About Mansfield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.
History
The Mansfield Operatic Society was founded by a band of enthusiasts in 1905 under the Presidency of His Grace The Duke of Portland.
The first production was Wallace’s popular opera “Maritana” with a cast of only seven principals and chorus. The takings were £113 for the week and the net result was a financial success for the Society.
1906 saw the second production “Les Cloches de Corneville” following which, the popular Gilbert and Sullivan operas were drawn upon until 1915 when activities had to be closed down because of the 1914-1918 war.
The Society resumed activities in 1919 with another Gilbert and Sullivan favourite “The Gondoliers”. A wide range of Gilbert and Sullivan operas were performed followed by Edward German’s famous shows “Tom Jones” (1927) and “Merrie England” (1929). The Society then returned to performing Gilbert and Sullivan.
In 1932 there was a change of policy and the popular musical comedy, “The Country Girl” by Lionel Monckton was produced, resulting in a profit of over £200 - the highest ever to that date.
There then followed famous Drury Lane successes such as “Rose Marie”, until the activities of the Society were once more brought to an end by the outbreak of the Second World War.
THE POST-WAR YEARS 1946 – 2005
After a six year break (1939-1946) the same production team took on the responsibility of reorganising the Society and, for several years, restarted their pre-war successes. However, the whole structure of musicals altered with the release of “Oklahoma”. This show was the forerunner to the Rodgers and Hammerstein hits, all of which have been staged by our Society.
To please audiences and members a new policy was adopted regarding choice of show. Usually the job of the Committee, it was open to all members at the AGM, often with great force by the younger members. Comparisons are difficult to make for there is no doubt that the earlier shows were immensely popular, but a radical change was on the way for both audiences and members. The new musical demanded a sincere approach from the players. Teamwork ensued and the standard of production took on a new dimension. The company accepted more extended rehearsal periods in order to meet extra demands. The Society was so popular that there was a waiting list to join.
Today we have to select a box office success to meet the very high costs of production. Our current show will cost over £25,000 to stage and still the costs will mount annually.
We rely on the continued patronage and support of the public to meet our costs and would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who has a devoted interest in the our work.
Join the society
If you enjoy performing why not join us for our March 2025 production of ”The Wizard of Oz”
We are always on the lookout for new members both on stage and backstage. If you enjoy working behind the scenes and are looking for an opportunity to get involved get in touch we would love to hear from you.
Get involved
Want to be part of the action?
If you enjoy performing why not join us for our March 2025 production of "The Wizard of Oz”
We are always on the lookout for new members both on stage and backstage. If you enjoy working behind the scenes and are looking for an opportunity to get involved get in touch we would love to hear from you.