast who will do us proud once more.”
It seems the group’s hard work has paid off as they have recently been awarded a new special award by NODA.
He says: “This was a brand-new award and we were delighted to be the first recipient for our district in the West Midlands.”
Well done Tettenhall Operatic Company may you long continue with our Am Dram Star, Julian at the helm.
