A Message from the Chairman

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3 A Message from the Chairman Good evening to you, one and all, and welcome to the Rhoda McGaw for what is already our second production of this calendar year and it s only early May! We followed the drama of our November production of Sondheim s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street with Mozart s delightfully playful comic opera The Magic Flute in February, and now, in another sharp change of direction, we present to you the hilarious, madcap musical farce by Lisa Lambert, Greg Morrison, Bob Martin and Don McKellar The Drowsy Chaperone. A clever parody of American musical comedy of the 20s, the story quite literally! takes place around a geeky middle-aged, musical comedy fan at home playing the original cast recording LP (remember those?!) of his favourite piece, the fictional 1928 hit The Drowsy Chaperone. The show comes to life around him on stage as he provides ironic but affectionate running commentary on the characters, the plot and the musical numbers. The show was first performed in Toronto in 1998, but didn t materialise on Broadway until It was nominated for multiple Broadway (2006) and West End (2008) theatre awards, receiving five Tony Awards and seven Drama Desk Awards. However, despite this impressive pedigree, major productions in Canada, the US, the UK and Japan, including two North American tours, and a significant cult following, it has never quite been afforded the popular theatrical A-list status it undoubtedly deserves as we are confident you will see for yourselves. As Chairman it is with great pleasure that I extend my thanks to our Director for this production and my friend of approaching 40 years Jeff Raggett, to our Choreographer and Assistant Director Lorraine Landon, to our Musical Directors Kris Rawlinson and Sam Coates, to our rehearsal accompanists Bob Good, Julie Corden and Jonathan Rhodes-Smith, the hard working members of my Management Committee, the strikingly talented cast, our tireless and good humoured crew led by Lisa Young, our wonderfully imaginative set designer Mike Bartlett, and all associated volunteers, for the countless hours they have all put in to present this show to you. Additionally, I would like to thank all of our sponsors, advertisers and benefactors who have assisted with such generous support for this show: without them, it would simply not be economically viable to stage a production such as this. This coming November, in keeping with our tradition of staging rare pieces based on classic literature (most recently, of course, Bernard J Taylor s take on Wuthering Heights last May), we will be performing Lawrence Rush s musical version of Jane Austen s Pride & Prejudice. We hope to see you here for that. Finally, I d like to thank you, our supportive public, and the Life Members and Patrons of Woking Amateur Operatic Society. Enjoy the show! Lee Power Chairman WAOS May 2016

4 Woking Amateur Operatic Society (WAOS) is a musical theatre company based in Woking, Surrey. We have produced over 80 shows since its formation over 40 years ago. We are a registered charity and produce two shows a year, here at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, as well as fundraising concerts and other social events. We welcome all newcomers to the society, both on and off-stage. If you are interested in performing in or volunteering to help in any aspect of our theatre productions, please info@waos.info The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) was founded in 1899 and has a membership of around 2,500 amateur theatre groups and 3,000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK who are engaged in staging musicals, opera, plays, concerts and pantomime in a wide variety of performing venues, ranging from the country s leading professional theatres to tiny village halls. NODA's mission is to support the education and information needs of individuals and organisations with high quality services and products that contribute to the success of amateur theatre, as well as encouraging appreciation of the sector by participants and audiences alike. They aim to give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector; to help amateur societies and individuals achieve the highest standards of best practice and performance; to provide leadership and advice to enable amateur theatre to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. If you would like to find out more about NODA and its range of services, please visit During the interval, you will have a chance to enter our free draw to win 2 free tickets to our next show! The winner of The Drowsy Chaperone ticket draw is: J. Askew

5 Synopsis The Man in Chair, a mousy, agoraphobic Broadway fanatic, seeking to cure his "non-specific sadness", listens to a recording of a fictional 1928 musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. As he listens to this rare recording, he is transported into the musical. The characters appear in his dingy apartment. The plot of the show-within-a-show centres on Janet Van De Graaff, a showgirl who plans to give up her career in order to marry an oil tycoon, Robert Martin. However, Janet is the star of "Feldzieg's Follies", and a lot of money is riding on her name to sell the show; and Feldzieg, her producer, is being threatened with bodily harm by two gangsters employed by his chief investor (a reference to the gangsters-turned-actors in Kiss Me Kate). Disguised as pastry chefs, these two pun-happy thugs threaten Feldzieg to stop the wedding, in order to ensure Janet's participation in the next production of Feldzieg's Follies. In order to save himself, Feldzieg enlists Aldolpho, a bumbling Latin Lothario, to seduce Janet and spoil her relationship with Robert. Meanwhile, Janet is having doubts about her groom. Disguising herself as a French woman, she tempts Robert into kissing her, and a massive misunderstanding emerges. The ensuing plot incorporates mistaken identities, dream sequences, spit takes, a deus ex machina, an unflappable English butler, an absent-minded dowager, a ditzy chorine, a harried best man, and Janet's "Drowsy" (i.e. "Tipsy") Chaperone, played in the show-within-a-show by a blowzy Grande Dame of the Stage, specializing in "rousing anthems" and not above upstaging the occasional co-star. Watching from his armchair, Man in Chair is torn between his desire to absorb every moment of the show as it unfolds and his need to insert his personal footnotes and his extensive-but-trivial knowledge of musical performances and actors, as he frequently brings the audience in and out of the fantasy.

6 Director Jeff Raggett Whilst this is Jeff's first visit to direct for WAOS he has directed over 150 different productions; plays, musicals, operas, revues and concerts. He has worked extensively in theatre and television since tender years. He is an accomplished tenor with numerous stage credits spanning 30+ years. His recent work includes roles in: Vandalis, Regina, Sarahs War and the recently released film The Exorcism of Anna Ecklund. Radio and audio work includes Count Dracula in an audio drama of the book Dracula as well as The Phantom of the Opera and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. He recently played The Castellan in Dr Who spin off Eternity Rises, produced especially to raise money for the BBC's Children in Need appeal Recent stage work includes: Emile in South Pacific, the tenor Tito in Lend me a Tenor, Larry in Sincerely Yours and the Rogers and Hammerstein Song book. Jeff also runs ONEMORETIME Musical Productions, a revue company for both corporate and theatre evenings including; Noel & Cole (A marvellous Party), Blue eyes to Buble, and Beatles, Boublil & Bacharach. He has also worked in areas of Cultural Development and Theatre in Education. Jeff is currently filming the role of Mr Earnshaw in a new version of Wuthering Heights for release September Jeff wants to thank the company as a whole for the hard work and exacting preparation for this production which has been great fun to work on again. Musical Director Kris Rawlinson As Musical Director: The World Goes Round (St. James Studio & The Pheasantry), Beauty and the Beast (Epsom Playhouse), Starting Here, Starting Now (The Pheasantry), West End Switched Off (St. James Studio), Concert for Alice (Ambassadors Theatre), Kris Rawlinson & Friends (The Pheasantry), Been On Broadway, Sopragette, La Petite Divatante, Verrallations, and SMASH-ing (The Pheasantry), Streets (Hackney Empire & Cockpit Theatre), The Singers Soirée (Battersea Barge), Cabaret in the House: Michael Vinsen (Lauderdale House), RENT (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), Our House (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), If It Only Even Runs A Minute (Landor Theatre). Other Theatre credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Theatre Royal Windsor), Copacabana (Assistant MD, National Tour), The Phantom of the Opera (Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking), Sister Act (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), Another Way (Cockpit Theatre), Geek! A New Musical (Tristan Bates), Avenue Q (TNT Productions, Enfield), Jesus Christ Superstar (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), Les Misérables (Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking). Recordings include: West End Switched Off, Vol. 1 and A Very West End Christmas (Parallel Productions), Saffron Street (Kerrie Angell). In 2013 Kris founded Parallel Productions, a young production company with a focus on new musical theatre work. Through this company, Kris produced the charity EP A Very West End Christmas with fifty West End performers, and most recently musically directed and produced the company's first full-length album, West End Switched Off, Vol. 1.

7 Musical Conductor Sam Coates Sam trained classically and in jazz piano at Birmingham Conservatoire before gaining a BMus (Hons) Creative Music Technology degree from the University of Surrey. Whilst in training he studied jazz piano under Mike Williams, Will Todd and Tim Richards. He is currently based in Hemel Hempstead, working with local theatre schools, and is also resident musical director for The Biz School & Biz Productions, a successful youth theatre company and agency in Surrey. Sam is also the musical director for Christmas pantomimes at Blackpool Grand Theatre. Musical Director credits include: New Jersey Nights (UK Tour), Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs (Blackpool Grand Theatre, pantomime), Beauty & The Beast (UK Tour, pantomime), The Phantom Of The Opera (Rhoda McGaw Theatre), HONK! (The Palace Theatre, Redditch), Aladdin (Rotherham Civic Theatre, pantomime), Les Misérables (The Palace Theatre, Redditch), DreamArts West End Gala (The Playhouse Theatre, West End), Oliver! (The Palace Theatre, Redditch), The Witches of Eastwick (University of Surrey), Spring Awakening (Rhoda McGaw Theatre), Fiddler On The Roof (Nomad Theatre), Surrey Arts LIVE! (University of Surrey), Billy Elliot: The Musical (Malvern Theatres). Assistant Musical Director: Les Misérables (Rhoda McGaw Theatre), How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (University of Surrey), I Love You, You re Perfect, Now Change (University of Surrey). Keyboard credits include: Urinetown (Hampton Hill Playhouse), Crazy For You (Solihill Arts Complex & Harlequin Theatre, Redhill), Wicked Workshop (London Musical Theatre Orchestra), Dazzle! (Richmond Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar, The Witches of Eastwick, Titanic: The Musical (all Theatre Royal Windsor), Les Misérables (Rhoda McGaw Theatre, St. Marylebone School, MY:UK & The Stag, Sevenoaks), Miss Saigon (The Capitol Horsham & Chequer Mead Theatre), Jekyll & Hyde, Elton John s AIDA (both Rickmansworth Watersmeet), CHESS (Dorking Halls, Borough Theatre Abergavenny & KGS Performing Arts Centre). Sam has also worked as musical director and showband pianist for Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises on board luxury cruise ships, working on board P&O Azura, P&O Ventura & Emerald Princess visiting ports across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands & the Caribbean.

8 Choreographer Lorraine Landon Lorraine has been involved in amateur dramatics for many years, both on and off the stage, and has choreographed many of WAOS productions, such as South Pacific, Oliver!, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes, to name but a few. Her other involvement with WAOS is set painting, for which she has taken the lead on since Salad Days (2008). Her most recent was producing the special headdresses and props for The Magic Flute. Before joining WAOS, Lorraine directed and choreographed such productions as Grease, West Side Story, and Godspell as well as directing five of the most loved pantomimes. She is very proud to have introduced the whole of Cyprus to pantomime Oh yes she did! The Drowsy Chaperone is her twelfth production with WAOS, although she cannot claim the credit for all the choreography as she was required to follow an existing format, which certainly made her job easier! Lorraine wishes the cast, crew and director a great show week, and that you, the audience, will enjoy this very entertaining show! Dance Captain Hannah Dare Hannah has been dancing since the age of five. She has experience in ballet, tap, modern and jazz, even once accidentally finding herself in an amateur west coast swing performance team (in Canada, no less. She's still not 100% sure how that happened)! This is her sixth performance with WAOS, past roles including an Angel in Anything Goes and Isabella in Wuthering Heights. She has also performed in: Children of Eden, Oklahoma!, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Magic Flute. She has really enjoyed working as dance captain for the Drowsy Chaperone, sorting out all those shuffles, kicks and jazz hands! She hopes you enjoy the show.

9 Cast Man in Chair Janet Van de Graaff Robert Martin The Drowsy Chaperone Aldolpho Kitty Feldzieg Mrs Tottendale Underling George Gangster 1 Gangster 2 Trix Superintendent Geoff Morris Jenny Jordan Lewis Padgett Melanie Morrisey Patrick Coad Victoria Percival Brian Higgs Gillian Freeman Peter Howitt David Methven Peter Taylor Graham Kirby-Smith Nicki Farrar Roger Thomas Ladies of the Chorus Amanda Carey-McDermott Cathy Chappell Hannah Dare Beth Flitton Sharon Forsyth Sue Gaastra Sonia Huntley-Robertson Sylvie Petersen Gentlemen of the Chorus Tim Allen Keith White

10 Scenes and Musical Numbers Please Note that this production is performed without an interval. The running time is 1 hour 40 minutes. PROLOGUE #1 Overture #1a Opening Scene SCENE 1: TOTTENDALE S ENTRANCE HALL MORNING #2 Fancy Dress #2b Macaroons! SCENE 2: ROBERT S ROOM MORNING #3 Robert s Entrance #4 Cold Feets #5 Wedding Bells #1 SCENE 3: TOTTENDALE S POOL EARLY AFTERNOON #5a Janet By The Pool #6 Show Off #6a Show Off Play Off #6b Show Off Encore #6c Spit Take SCENE 4: ENTRANCE HALL - AFTERNOON #6d Janet s Bridal Suite SCENE 5: JANET S BRIDAL SUITE AFTERNOON #7 As We Stumble Along #7a Stumble Playoff #8 Aldolpho #8a Aldolpho Playoff #8b Accident Prereprise

11 SCENE 6: TOTTENDALE S GARDEN AFTERNOON #9 Accident Waiting To Happen #9a I Sure Did SCENE 7: TOTTENDALE S SALON AFTERNOON #9b Kitty, The Incomprehensible #10 Toledo Surprise #10a Act 1 Finale SCENE 8: INTERMISSION MONOLOGUE SCENE 9: ORIENTAL PALACE DAY #11 Message From A Nightingale SCENE 10: ACT II INTRO MONOLOGUE SCENE 11: COUTYARD AFTERNOON #12 Bride s Lament SCENE 12: HALLWAY LATE AFTERNOON #13 Vaudeville Entrance #14 Love Is Always Lovely SCENE 13: JANET S BRIDAL SUITE LATE AFTERNOON #14a Incidental #15 Accident Underscore #16 Kitty, The Incredible SCENE 14: TOTTENDALE S GARDEN SUNSET #17 Wedding Bells #2 #18 I Do, I Do In The Sky SCENE 15: WRAP UP #19 Finale Ultimo

12 Production Team Director Musical Director Musical Conductor Production Secretary Production Coordinators Choreographer Dance Captain Stage Manager Deputy Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Stage Crew Lighting Design & Chief Operator Lighting Operator Sound Set Design Set Build Set Painting Properties WAOS Wardrobe Make-Up Rehearsal Pianists Front of House Manager Front of House Team Box Office Poster and Programme Cover Artwork Publicity and Marketing Front of House Display Photography and Programme Jeff Raggett Kris Rawlinson Sam Coates Lee Power Sue Gaastra and Victoria Percival Lorraine Landon Hannah Dare Lisa Young Adam Graystone Mike Griffiths Mike Griffiths and Emily Noel-Tod Richard Pike Lisa Waugh Stuart Carter and Mark Cox Mike Bartlett Mike Bartlett, Mike Griffiths and Roger Thomas Lorraine Landon Lorraine Landon Cathy Chappell, Margaret Thompson and Martine Young Lynda Lawrence and Julie Lawson Julie Corden, Bob Good and Jonathan Rhodes-Smith Martine Young Caroline Croucher, Hannah Kitchener, Clive Moon, Mark Mowbray, Emily Noel-Tod, Ricky Powell, Lee Power, June Saich, Peter Saich, Betty Stonard, Karen Woodland and Alan Wyle Keith White Lewis Padgett Brian Higgs Martine Young Lisa Young Orchestra Conductor and Keyboard Reed Trumpet Trombone Bass Drums Sam Coates Rhiannon Jeffreys Jacob Phillips Chris Doyle Doug Weekes David Talisman

13 CAST Man in Chair Geoff Morris Geoff is delighted to be playing Man in Chair and would like to thank WAOS for this great opportunity. His past roles include Joe Studholme in Charlie Girl, Harold Hill in The Music Man, Curley in Oklahoma!, all for WAOS. He has also played Samuel in Pirates of Penzance, Mercury in Orpheus in the Underworld, Harry Beaton in Brigadoon, all for KASJOG. Geoff has also enjoyed taking part in plays including An Italian Straw Hat, See How They Run, Sailor Beware! and Party Piece for Pyrford Little Theatre. Geoff also enjoys performing in Olde Time Music Hall with Pyrford Little Theatre which helps to raise money for many local charities. Enjoy the show but please turn off your phone and unwrap your sweets before the curtain goes up! Janet Van de Graaff Jenny Jordan This is Jenny s fourth show with WAOS. She studied Performing Arts at university and worked in the entertainment industry in her early career in various roles ranging from Bluecoat at Pontins to Lead Production Vocalist in overseas hotels. Around the same time, Jenny performed in charity galas at the London Palladium, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Her Majesty s Theatre, Haymarket. Previous principal roles include Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Charlie Hadwell in Charlie Girl, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Polly Baker in Crazy for You, Julie Jordan in Carousel, Emma Carew in Jekyll and Hyde, Yum Yum in The Mikado, Lady Larkin in Once Upon a Mattress, Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights: The Musical and most recently Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Jenny has had a blast working with the rest of the cast and production team on this show and has enjoyed working towards her biggest challenge yet performing the splits on stage for the first time ever at the ripe old age of 35! Something she could not do when rehearsals began (credit to Laura Marshall, Popsicals and Luke Austin, Pure Gym Woking, for their help)! She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does! Robert Martin Lewis Padgett Lewis has been performing since the age of six and is very thrilled to be appearing as the debonair bridegroom, Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone tonight. Lewis is no stranger to the spotlight, having appeared in numerous shows with the Star EFX Shepperton Showtime Academy and made his debut WAOS performance as Anthony in last November s Sweeney Todd. Lewis has worked on and off the stage; writing, directing, stage managing and starring in numerous productions, having also won awards for these achievements. His credits include Jack in Disco Inferno, Tyrone in Fame, Wild Bill in Calamity Jane, Troy in High School Musical, Dandy Dan in Bugsy Malone and also appeared in many variety shows in the West End with the academy. Lewis is currently doing his dream creative job as a graphic designer in Windsor and loves to be always able to show his creative flair. Lewis would like to wish everyone the best of luck for this performance and to thank WAOS for this amazing opportunity.

14 The Drowsy Chaperone Melanie Morrisey Melanie graduated from The Poor School in Kings Cross and has performed all over the country in TIE, panto and fringe theatre. As well as touring to the Edinburgh fringe with Newsrevue, Melanie has appeared in short films and sitcoms such as Spaced (look out for her as David Walliam's friend)! Since having children and becoming an English teacher, Melanie has performed shows with several companies including Little Red Riding Hood, Into the Woods at Questors Theatre; Tobias in WAOS' recent production of Sweeney Todd and Miss Adelaide in WWAOS' production of Guys and Dolls. This is Melanie's third show with WAOS and she is delighted to be typecast as the Drowsy Chaperone. Her dream is to perform again at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall with Knee High Theatre. Aldolpho Patrick Coad The Drowsy Chaperone is Patrick's sixth wife in ten outings with WAOS! Aldolpho has been the greatest challenge yet, as no one who knows Patrick could testify to a romantic side. He has previously enjoyed the roles of Georgie in Blitz, Hines in The Pajama Game, Noah in Children of Eden, John Tallantyre in The Hired Man and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights. Kitty Victoria Percival Victoria studied performing Arts in Reading and made her WAOS debut as Young Lucie Barker in Sweeney Todd last November. Most recently Victoria had the cheeky role of Papagena in Mozart s The Magic Flute. Previous theatrical roles include Sandy Olsson (Grease), Nurse (Romeo and Juliet) and Gwenyvere in the Reading production of the RSC Adaptation of Le Morte D Arthur. Previously Victoria has worked at Pinewood Studios organising travel worldwide for major feature films. As well as Theatre, her filmography credits include, London s Burning, The Bill, 360 directed by Fernando Meirelles and the short film The Knickerman. She has a passion for singing and loves to sing karaoke, her song choices normally consisting of Olivia Newton-John, Joan Jeff and Adele Adkins. Victoria is extremely excited to be able to bring Kitty to life and put her spin on the character.

15 Feldzieg Brian Higgs Brian has been involved in the world of amateur dramatics for 16 years and wishes he had started earlier. He has since played a variety of roles including a dame and a wicked wizard in panto as well as a sadomasochistic dancer in a more adult production. He has also been involved in film work and professional productions over the years. He loves musicals and has been in productions such as Fiddler on the Roof, Kiss Me Kate, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma! and Oliver! This is his ninth show with WAOS. Mrs Tottendale Gillian Freeman Gillian has been a WAOS member for sixteen years and has enjoyed the opportunity to appear in many of WAOS s productions. She has also performed with Send Amateur Dramatic Society, Walton and Weybridge Amateur Operatic Society, Horsell Amateur Dramatic Society, Fasten Your Seatbelts and the late lamented Ghosts. In the past she has been required to sing, dance, scream, spin plates and engage in rather risqué behaviour, but this is the first role for which she has had to learn how to spit! Underling Peter Howitt Peter has been a member of WAOS for six years now and has enjoyed appearing in a number of shows with the company, the first being The Hired Man (2010). He then went on to play Luther Bills in South Pacific, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, Ali Hakem in Oklahoma! and Mr Sowerberry in Oliver! Peter has also perfrmed in three 24-hour shows with Fasten Your Seatbelts, the last being Hello Dolly, playing the lead role as Horace Vandergelder. He is also a member of SADS and has performed and directed plays and pantomimes with the group. He is now looking forward to serve as Underling the Butler in this exciting production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

16 George David Methven This is David s tenth show with WAOS. His previous roles include Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Will Parker in Oklahoma!, Fizzy in Bugsy Malone, Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance and Abel in Children of Eden. David also has a keen interest in backstage and has Deputy Stage Managed for The Magic Flute and Wuthering Heights. Gangster 1 Peter Taylor Having had a great love for the theatre since an early age, Peter has performed for as long as he can remember, from school shows to youth theatre to WAOS. Peter has played parts such as Danny in Grease and Enoch Snow Junior in Carousel also Joseph in Rock Nativity whilst he was a member of Stoke Youth Theatre. At the age of 18, Peter joined the army for 4 years, so put acting on hold for that time. He moved to Woking in 2015 and re-ignited his passion for the stage, performing as a member of the chorus in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Gangster 2 Graham Kirby-Smith Back in the 1990s, Graham performed here at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre about once a year with NP Productions and the Woking Youth Theatre, and now, after a break of over 10 years, he seems to be performing here more than ever! He played the role of Papageno in Mozart's The Magic Flute here in February (his first opera)!, Adolpho Pirelli in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street last November and Edgar Linton in Wuthering Heights last May all with WAOS. He also played Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes with Cody Musical Theatre Company and was heavily involved in their fantastic production of Don't Stop the Music last year, at the Princes Hall in Aldershot. Music is a great passion away from the theatre too Graham often plays keyboard at the informal, lively, contemporary 7pm Sunday services at Christ Church Woking, and at Woking United Reformed Church's monthly 8pm Wednesday evening 'Recharge' services and has played carols with the 'Unity' band at the Christmas events at the Woking Football Ground these last 2 years. Graham can next be seen as Eddie in Molesey Musical Theatre Company's production of Stand by your beds (Wed 25th - Sat 28th May at Cecil Hepworth Playhouse in Walton).

17 Trix Nicki Farrar Singing and dancing have been part of Nicki s life since she was 3 years old when she started ballroom dancing and taking part in junior talent shows. A fan of musical theatre for many years, Nicki reignited her passion for being on stage by joining WAOS in 2014 for their production of Oliver! She has since taken part in subsequent shows as part of the chorus. She is delighted to have been cast as Trix in The Drowsy Chaperone and thinks the audience are in for a treat of a show! Superintendent Roger Thomas Roger Thomas is one of the 'old timers' of WAOS and has appeared in most of the shows since 1995 plus parts with other societies from tough corporal to panto dame. He can claim no formal training apart from the University of Life (Failed), but can now claim the record for the shortest time on stage in a supporting role. Don t blink or you'll miss him! The Chorus From Left to Right: Keith White, Cathy Chappell, Hannah Dare, Sonia Huntley-Robertson Sylvie Petersen, Amanda Carey-McDermott, Sue Gaastra, Sharon Forsyth, Nicki Farrar, Beth Flitton and Tim Allen.

18 WAOS Productions The Boy Friend 1975 Bless The Bride 1976 White Horse Inn The Gondoliers 1996 Orpheus In The Underworld The Music Man 1977 Orpheus In The Underworld Oklahoma! 1997 Kiss Me, Kate! Gigi * 1978 The Merry Widow The Geisha 1998 Brigadoon Peg O My Heart 1979 The Gypsy Baron Ruddigore 1999 Anything Goes Annie Get Your Gun 1980 Lilac Time The Desert Song 2000 In the Spotlight South Pacific 1981 Free As Air Bitter Sweet 2001 Robert and Elizabeth My Fair Lady 1982 Merrie England Carousel 2002 Guys & Dolls Fiddler On the Roof 1983 Summer Song My Fair Lady 2003 A Music Hall Extravaganza How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying 1984 The Gypsy Princess Brigadoon 2004 Oklahoma! Jack The Ripper * 1985 The Pajama Game Showboat 2005 Calamity Jane Little Shop of Horrors 1986 Princess Ida The Rebel Maid 2006 Bye Bye Birdie The Slipper and The Rose 1987 Viva Mexico No, No, Nanette 2007 The Boy Friend Carousel 1988 Die Fledermaus Calamity Jane 2008 Moll Flanders Salad Days 1989 Kismet The Yeomen Of the Guard 2009 Into the Woods * Songs That Won the War & Blitz! 1990 Fiddler On the Roof Half a Sixpence 2010 The Hired Man * South Pacific 1991 Oklahoma! The Merry Widow 2011 The Pajama Game The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas 1992 Hello, Dolly! The Pirates of Penzance 2012 Bugsy Malone The Pirates of Penzance 1993 Blitz! * Camelot 2013 Children of Eden Anything Goes 1994 Carousel Lilac Time 2014 Oklahoma! Oliver! 1995 Charlie Girl The Mikado * 2015 Wuthering Heights Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 2016 The Magic Flute (fundraiser) * NODA Award Winning Production NODA Award Other Than Production NODA Programme Competition National Winner Life Member In recognition of her long association with Woking Amateur Operatic Society and her work performed on the Society s behalf, we are pleased to acknowledge our life member: Mrs Peggy Prosser Patrons of the Society The support of the following patrons of the Society is gratefully acknowledged: Mrs T Amor Mrs J Grayson Mrs L Lawrence Mr R Slingo Mr & Mrs Brown Mrs P Knight Mr & Mrs Norris Mr & Mrs A Wellstead Being a patron means that financial support can be given by those who wish to be involved with the society, but who might be unable to spare the time to help in a more active manner. For a minimum annual subscription of 20, patrons receive: advance booking facilities recognition in each show programme a complimentary copy of the Society newsletter Top Notes a complimentary programme when buying tickets for a show If you would like to become a patron, please send your name, postal address, address and telephone number, along with your remittance, to: Sue Gaastra, 18 Hill Close, Horsell, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4TE or contact Sue by on membership@waos.info

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