About Us
History
Richmond Operatic Society have been performing for Richmond, North Yorkshire since 1922. It is said that the shows were originally arranged to coincide with full moons so that the audience could find their way back to the Dales after the show. Our very first show (after several fund-raising concerts) was Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, which we performed at Richmond's New Cinema (now Rodbers) in May 1923, " astonishing all who had the privilege of hearing".
We performed at the former Zetland cinema (now the Zetland Christian Community Centre) from 1937. In 1939 we performed our first pantomime - Cinderella - which proved so popular we had to turn two hundred people away from the matinee performance! We were forced to take a break for World War II, but after that "buses crammed with excited children (and adults) will descend on Richmond from as far away as Thirsk, Hawes and Barnard Castle for their annual treat", as the panto became a regular feature. The former Methodist chapel in Bargate became our base in 1947/48.
In 1991 we moved to the Georgian Theatre Royal - a lovely, intimate setting for our productions. We celebrated our 75th anniversary in 1997 with a performance of 'Songs from the Shows' and look forward to getting our birthday card from the Queen.
Affiliations
Richmond Operatic Society is affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA), which was set up in 1899 for the express purpose of bringing together members of amateur operatic and dramatic societies for their mutual assistance and combined benefit. NODA has over 2500 affiliated societies and over 3000 individual members, both in the UK and overseas. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was patron until her death. The patron is now Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber.