Out Of The Blue Artifacts A Library of a lifetime of collecting
Abertillery Operatic Society.
The Abertillery Operatic Society was formed on Wednesday 6th December 1916 after a meeting held in the Church School, Abertillery. The meeting voted Dr Gordon Bennett as (President) along with a number of prominent ladies and gentlemen to be vice-presidents. Mr M. E. Thomas (Chairman); Mr J. R. Powell (Vice-Chairman); Mr Edgar Hancock (Treasurer); Miss Eunice Warfield and Mr C. W. Dawe (Joint Secretaries); Mr Amos Harding was unanimously elected as (Musical Director).
The first efforts of the society were to be a production of a couple of operas in the new year of 1917 in aid of St Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Sailors and Soldiers. Meetings were held in the Church School, Abertillery on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm.
The Mikado.
The first presentation by the Abertillery Operatic Society in aid of St Dunstans Hostel was “The Mikado” at the Metropole Theatre on Monday 14th of May 1917. Two shows followed on the Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th of May. Admissions were 1s. 2d.; Reserved stalls 2s 2d.; Reserved balcony 2s. 8d. Tax included. The tickets were available from Mr George Jones & Sons, Church Street, Abertillery.
In 1918 the Abertillery Operatic Society was advertising for choristers and all applications had to be sent into Mr G. Watkins, 13 Glynmawr Street, Abertillery.
The Cwmtillery Operatic Society.
In 1920, Cwmtillery set up an operatic society. Some of the people involved were as follows – Mr W. Richards; Mr Jack Adams; Mr Edgar Solloway; Mr B. Powell; Mr Billie Bryant; Mr N. Morgan; Miss Dorothy Davies; Mr Caleb Williams; Miss Jane Meek; Miss Carrie Thomas and Ethel Morgan: The children’s dancing instructor was Miss Blight and the orchestra conductor was Mr A. J. Spear: The performances were in aid of the Rose Heyworth & Cwmtillery Disablement Fund.
The Princess of Poppyland.
Their first production held by the Cwmtillery Operatic Society was “The Princess of Poppyland” at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery for six nights commencing on the 29th of March 1920. Admissions were – Balcony reserved 3s. Stalls reserved 2s. 4d. Tax included. Tickets were available from Mr B. Meredith, secretary of 95 Gwern Berthi Road, Cwmtillery. Miss M. Simons, Bristol House, Mrs G. Thomas, Gwern Berthi Road, Cwmtillery and Miss C. Gwillym, Fern House, Crook Hill, Cwmtillery.
The Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society Name Change.
In March 1922 the Abertillery Operatic Society became known as the Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and vacancies for voices were advertised. Applications were to be handed in to Mr Luther Evans, 69 Queen Street, Abertillery. In September 1924 the secretary was Mrs E. Stafford, 4 Roche Street, Abertillery.
The Old Tylerian Association.
In 1926 the Old Tylerian Association formed the Old Tylerians Operatic Society and put on performances at the Abertillery Intermediate School.
The Dorothy Junior Operatic Society.
In March 1926 a junior operatic society known as the Dorothy Junior Operatic Society was formed at Abertillery. Their first performance was called “The King of Kandy”. The King of Kandy was performed at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery over a period of six nights. Admission was fixed at 6d. 1s. and 1s. 6d. Some of the people who performed were as follows – Miss Cicely Davies; Mr George Gravenor; Miss P. Russell; Miss May Burgham and Mr Harold Morgan: The costume designer was Mrs Donald Nuth, the musical director was Mr Hayden Morgan. Mr W. Bryant was the producer and all arrangements were carried out by Mr Enoch Griffiths.
The 1920’s Economic Depression.
During the depression of the late 1920’s the Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society ended its activities.
The Abertillery and District Young Congregationalists Amateur Dramatic Society.
In 1929 it was announced that there was another recently formed society called the Abertillery and District Young Congregationalists Amateur Dramatic Society. They had performed drama’s titled “The Touch of a Child” and “The Dark Little People” at the Tabernacle Congregational Church, Abertillery.
The Old Tylerians Amateur Dramatic Society.
In January 1930 the Old Tylerians Amateur Dramatic Society performed “Outward Bound” a three act play which was presented at the Intermediate School, Abertillery. The play was performed over two nights, Monday and Tuesday evenings before large audiences. Some of the performers were as follows – Mr Ken Lloyd; Miss Clarice Jenkins; Mr Richard Randle; Mr Fred Carpenter; Miss Phyllis Bevan; Mr Cyril Thomas; Miss Gertie Morgan; Mr Jack Thomas and Mr Martin R. Lewis B.A.:
The play was produced by Mr Martin R. Lewis, the scenery was designed by Mr Fred Carpenter, the lighting supplied by the Electricity Department of the District Council. The Lorgnette (Eyeglasses) and other jewellery supplied by Mr Tom Evans, Jeweller of Abertillery and the tables were loaned by Mrs Davies of the Snowden Café. The interval music was played by Miss D. Giles, Mr W. E. Morgan and Mr T. Newbury. Miss M. Stone rendered her valuable services behind the scenes. Miss Verlie Cochrane B.A. was the secretary of the society.
The Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society – Reformed.
In 1934 the Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society reformed after the depression of the late 1920’s and performed the “Maid of France”, “The Pirates of Penzance” and “Yeoman of the Guard” at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery, throughout the late 1930’s three more operas were produced, “Highwayman Love” in 1936, “The Mikado” in 1937 and “Merrie England” in 1939 though the latter was the last show that the society produced and performed at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery before relocating to the Pavilion Theatre, Abertillery and the outbreak of war.
The cast members for the last show at the Metropole Theatre before the war and relocating to the Pavilion Theatre, Abertillery were as follows: Merrie England.
Cast – The Earl of Essex – Fred Morgan; Sir Walter Raleigh – William Dix; Walter Wilkins – Trevor Williams; Silas Simkins – Charles Llewellyn; Royal Forester, Long Tom – Ronald Green; Royal Forester, Big Ben – Ivor Llewellyn; The Queens Jester – Ernest Boots; A Butcher – Sam Solloway; A Baker – Grantley Baker; A Tinker – Alfred Gibbs; A Tailor – William Morris; A Lord – Reg King; Queen Elizabeth – Violet Branch; Miss Bessie Throckmorton – Cissie Hodges King; “Jill-All-Alone” – Morfydd Davies Green; The May Queen – Ruby Gay; Marjory – Lillian Morris; Kate – Bessie Blackmore; 1st Page – Eve Bradley and 2nd Page – Bron Griffiths:
The Dancers – Betty Morris; Betty Doughty; Joyce Landon; Jean Purnell and Mary Griffiths: Hon Musical Director – Luther Evans; Produced by Albert Price:
The War Years.
In 1939 at the outbreak of World War II, with both men and women joining the war effort it was decided to disband the Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society once again.
The Abertillery Young Peoples Dramatic Society.
The Abertillery Young Peoples Dramatic Society was formed in the late 1940’s, the society was associated with the local youth centre and newspaper ad’s stated that they performed at the Tillery Institute, Abertillery and the Guild Hall, Castle Street, Abertillery. Some of the players were as follows – Jeffrey Thomas; Maureen Turner; Kathleen Sheppard; John Jukes; Sylvia Brewer; Jean Short; Dennis Highley; John Preece; Margaret Newman; Mary Adams; Molly Summerhill; Warwick Mason; Robert Wallace; Glyn Stiley; John Coakham and Margaret Jones:
The Abertillery Garrick Dramatic Society.
In December 1949 the Abertillery Garrick Dramatic Society was formed and performed at various places such as the Legion Hall, Blaina and the Workmen’s Hall at Llanhilleth. Some of the players were as follows – Miss Dorothea Phillips; Cynthia Thomas; Malcolm Simons; Menai James; Alan Webb; Patricia Swift; Roy Rathbone; Mary Smith; Islwyn James; Lyndon Powell; Marie Crozier and Graham Roberts:
The Post War Years at the Pavilion Theatre.
The Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society reformed in 1951 after a period of twelve years. They relocated to the Pavilion Theatre, Abertillery. Their first show after reforming in this year was Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” the show was performed at the Llanhilleth Workmen’s Institute on November 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th.
Between 1951 and 1961 eleven shows were produced and performed by the Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, ten of those being performed at the Pavilion Theatre. The first, as mentioned, after reforming in 1951 was performed at the Llanhilleth Workmen’s Institute.
Back to the Metropole Theatre in 1962.
In 1961 the Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society stated their intentions to return to the Metropole Theatre and to re-establish the Met as the home of light opera for the district. Their first show for production back at the Metropole Theatre was Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance”, which ran for five nights, from Monday 26th of March to Friday 30th of March 1962. The society’s home for rehearsals at this time and their meeting place was the Queen Street School, Abertillery.
The cast members for the first show back at the Metropole Theatre were as follows: The Pirates of Penzance.
Cast – Major General Stanley – Melvyn Cordey; The Pirate King – Greville Jones; Samuel – Tudor Barnett; Frederick – Harry Jones; Sergeant of Police – Jack Brickell; Mabel – Joyce Jones; Edith – Jeanette Langley; Kate – Sheila Abraham; Isabel – Shelagh Morris; and Ruth – Pam Cordy:
Gentlemen of the Chorus – Cyril Howarth; Ivor Evans; John Davies; Harry Smith; Tony Cummings; William Dyke; George Thomas; Trevor Winmill; Edgar Davies; George Blissard; Allan Thomas; Ken Hale; Edwin Jones; Phillip Davies; Trevor Cook; Bill Hinds; Gwyn Thomas; Peter Sharrem and Alan Jones:
Ladies of the Chorus – Phyllis Crook; Sally Williams; Betty Warrender; Mary Howarth; Anne White; Ruby Dyke; Shirley Winmill; Anne Morris; Daphne Brickell; Margaret Challenger; Sheila Pittaway; Melba Wells; Phyllis Needs; Mary Jones; Elaine Griffiths; Betty Hale; Iris Hart; Pat Vaughan; Iris Hinds; Suzanne Lawrence; Margaret Cook and Pat Jones:
Behind the Scenes – Clifford Winston (Stage Manager); Ivor White (Assistant Stage Manager); Derek Parsons and Eddie Jones (Electricians); Harry Burroughs (Stage Carpenter); Edgar Davies (Property Master); Maurice David (Musical Director); Jack Wells (Producer); David Emmanuel (Accompanist); Greville Jones (Assistant Accompanist); Marian James (Dialogue Director); Melba Wells (Dance Arrangement); Mrs L. Morris and Mr A. Baber (Prompters); Mr Gwyn Morris (House Manager):
Administration – Mr R. H. Eke (Chairman); Mr Ken Hale (Vice Chairman); Mr R. A. Frampton (Treasurer); Mr Ivor Evans (Secretary); Shelagh Morris (Assistant Secretary); Mrs D. Lucas (Contributions Secretary); Miss Phyllis Crook and Mrs Sally Williams (Ticket Secretaries):
Committee – M. Paul; E. Jeremiah; L. Handy; Mary Howarth; Cyril Howarth; Edgar Davies; Melvyn Cordy; Alan Thomas and Harry Jones:
The society had performed this same show at the Llanhilleth Workmen’s Institute after reforming back in 1951.
Performances by the Abertillery Operatic Society, Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.
The following is a complete list of performances by the early Abertillery Operatic Society from 1917 to 1922 and later the Abertillery Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society from 1923 to 2015.
Shows Performed at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery 1917 – The Mikado and Silver King and Patience: 1918 – Les Cloches de Corneville and The Yeomen of the Guard and The Gondoliers: 1919 – Olivette: 1920 – The Gondoliers: 1924 – The Pirates of Penzance: 1925 – Under The Red Robe: 1926 – Ruddigore: 1934 The Maid of France and The Pirates of Penzance and The Yeomen of the Guard: 1936 – Highwayman Love: 1937 – The Mikado: 1939 – Merrie England:
Shows Performed at the Llanhilleth Workmen’s Institute, Llanhilleth 1951 – The Pirates of Penzance:
Shows Performed at the Pavilion Theatre, Abertillery 1952 – Miss Hook of Holland: 1953 – The New Moon: 1954 Waltz Without End: 1955 – Quaker Girl: 1956 – The Dubarry: 1957 – Magyar Melody: 1958 – Pink Champagne: 1959 – White Horse Inn: 1960 – Naughty Marietta: 1961 – The Student Prince:
Shows Performed back at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery 1962 – The Pirates of Penzance and Oklahoma: 1963 – Showboat: 1964 – Valley of Song: 1965 – Carousel: 1966 – South Pacific: 1967 – Brigadoon: 1968 – Old Time Music Hall and Merry Widow: 1969 – Oliver and Desert Song: 1970 – Orpheus in the Underworld: 1971 – Gypsy Baron: 1972 – Land of Smiles: 1973 – Variety Showtime and The New Moon: 1974 – The Mikado and Calamity Jane: 1975 White Horse Inn: 1976 – Fiddler on the Roof: 1977 – Paint Your Wagon: 1978 – La Vie Parisienne: 1979 – Musical Showtime and The King and I: 1980 – Annie Get Your Gun: 1981 – Music to Delight and Oklahoma: 1982 – My Fair Lady: 1983 – Viva Mexico and Pyjama Game: 1984 – Music Hall and Guys and Dolls: 1985 – Music Hall and The Music Man: 1986 – Music Hall and Hello Dolly: 1987 – Music Hall 87 and Finnian’s Rainbow: 1988 – Music Hall 88 and Carousel: 1989 – Music Hall 89 and Half a Sixpence: 1990 – Music Hall 90 and Call Me Madam: 1991 – Music Hall 91 and Gigi: 1992 – Music Hall 92 and No No Nanette: 1993 – Anything Goes: 1994 – Fiddler on the Roof and Music Hall 94: 1995 – Spring Time Review and My Fair Lady: 1996 – Showtime and Brigadoon: 1997 – Guys and Dolls: 1998 – Kiss Me Kate: 1999 – Curtain Up and Calamity Jane: 2000 – Carousel: 2001 – Oklahoma: 2002 – Music to Delight and Oliver: 2003 – Cole: 2004 – Blitz: 2005 – South Pacific and Concert Version of Showboat: 2006 – My Fair Lady: 2007 – Anything Goes and Christmas Cracker: 2008 – Crazy For You and Carry on Christmas: 2009 – Carousel and Here Comes Christmas: 2010 – Half a Sixpence and It’s Showtime: 2011 – When the Lights go on Again and Christmas: 2012 – The Pirates of Penzance: 2013 – West End at the Met and Me and My Girl: 2014 – Night at the Oscars and Scrooge: 2015 – Thanks for the Music and Sleeping Beauty:
(More information to come).