In just one day, Rosemere’s flagship website for the society rebrand has scored more hits than anybody could have imagined. “We’re thrilled with it!” said one committee member.
The aim was to bring G&S into the 21st Century, and encourage new members, interest younger members and retain current members, and it’s easy to see how this new website will achieve that! With its brightly coloured backgrounds, funky buttons and natural photography, the website is visually stunning; “I just love how all the information is there and so easy to access” said acting Chairman, Gill Tonge.
As the time comes near for the next fabulous show 'Patience' between March 9th-13th 2010, everyone’s stepped up a gear. The week beginning 21st February sees two full rehearsals on Monday and Wednesday, as well as, what is affectionately known as “costume night” where everybody finally gets to see the fabulous costumes designed and made by Janet Hardman, Elaine Mort and Charades.
October 2009 saw a fantastic collaboration between New Rosemere AOS and Wingates World Famous Brass Band. The concert on 3rd October included excerpts from “Patience”, the society’s forthcoming show; wonderful contemporary and classic melodies from Wingates and New Rosemere and the supreme vocal stylings of ‘Tanta Voce’, a talented vocal group made up of young Boltonians and billed as “the best thing to come out of Bolton since Peter Kay!” (And I’m inclined to agree!)
NRAOS appoint new producers for their 2009 production of "Trial by Jury" & "HMS Pinafore" Experienced G & S aficionado John Cocoran (the namesake of the Captain in the production) who hails from Runcorn, is to take the reins as producer of HMS Pinafore.
As you may have heard (It's been in the BEN & I mentioned it at our AGM) Jan O'Brien from Horwich is organising a glossy Musical Theatre Fundraising Calendar on behalf of Christie's Hospital & the Willow Foundation (which arranges special days out for seriously ill young folk)--much like the Calendar Girls but with costumes!!! NRAOS features as Misses, Mrs and Messrs January. Contact David Butcher for order forms for the calender priced £7.00 each.
The New Rosemere committee are determined to work harder than ever on the urgent matter of recruitment. Even with an attractive Ladies chorus such as Rosemere's, Gentlemen (unlike Barkis) seem to be reluctant to have a go. There have been a few encouraging results over recent years but there is always the need to keep the production lines rolling. All men (young and less young) who enjoy a sing can have a marvelous time in good company at Rosemere while they develop their singing talents. The ability to read music (although helpful) is by no means essential - many long term Rosemerians have managed perfectly well without this talent. Good training and a sympathetic ear come to new recruits as part of the package!
In March New Rosemere AOS will be presenting their 100th show!!! Gilbert & Sullivan's comic opera s"HMS Pinafore" and "Trial by Jury" at the Albert Halls, Bolton 17th-21st March 2009 New Rosemere have been producing top quality shows for many years and normally the selection of next years production is the cause of some debate in pondering how to celebrate the Society's 100th show however, the committee members consulted their list of the 99 shows produced since the society was founded in 1927 and saw that the first ever Rosemere show was "Trial by Jury". Since that date the show has been presented no fewer than nine times, on all but one occasion as a double bill with "HMS Pinafore". Problem solved. The Society's archives contain an original programme for "Trial by Jury" (price one penny) typed on a foolscap sheet and bearing the date Saturday Febuary 28th 1927. The "Learned Judge" was played by Robert C. Whitfield, a founder member, who was later to become President and Life member of the society. Lower down the bill comes "The Usher" played by Mr P. A. (Pern) Jameswho was Producer and Musical Director for for all of Rosemere's first 67 shows! The show was produced as part of a concert at Albert Place Schoolroom in Bolton and also featured a sketch entitled the "The Head Waiter" by J. B. Trenwith (Shades of Basil Fawlty) and an "Eastern Song Scene of Love Lyrics".... the mind boggles! There seems no doubt however that the forthcoming production will be thorougly up to date with whilst retaining the best of Gilbert's humour and Sullivans wonderful music. One of NRAOS's younger members, Hannah Carolan, who has previously appeared in the chorus and as a principal in previous NRAOS shows, will be spreading her talented wings in the role of producer in "Trial", while a guest Producer has been appointed for "Pinafore". His name is John Cocoran. Not only is John well experienced in matters G&S, in production, music and performance but he bears the same name as Gilbert's "Captain of the Pinafore" and G&S afficianado's are predicting that he will be "a right good producer too!" Rehearsals are proceeding apace under Musical Director Elaine Lowe, who was in charge of last years triumphant production of Utopia Ltd" and wth Rosemere's established performers and some new stars, backed with the usual splendid Rosemere Orchestra, an enjoyable evening seems guaranteed.
These photos are from the Society's archives and show the 1957 production of the two one act operas. For further info call David Butcher 01204 84148. |
