Spring 2010£2.00

NODA National Operatic & Dramatic Association

The National Operatic and Dramatic Association was

founded in 1899 ‘to protect and advance the interests

of Operatic and Dramatic Art, and of Societies engaged

therein.’ ROS is an active and enthusiastic member,

one of 2,300 amateur societies and 2,500 individual

members throughout the UK.

The aims are:

• Togiveasharedvoicetotheamateursector.

• Tohelpamateursocietiesandindividualsachieve thehigheststandardsofbestpracticeandperformance.

• Toprovideleadershipandadvicetoenabletheamateur sectortotacklethechallengesandopportunities ofthe21stcentury.

ROS COMMITTEE 2009-2010PRESIDENT EMERITUS FREDERICK NEX

PRESIDENT BARBARA JOHNSON

VICE-PRESIDENT MALCOLM UNWIN

CHAIRMAN SUSAN MAYCRAFT

VICE-CHAIRMAN ANDREW JONES

SECRETARY ERIC MARTIN

TREASURER IAN GREEN

BUSINESS MANAGER JACKIE QUAIF

PUBLICITY MANAGER OLIVER SPINKS

SOCIAL SECRETARY ANDREA BRIGHT

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY ALISON COE

COMMITTEE MEMBERS SUE BROWN, CAROLINE CLARK

FRIENDS OF ROS SECRETARY SHEILA RAWLES

MAILING LIST SECRETARY HEATHER DARBY

PRESS OFFICER SHIRLEY WOOTTEN

LIBRARIAN SUE BROWN

VENUE CO-ORDINATOR JACKIE QUAIF

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

Mr K Atkinson, Mr G Bailey, Mr D Bendall, Mrs H Darby, Mrs M Dean, Mr A Heyes, Mrs B Johnson, Mr J Massey, Mr F Nex, Mr T Sharkey, Mr M Unwin

FRIENDS OF ROS

Mr & Mrs N H Abbott, Mr R Brooks, Mr & Mrs J Brown, Mrs H M Buggs, Mrs W Bynorth, Mr R Clark, Keith & Gill Cochrane, Mrs M C Corley, Mrs M Dean, Mr & Mrs G Dix, Mrs B M Elliott, Miss A Fielding, Mr T Flavin, Mrs M Gillham, Mrs J A Gillman, Mrs C Harrison, Ann Hertler-Smith, Mrs T Hitchcock, Mrs P Hogan, Mr S W Jewell, Mr & Mrs D Jones, Mrs J Lemon, Mr & Mrs L H Lewin, Mrs E Littler, Mrs J Massey, Mr B Maund, Dr & Mrs G Maycraft, Mrs B A Milton, Mrs D Moreby, Mr B Newman, Mrs J Peck, Mr & Mrs W Pullen, Mrs F Randall (Friends Club Northwood Hills), Mrs M Sercombe, Miss E Wharton, Mr V Williams, Mr I W Wilson, Shirley Wootten, Miss K York

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Why not become a FRIEND of ROS?

Enjoy the advantage of Priority Booking!

Just fill in a form in the foyer and

hand it to John, our Front of House

Manager

COMING SOON – THE ALL-NEW ROS WEBSITELatest news, box office details, picture gallery,

book tickets, audition info.

All this and much, much more …

Also launching are websites for ROS StageWorks and its Summer School!

Check out; www.ruislipos.org

www.rosstageworks.org www.rosswsummerschool.org

… all from the end of April

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A message from the Chairman

Welcome to our latest production. We chose to perform Blitz! for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is 70 years since the Blitz began (in September, 1940) and it seemed appropriate to perform this show now, in recognition of those times. Secondly, it was successfully performed as an extract at last year’s ROS StageWorks Summer School and many people were interested in seeing the full show. And finally, it enables us to involve our junior members, from ROS StageWorks, allowing the whole ROS family to perform together.

Against the backdrop of the Second World War the show tells some very human stories. It shows the importance of community and family bonds; it personifies the spirit of London and demonstrates how that spirit developed during the period.

‘Community and family’ also aptly describes the relationship between ROS and StageWorks. Everyone can be involved in a show, on and offstage. The cast and crew not only include adult ROS members and StageWorks students but also the parents of those students, helping Front of House, building scenery and working backstage. Since the start of rehearsals the community feeling has continued to grow, just as it did in London in the 1940s. I hope we convey the mood of the time. Enjoy the show.

Susan Maycraft

John EdwardsIn memory of John Edwards, who died suddenly on March 15, 2010.

An Honorary Life Member of ROS, associated with the Society

since 1977, John was involved with amateur theatre for over 40 years.

He was fully committed whether on stage, behind the scenes or at front of house. For his tireless work, his

glowing smile and his warm friendship, he will be sadly missed.

But he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

“ You know that Highbury

has been bombed and the

‘Gunners’ now have to play

all their games at White

Hart Lane; now I don’t

want you going over to

Spurs more than twice a

season, home and away,

it wouldn’t be right.” An Arsenal-supporting soldier’s parting instruction to his son…

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About the show

Blitz! was written by Lionel Bart and opened in May 1962 at the Adelphi Theatre in The Strand. At the time it was the most expensive musical ever mounted, largely because of its complex stage settings, which involved many different levels, revolving street units, loud explosions, fire and smoke. We hope that, 70 years on from the start of the Blitz, our production will capture the real spirit of life in the East End of London with all its diversity of characters and that you will enjoy being drawn into their family lives as they struggle to live through London’s darkest days.

About the Directors…

Ann Hertler-Smith - Director

Since she last directed a show for ROS, Ann has not been idle.

She directed The Matchgirls for Radlett Light Opera Society and Wembley Operatic Society and Calamity Jane also for Wembley, as well as running two summer schools and regular Saturday classes with ROS StageWorks, where she is the Artistic Director. Ann is delighted to be working with ROS again and, in particular, to be working on Blitz!. At the same time she is working on a production of Annie Get Your Gun with Radlett. Away from all her theatrical activities Ann runs keep fit sessions for blind people and the elderly and leads two Aerobics classes a week as well as working out in the gym herself!

Robert Wicks – Musical Director

Robert has been involved in Musical Theatre for the past 13 years, as Musical Director, Chorus Master, Band Leader, Guest Conductor and keyboards and clarinet player. He has also acted as accompanist for the Ripon Operatic Summer School. Robert is Deputy Conductor of the Aylesbury Community Concert Band and has had the pleasure of conducting the band in its major concert of the year, Proms in the Park at Aylesbury in September, as well as a number of Christmas Concerts.

Highlights among previous shows include Godspell, Singin’ in the Rain, Oklahoma!, Barnum, Chess, The Hired Man, Copacabana, Little Shop of Horrors and Anything Goes.

The first heavy raids on

London came on September

7, 1940.

300 bombers escorted by

600 fighters came over

London starting in the

afternoon. They caused

great damage to many

parts of London and other

cities, started major fires

on the London docks,

and killed 430 people.

This was the first of

58 consecutive nights of

sustained bombing attacks

on London.

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Cast List (in families)

Mrs. Sylvia Blitztein Sheila RawlesHarry Blitztein Carl QuaifCarol Blitztein Beckie Miles Rachel Blitztein Claire Knight Siddy Blitztein Seán Sullivan

Alfred Locke Alan BaileyGeorgie Locke Joseph Herson Frances Locke Hanny Alcock

Elsie Blackwell Susan Maycraft Tommy Blackwell James Collins

Mrs. Esther Josephs Helen BaileyMr. Ben Josephs Malcolm UnwinSamuel Josephs Daniel BrennandLinda Josephs Alice Green

Ernie Nearmiss Les Dearlove

Mrs. Joyce Matthews Nazilia Davidson

Mac Paul Hunter

Miss Daphne Dunstan Amanda Jones

Mrs. Susie Ping Hi Angela Rees

Mrs. Lily Murphy Jackie QuaifPeg Murphy Hannah Bailey Kathy Murphy Hollie Summerfield

Mr. Harvey Finklestein Oliver SpinksMrs. Stella Finklestein Janina MischkerPatricia Finklestein Olivia Brennand Rosemary Finklestein Niamh Cannon

Mrs. Molly Higgins Alison CoeCharlie Higgins Mark TurnerBrian Higgins Chris Knapp

Miss Freda Parsons Sue Brown

Millie Mangola Katrina Grace

Mrs. Dot O’Hara Angela EvansMr. Joe O’Hara Ian GreenKeith O’Hara Evan Bevis-Knowles

Mrs. Ruby Bamburger Caroline Bronne-Shanbury

Pete Walsh Mark Alcock

Ernest Newton Bill Cody

Mrs. Babs Jones Chris UnwinSusie Jones Kirsty Turner Teddy Jones Louie Swallow

Bobby Smith Alec Coles-Aldridge

Radio Announcers Barbara Johnson David Bendall

“ I’m glad we’ve been

bombed. It makes me feel

I can look the East End in

the face.” HM Queen Elizabeth. September 1940

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MUSICAL NUMBERS - ACT ONE

1 Prologue Instrumental

1a Our Hotel Company

2 Tell Him, Tell Her Mr. Locke, Mrs. Blitztein, Carol, Georgie

3 I Wanna Whisper Something Georgie, Harry

4 The Day After Tomorrow Voice of Vera Lynn, Company

5 Our Hotel - Lullaby Mrs. Blitztein

5a Scene Change Instrumental

6 We’re Going To The Country Children, Mothers

7 Another Morning Firemen, Mr. Nearmiss, Mr. Locke, Mrs. Blitztein, Company

8 Who’s This Geezer Hitler? Mrs. Blitztein, Company

9 Be What You Wanna Be Mrs. Blitztein, Carol, Company

10 As Long As This Is England Mr. O’Hara, Ping-Hi, Mr. Finkelstein, Mr. Locke, Mr. Nearmiss

10a As Long As This Is England - End of Scene Instrumental

11 Opposites Georgie, Carol

12 Bake A Cake Mrs. Blitztein

12a Bake A Cake Instrumental

13 Who’s This Geezer Hitler? - Quick March Instrumental

14 Leave It To The Ladies Elsie, Peg, Girls

15 The Day After Tomorrow - Quick March Soldiers, Company

Music and lyrics by

LIONEL BART Book by LIONEL BART and JOAN MAITLAND. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd

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There will be an interval of 20 minutes between Acts

ACT TWO

16 Entr’acte Instrumental

17 Far Away Carol

18 Petticoat Lane Mr. & Mrs. Josephs, Mr. Locke, Carol, Mrs. Blitztein, Merchants, Company

18a We’ve Been To See The Country Children

19 Down The Lane Elsie, Children, Company

20 So Tell Me Jack Mrs. Blitztein

20a It’s Raining, It’s Pouring Children

21 Mums And Dads Children

22 Who Wants To Settle Down? Georgie, Children

23 Is This Gonna Be A Wedding! Mrs. Blitztein, Elsie, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Locke, Mrs. Josephs, Company

23a Is This Gonna Be A Wedding! - Reprise Company

23b Is This Gonna Be A Wedding! - Knees Up Instrumental

24 Far Away - Waltz Carol, Georgie, Company

25 Duty Calls Harry, Company

26 Who’s This Geezer Hitler? - Reprise Children, Company

Orchestra

Reeds Rachael Craggs, Derek Kirby

Trumpets Paul Sutton, Steve Bennett

Trombone Terry Gardner

Violins Lucy Cummings Kate Turner

Cello Caryl Caffery

Keyboard Andrew Cowburn

Bass Janice Barry-Williams

Percussion Wallace Ruby

The Blitz killed more than

41,000 Londoners, injured

over 49,000, and destroyed

46,000 dwellings.

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Behind the scenes

Production Secretary – Alison Coe

Set Designer – Alan Bailey

Set Construction – Alan Bailey, Les Dearlove, John Edwards, Mark Alcock & Company

Wheelwrights – Les Dearlove, John Edwards

Scenery Artwork – Malcolm Unwin and Company

Stage Manager – Pam Bailey

Assistant Stage Manager – Andrea Bright

Stage Crew – Keith Cochrane, Richard Kessel, David Hampton, Mick Turner, James Peck, Eleanor Brown

Strike Manager – Andrea Bright

Lighting Designer – Andrew Bird

Lighting & Sound – AB Lighting

Props – Bonnie and Mike Joyce

Hand Made Props – Alan Bailey, John Edwards

Scenic Seamstress – Angela Evans

Costumes – Wendy Godwin

Wardrobe – Marita Brown, Wendy Godwin, Anthea Prosser

Make-up Advisors – Nazilia Davidson, Tina Wane

Children’s Performing Licence Coordination - Sally Aldridge, Alison Coe

Continuity – Anne Fielding

Rehearsal Accompanist – Alan Heyes

Cast Refreshments – Eileen Bailey, Geoff Bailey, John Edwards

Bar Manager – Elizabeth Hampton

Buckingham Palace and

the House of Commons

were hit, creating a bond

between the Royal Family,

the government, and the

common people who were

suffering the most.

24 - 31 July 2010Fiddler on the Roof Jnr

Tel: 07767 274847

Acknowledgements:

ROS sincerely thanks the following;

Thanks to RLOS for the loan of props.

Thanks to Haywards Mowing, Haste Hill Nursery for their co-operation and support during set-building.

Thanks to Compass Theatre and WOS for the loan of costumes.

Thanks to Bob ‘Jock’ Kerr for his generosity and co-operation.

The St John Ambulance Service for attending each performance.

The Friends of ROS for their loyal support.

Our Front of House helpers.

Front of House Manager – John Spinks

Box Office – Jill & Geoff Maycraft

Photography – Will Unwin

Publicity Team - Amanda Jones, Andrew Jones, Susan Maycraft, Janina Mischker, Oliver Spinks, Will Unwin, Shirley Wootten

Sponsorship Co-ordinators – Janina Mischker, Oliver Spinks

Publicity & Programme Design – Kinetic

Publicity Printing – Xerox

Banner Production – www.colourbanners.co.uk

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10th May 1941 - a 550

bomber raid dropped more

than 700 tons of bombs and

thousands of incendiaries.

This was probably the

worst raid of the Blitz.

Nearly 1500 people were

killed and around 1800

seriously injured.

Siddy Blitztein

Seán Sul l ivan

Frances Locke

Hanny Alcock

Tommy Blackwell

James Col l ins

Joyce Matthews

Nazi l ia Davidson

Mrs. E

sther Josephs

Helen Bai ley

Ernie Nearmiss

Les Dear love

Georgie Locke

Joseph Herson

H

arry Blitztein

Car l Quaif

Elsie Blackwell

Susan Maycraft

Carol Blitztein

Beckie Mi les

Alfred Locke

Alan Bai ley

Mrs. S

ylvia Blitztein

Shei la Rawles

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On September 3rd 1939

when the first siren of the

war sounded at about

11.15 that Sunday morning

John shouted to his wife

“The sirens have just

sounded, come on”. She

shouted back “I can’t find

me teeth”. To which John

shouted back “They’re

going to drop bombs, not

ham sandwiches!”

11

Little Shop of Horrors 28 Sep - 02 Oct 2010Comedic cult musical about a ‘down-and-out’ floral assistant, Seymour, who becomes an overnight attraction following the discovery of an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. ‘Audrey ll’ grows by the drop into a bad tempered, foul-mouthed, singing carnivore - offering Seymour fame and fortune in return for feeding its appetite. As Audrey ll’s demands intensify, all that Seymour holds dear is put in jeopardy, as the plant’s sinister agenda for global domination is finally revealed…

This musical was originally created from a song by Alan Menken who also wrote songs for some of Disney’s Classic movies, such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. The Little Shop of Horrors opened off-Broadway in 1982 at the Orpheum Theatre. The music, which is composed by Menken, includes up-beat Motown, rock and roll, and even an little doo-wop to add an interesting flavour to the sound of this production.

Other local productions;Ruislip Dramatic Society presents Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon at the Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham 19th-22nd May. Box Office 01895 675343 or Compass Theatre 01895 673200. www.ruislipdramatic.org

WOS presents FOLLIES. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman. Winston Churchill Theatre, Pinn Way, Ruislip. Wednesday 28th April- Saturday Ist May 2010 7.30pm nightly with 2.30pm Sat matinee. Box Office 07983 103444 or email peterday4@aol.com

If you would like to advertise in one of our programmes or websites, contact Oliver Spinks - tel: 07796 384899

Come and join us... Sing? Act? Dance? We have an abundance of talent but are looking for more ...

especially if you are aged 17 - 30! Very friendly group, both on and off the stage … why not come and join us?

Are you a DIY fan? We are looking for new members not only to perform, but also to help with

set-building and painting scenery. Interested? Please contact Alison Coe: 07919 276515

future dates for

your diary...

at the Winston

Churchill Theatre!

Keep up to

date with ROS

by visiting our

new website,

going live by the

end of April…

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Put yourself in the spotlight with a new haircut!

“ I didn’t think I had a hope

of living through that

night. I am not even sure

I said a prayer, beyond the

occasional ‘Oh God!’ –

if that may be accounted

a prayer. I was more

frightened than I had ever

been before.” Father Wilson. A local priest.

PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTAvailable for

weddings, proms

and special occasions.

Fashion, theatre and

photographic makeup.

Quote ‘ROS’ for

discounted rates.

Call Nazilia on

07791 115957

Joel Veterinary ClinicJoel Street Farm, Eastcote,

Pinner, Middlesex HA5 2PD

Tel:02088683311

Consultations by Appointment.

Monday to Friday

9-11.30am 3-4pm 5-7pm

Saturday 9am-12 noon

13

“ Then the pavement and

houses began to shake and

my husband shouted that

we’d better run to the

shelter. Even before we

were inside we could see

flames leaping up into

the sky.”

Past shows by ROS...1923 Founded1924 Rehearsals1925 Merrie England1926 Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast Tom Jones1927 Iolanthe1928 The Pirates of Penzance1929 Ruddigore1930 The Gondoliers1931 The Mikado HMS Pinafore1932 The Rebel Maid The Yeomen of the Guard1933 Tom Jones1934 Merrie England Iolanthe1935 The Arcadians The Pirates of Penzance1936 Maid of the Mountains1937 The Vagabond King1938 Rio Rita1939 No, No, Nanette1940 HMS Pinafore1941 The Gondoliers1942 Tom Jones1943 Blossom Time1944 Katinka1945 The Desert Song1946 The Arcadians1947 Countess Maritza The Bartered Bride1948 Ruddigore1949 Merrie England1950 The Rebel Maid1951 Trial By Jury The Yeomen of the Guard1952 Love at the Inn1953 The Gondoliers

1954 The Grand Duchess1955 Patience1956 Belinda Fair1957 Iolanthe1958 The Land of Smiles1959 The Quaker Girl1960 Merrie England1961 The Gipsy Baron1962 Naughty Marietta1963 La Belle Helene1964 Die Fledermaus1965 The Gondoliers1966 Tom Jones1967 Iolanthe1968 The Merry Widow1969 A Night in Venice1970 Orpheus in the Underworld1971 The Gipsy Princess1972 The Grand Duchess1973 Merrie England1974 La Belle Helene1975 Summer Song1976 The Mikado1977 Carousel1978 The Gipsy Baron1979 Oklahoma!1980 Tom Jones1981 Iolanthe1982 Orpheus in the Underworld1983 Hello, Dolly!1984 La Vie Parisienne1985 My Fair Lady1986 Waltzes from Vienna1987 The Pirates of Penzance1988 Half a Sixpence1989 The Mikado1990 Die Fledermaus1991 Summer Song

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“ None of us said a word,

but we were all wondering

how long it would be before

a bomb hit us. I think I

broke the silence first. ‘It’s

like the end of the world,’

I said. And one of the

others replied, ‘It IS the

end of the world.’”Helping others

to rise up out of the

rubble of recession…

… visit us at Pinner Hill Farm

+44 20 8868 3737 contact@kineticmcd.co.uk

www.kineticmcd.co.uk

1992 The Gondoliers1993 Fiddler on the Roof1994 Orpheus in the Underworld A Chorus of Disapproval1995 Show Boat The Best of Broadway1996 42nd Street Cabaret1997 Oklahoma! The Best of Broadway 21998 Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp My Fair Lady Sweet Charity1999 Kiss me Kate Robert and Elizabeth2000 Calamity Jane Merrie England The Best of Broadway 32001 The Pirates of Penzance Oh What a Lovely War Cancelled2002 Anything Goes Jack the Ripper2003 Die Fledermaus The Best of Broadway 42004 Guys and Dolls All for One2005 The Mikado Sweeney Todd2006 Fiddler on the Roof Oliver!2007 Half a Sixpence The Best of Broadway 52008 The Gypsy Baron A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum2009 Chess The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Operatic Society’s production of The Mikado

28th April - 1st MayBOX OFFICE:

07983 103444

Designed by Kinetic www.kineticmcd.co.uk

What a triumph the life of these battered cities is, over the worst that fire and bomb can do. What a vindication of the civilized and decent way of living we have been trying to work for and work towards in our Island. What a proof of the virtues of free institutions. What a test of the quality of our local authorities, and of institutions and customs and societies so steadily built.

This ordeal by fire has even in a certain sense exhilarated the manhood and womanhood of Britain. The sublime but also terrible and sombre experiences and emotions of the battlefield, which for centuries had been reserved for the soldiers and sailors, are now shared, for good or ill, by the entire population.

All are proud to be under the fire of the enemy. Old men, little children, the crippled veterans of former wars, aged women, the ordinary hard-pressed citizen or subject of the King, as he likes to call himself, the sturdy workmen who swing the hammers or load the ships; skilful craftsmen; the members of every kind of ARP Service, are proud to feel that they stand in the line together with our fighting men, when one of the greatest of causes is being fought out, as fought out it will be, to the end. This is indeed the grand heroic period of our history, and the light of glory shines on all.

Winston ChurChill April 1941