70th anniversary production

THE SINGING YEARS 1937 - 2007

"We are the music makers,
We are the dreamers of dreams"...

.........though not even the most visionary of those who founded the Society in 1937 could have dreamt that 70th anniversary celebrations would actually be held in 2007

From early beginnings in tiny halls (one so cramped that a player arriving late could only enter through a small back window) the Society moved to the more commodious Northwick Park Hall until, in 1940, Wembley Town Hall became its home for 58 years, uninterrupted by the war. Stability was established, grants were generous and large audiences were achieved.

Many highlights could be recalled from the 120 shows staged during that time, though space allows for the mention of only a few :

"1066 & All That" was staged at the Borough's request, in Coronation year. WOS was in the amateur forefront with "The Most Happy Fella", "Mr Cinders", "Meet Me in St Louis" and "Viva Mexico" (attended by the writers.)

"Oklahoma!"- the Jubilee show -displayed a Full House notice when the Town Hall seated 1,000 on the flat (cheapest seats 2/6d!). "Camelot" - staged for the 50th anniversary - boasted sumptuous costumes from the West End show and the 60th anniversary production of "Me & My Girl" featured a genuine Pearly King and Queen plus the last surviving member of the original cast.

In the same year, a recent production of "My Fair Lady" was repeated at the International Music Festival in Buxton, where our Eliza won the Best Actress award.

The dream of continuing to perform on a 40ft. stage, with an orchestra pit and new raked seating began to fade as grants were withdrawn, expenses reached nightmare proportions and reserves dwindled at an alarming rate. A move became inevitable and here WOS was fortunate enough to be welcomed at the purpose-built, well-appointed Winston Churchill Hall where we have staged 15 large-scale productions over the past 8 years in an area where amateur theatre is appreciated - as witness the well deserved following enjoyed by long established local companies.

The Compass Theatre offers an attractive alternative venue for more compact shows, being still within easy reach of the stalwarts who travel from Wembley to join what we trust will be increasing support from local residents.

The Society's longevity is due, in large measure, to the loyalty of the many long-term members - often whole families - and their friendly welcome to newcomers; to the talented people who mould the productions; to the back-stage and front-of-house teams, and especially to those Executive Committee members who have provided stability for the extroverts whose forte is performing rather than problem-solving!

We are confident that the current Committee will continue to select shows which offer the variety and challenge of those past productions - from Romberg to Rodgers, Schubert to Sondheim - which have brought the Society thus far, allowing it to extend - to present and future audiences and potential newcomers alike- a warm

"Welcome to the Theatre, To the magic, to the fun! "

Ethel Fidler - January 2007