2020s
2020
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
On Sunday 2nd February, auditions for our production of Sweeney Todd took place. This was to be performed at the New Wolsey Theatre in June Directed by Owen Berry. The cast was chosen and rehearsals began with a buzz.
This Sondheim musical score is extremely challenging and rehearsals were proceeding at great pace. The last rehearsals took place on Thursday 12 March and soon after the country went into lockdown.
In these unprecedented times our main concern was for all of us to keep well and safe.
2021
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Production Team: Stephanie Brown, Bridget Jackaman and Owen Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: St. Peters by the Waterfront
‘We began our rehearsals in September after an 18 month break due to Covid and how great it felt to be together again. Whilst we were unaware in the circumstances of whether we would be able to continue we proceeded rehearsals with optimism. Fortunately, luck was on our side and we performed our 4 nights starting Tuesday 7th and finishing Friday 10th December. Dressing rooms were carefully organised on a rota basis for changing and worked well. The church looked wonderful with our usual trees and decorations, stalls and draw prizes on display. The weather was against us with wind and rain every night but this did not deter our audience from coming out. The enthusiasm from the audience at every performance was very evident and they enjoyed a glorious variety of musical arrangements, solos and group selections. It felt very emotional at times with the feeling that after such a long unprecedented separation we were once again united in what we love doing. As usual the refreshments were very well received and a profit was made on the production. Here's to the future.’
2022
SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Director: Sally Broatch
Artistic Director: Owen Berry
Choreographer: Luke Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
‘Finally after a 2 year Covid break, this wonderful Sondheim show took place. Since auditions in 2020, some of the original cast members were not available but the gaps were soon filled and the production commenced rehearsals with great optimism. Set in the 1930's instead of the usual 19th Century it was costumed tastefully by our great wardrobe team and the contemporary choreography worked so well with the choice of costume. An extremely creative set included windows allowing the vocal chorus to be involved on stage and enhance the ensemble with this very challenging score. This was all brought together by our own fantastic orchestra also on stage. Despite its macabre content, tickets very quickly sold out and we played to full houses. Another wonderful production from our talented team and one that proved artistically and financially a resounding success. The Wolsey marketing team received some lovely feedback, the following being one that particularly stood out:-
"Sweeney Todd is my favourite musical. I've watched the film a number of times and seen two West End productions including Michael Ball and imelda Staunton at the Adelphi. Of the five productions, this is my favourite. The visual movement of the whole cast was wonderful and the singing was of a high quality. The set was very atmospheric and the whole audience loved 'The Chair' - though not as much as Todd did! Added to that we had some great seats on our first visit to the Wolsey Theatre, which made for an impressive night out. Only on the morning after did I realise the cast were amateurs. Well done everyone concerned with the production".’
FIRST STAGE - OUT OF THE WOODS
Venue: Henley Community Centre
‘How lovely to see Henley Community Centre filled with many Mums and Dads eagerly awaiting this year's production after a 2 year wait through Covid. It was a medley of songs from the shows along with large sections of dialogue which was very well remembered. Some of the numbers covered included The Addams Family, Beauty and The Beast, Wicked and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thanks to Roxy and Julian who work tirelessly with their team of helpers to create another successful production. Thanks to all involved front and backstage.’
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Production Team: Stephanie Brown, Bridget Jackaman and Owen Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: St. Peters by the Waterfront
‘Rehearsals began in September with a well planned and packed schedule full of Christmas delights. This year was our 5th year at St. Peters which has proved very popular. Tickets sold well and all performances were full and extremely well received. The church looked so magical with the trees and decorations and this year the solo's and group selections ran slickly due to revised staging. The audience enjoyed some beautiful arrangements enhanced by our wonderful band. The side stalls, draw and refreshments were again so well received and it was another profitable year.’
2023
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Director: Sally Broatch
Choreographer: Luke Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
‘This year sees the society's 3rd production of this story of a jewish family in Tsarist Russia. This was first performed by the society at the Gaumont Theatre (Now Regent) in 1973 and then repeated there in 1985. The show has run for nearly 50 years but is never more relevant today with the war in Ukraine and this production brought that situation up to date with poignant touches resonating the trauma going on in Ukraine. Unfortunately, after months of rehearsal, I personally was unable to take part as I broke my leg the week before resulting in an operation. In my 60 years of always saying to the cast "break a leg" how ironic it really happened. The show went on to be a wonderful success, playing to full houses and great reviews.
The storyline tells of a poor farmer, his wife and five daughters in Anatevka living with their traditions and how these affect all of their lives and expectations. A great company show full of musical numbers and exceptional dance routines building up to the well known Bottle Dance. All this was greatly enhanced by our talented orchestra as always, with such an imaginitive set allowing the cast to interact with the show throughout and cleverly move props in a choreographed manner. There was attention to detail in spades. The production was a financial success and in support of the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal, the society donated all the proceeds of their raffle to the charity.’
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Production Team: Stephanie Brown, Bridget Jackaman and Owen Berry.
Musical Director : Mike Wren
Venue : St Peters by the Waterfront
'Our 6th year at St Peter's and tickets were very quickly sold out in advance. Even with 10 additional seats added each night we were at full capacity weeks before curtain up, a lesson for friends and family who left it too late to book! This annual production has proved so popular once again, full of talent bringing wonderful ensemble arrangements, solos, duets and groups. This year included comedy from our fab ladies in 'Deck the halls' and our men brought a hilarious rendition of 'Stay Another Day' which were both well received. We welcomed several new members who thoroughly enjoyed the experience which bodes well for the future of the society and the celebration of our 70th anniversary in 2025. Sincere thanks to all those involved both on and off stage and as always the brilliant band. The production team will start preparations almost immediately for next year and have a list of ideas ready to go. Refreshments continue to be a great success but also a wonderful source of income for the society so we thank everyone for their generous donations which help to fund our next project. We look forward to getting stuck into 'Sweet Charity'!
2024
SWEET CHARITY
Director - Sally Broatch
Choreographer - Luke Berry
Musical Director - Mike Wren
After 5 decades the company chose to revisit this iconic show with all its 60's vibes. This time around in the New Wolsey Theatre allowing for a more contemporary and minimalistic set creating a great backdrop for all that wonderful Fosse style choreography. The authentic costumes which were carefully sourced by our brilliant wardrobe manager looked amazing on this vibrant cast who had numerous changes throughout with a few of the older members remembering wearing them back in the day! The show has great humour as well as sadness, both portrayed beautifully by our Charity. As always the talented orchestra, 14 in total, excelled themselves and as a backstage singer I enjoyed so much listening to them every night. We played to wonderful audiences who gave it well deserved glittering reviews. Bring on 'Sounds Like Christmas!'
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Production Team: Stephanie Brown and Bridget Jackaman
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: St Peters by the Waterfront
Back again for another wonderful year to celebrate the festive season with a programme packed full of Christmas songs to suit all tastes. There was the traditional pieces, comedy numbers, rock and this year a 1940’s Christmas selection to name but a few. We again welcomed some new members and all four performances played to a full and appreciative audience. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the musical arrangements as well as front of house selling draw tickets and organising the refreshments — always an interval highlight, enabling a healthy profit to be made.
Next year we are hoping to add an extra night (Monday) to allow more audience capacity and ideas for content are already in abundance. Before this however we have a great show to present at the New Wolsey Theatre in July 2025. This will be Priscilla Queen of the Desert and will celebrate The Society’s 70th Anniversary. In 1955 the Society was restarted after the war, having existed previously in the 1930’s. We hope that 2025 will be a very happy and successful celebratory year for us all. Make sure you book early.
2025
PRESCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Director: Sally Broach
Choreographer: Luke Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: The New Wolsey Theatre
Following months of vibrant rehearsals and creative energy, Priscilla Queen of the Desert burst onto the stage at the New Wolsey Theatre in July 2025, dazzling audiences with colour, humour, and heart. Under the direction of Sally Broach, the production captured both the outrageous fun and touching emotion of the story, while Mike Wren’s musical direction ensured every number sparkled with professional polish.
Luke Berry’s choreography brought infectious movement and rhythm to the stage, transforming each scene into a celebration of individuality and joy. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to deliver a show that was not only visually stunning but also deeply uplifting — a true testament to teamwork and creativity.
The production was met with enthusiastic applause and glowing reviews, culminating in two prestigious awards from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA): Best Musical and Best Production in the East Region (District 12).
This achievement marked a proud milestone for the Society, celebrating its 70th Anniversary in style and reaffirming its reputation for excellence in musical theatre.
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Production Team: Stephanie Brown and Bridget Jackaman
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: St Peters by The Waterfront
Our 8th year at St Peters and an extra night starting on Monday this year, giving us 5 nights. We sold out very quickly even with the extra performance, and the advice must be to book early to avoid disappointment. As usual, the Production Team manages to give us a varied programme with beautiful arrangements alongside comedy numbers and solos. This proves there is an abundance of Christmas material available to suit all tastes.
The church is a wonderful venue for this concert and our band, as always, sounded incredible. Thanks to all who help keep the cake stand well stocked and provide prizes for the raffle. This year a total of £1632 was raised by the refreshments and £877 for the raffle.
After another successful concert we look forward to next year’s, but before that we will be performing The Licensing – We Will Rock You at the New Wolsey Theatre in July 2026. Make sure you book early.