Rayleigh

                           Through the Looking Glass

R.O.D.S.

This month Rayleigh Operatic & Dramatic Society celebrates its 60th anniversary with a show entitled ‘The Diamond Years, Celebrating 60 years of Musical Theatre’ to be held at the Mill Hall from 14th to 16th May. Details from www.rods.org.uk

R.O.D.S. was formed on 1949 and produced its first show ‘Goodnight Vienna’ from 7th to 11th February 1950 at the Rayleigh Secondary School in Hockley Road.

The original concept was to produce one musical show plus two plays each year and by the 1960s this had increased to an average of four shows a year to include a pantomime. (Oh yes it did)

The society moved it productions to the Mill Hall in 1982 and started with a gala production of Princess Ida in October of that year.

One off charity events have also been held at the Leigh Community Centre, Silver Jubilee Pub, Wyburns School and Hawkwell Village School.

A section for teenagers was set up in the 1960s and called the Rayleigh Drama Centre and in 1987 the youth sector became Young R.O.D.S.

RODS has won numerous awards over the years, going back as far as 1983. And as recently as March this year the Society received the Best Pantomime award in the Eastern Area, for Puss in Boots

The list of stalwart supporters and helpers is far too long to mention everyone but include President,  Victor Curtis (14 years), Dot Bocking (18 years), Chairman, Francis Cottee (20 years), Mike Stone (14 years), Vice Chairman, John Holmes (15 years), Graham Smerdon (10 years), Secretary Peggy Snowdon (13 years), Treasurer, Arthur Hardwick (17 years), Dave Smith (10 years) and Committee Members Mildred Stockwell (10 years), Bud Abbott ( 10 years), Ann Bailey (10 years, Cynthia Roberts (11 years) and many, many more who have ‘acted in a variety’ of roles.

If you would like to join the society or received further information please see www.rods.org.uk

Happy Anniversary

Previous Updates

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May 2009 Update - Operatic & Dramatic Society