"Stop Press."
Following on from the success of The Wizard of Oz, our 70th Anniversary production, it was time for quite a few of our loyal members to "follow the yellow brick road" and retire from active duty.We held an Open Evening on Wednesday 12th December 2007, where we gave all who attended an insight into our theatrical world. (Thank you to all who attended).....
Hopefully we showed them that there is a place for anyone to become involved whether treading the boards yourself or helping behind the scenes. You don’t have to worry – we’re not "luvvies" and we don’t perform opera – we’re ordinary people who enjoy getting together, singing, socialising and putting on shows.
The Committee then set about the task of finding our November 2008 show & we have just been granted permission to perform "OLIVER", November 24th - November 29th.
So even if your not yet ready for the West End stage and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber cannot utilise you Our Lady's Society is certainly ready for you. We are a friendly Society, and one with a great local tradition and history, so please do come along and join or contact us via 0161-477-3133, 0161-456-7199 or 0161-477-2441 – there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in some way!
***First rehearsal 7th May. Children 8pm to 8-45pm & adults 8-45pm to 9-45pm***
You are all very welcome! Our Junior Membership is open to anyone aged eight upwards and our Adult Membership is open to all.
"OLIVER".
Lionel Bart's "Oliver", based upon Charles Dickens Oliver Twist, opened in the West End on 30th June, 1960 & ran for over 2500 performances. Transferred into perhaps one of the last classic screen musicals it collected 6 Oscars & the sound track album went gold! Musical numbers include; Food Glorious Food, Where is Love? Consider Yourself, Pick a Pocket or Two, It's a Fine Life, I'd Do Anything, Be Back Soon etc
THE STORY OF "OLIVER".
The action of the musical opens in the dining hall of a workhouse where Oliver, on behalf of the other boys, daringly asks for more gruel. Outraged, the beadle, Mr Bumble, sells him to the Sowerberrys, the local undertakers, as an apprentice. Mistreated by Noah Claypole & half starved, he manages to run away.
He is spotted wandering the streets of London by the Artful Dodger, a pickpocket, who recruits Oliver for his boss, Fagin. Oliver is introduced to Fagin & begins to learn the art of thieving. While under Dodger's instruction, Oliver is caught for a crime actually committed by Dodger. When the true facts come to light, Oliver is released by the magistrate into the custody of the wealthy gentleman, Mr Brownlow, the victim of Dodger's crime.
Fagin is worried that Oliver will disclose the gang's hideout & makes plans to recapture him enlisting the help of a vicious thief & murderer, Bill Sykes & his girlfriend, Nancy. They abduct Oliver when he goes on an errand for Mr. Brownlow. When Oliver fails to return, Brownlow advertises for information about the boy & receives a visit from Mr Bumble bearing a locket which indicates that Oliver is Mr Brownlow's grandson.
Nancy, who regrets her part in the whole nasty affair, visits Brownlow & arranges to reunite him & Oliver at midnight on London Bridge. However, Nancy is followed & trapped by a furious Sikes who kills her. Mr Brownlow raises the alarm & shortly after Sikes is shot dead.
Fagin manages to avoid capture & alone & penniless slips away. In the meantime, Oliver has returned to the security & love of his family.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
"Are you up to a challenge in your spare time, could you attend rehearsals and accompany the cast on show nights etc? Our musical director Rev Father Dearman is hoping at some time in the future to pass on his mantle and take up his well earned retirement.". Another position exists within the Society, that of Wardrobe Mistress.. If you are interested please contact the Society ....
New members required for both the Ladies & Male Chorus & Children over 8 years of age. For further information ;
Please see the numbers above or E-mail us or come along any Wednesday evening at 8 - 00 PM.
Please note "Membership fees are now due"...... Adult: £10, Under 16/student: £5 and Patrons: £15.....
TICKETS.
Tickets for "Oliver" will be on sale later in the year. Details can be found and if required, a booking form can be downloaded from the Ticket Details page or contact us via the e-mail link on the "Who and Where are we" or the "Ticket Details" page.....
THANK YOU.
To everybody who helped in anyway with our last show "Hooray For Hollywood" and to the many local businesses who helped us advertise the latter. Also a big thank you to The Stockport Express/Times , local Radio and Manchester Airport for their latest generous grant .
SOCIAL EVENTS.
Events during the year include the Summer barbecue, after show cast parties, our Christmas party and June/July our AGM...
FUTURE SHOWS.
Our next show in November will be "Oliver" & the Spring 2009 show will be announced shortly.
USEFUL LINKS.
Below are some links to a few local web sites...
Stockport Information Online; http://www.britinfo.net/index_Stockport.htm
The Stockport Express; http://www.stockportexpress.co.uk/news
http://www.manchestertheatres.com