Our History

 

West Bridgford Operatic Society, based in Nottingham, England, was formed in 1945.  The society’s first show was The Gondoliers in 1946. After 52 years of performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, and having covered each of the thirteen G&S productions at least once if not several times, the society ventured into other operas and musicals starting with Orpheus in the Underworld. Since then the society has performed a mix of G&S and musical theatre productions in order to provide a more varied experience for our performers and our audiences.

The group has always included a good mix of men and women of all ages from 18 years old to over 80!  Many of the group’s members joined as youngsters and continued to perform with the group through the decades, introducing their own children to the group along the way.

WBOS performs at least one main show in Nottingham every year, usually early in the calendar year, followed by a concert in West Bridgford in early summer.  The group also sing in smaller fundraising and community concerts throughout the year.

Becoming a Charity

 In 2011 The West Bridgford Operatic Society became a registered charity (number 1147591). The objectives of the society include:

  • the advancement of the arts, in particular the dramatic arts, and the development of public appreciation of such arts by the presentation of public performances; and

  • the advancement of education for the public in the art of drama, theatre work and skills such as production planning, stage design, stage management, wardrobe and use of props.

In fulfilling the objectives the society will engage in a range of activities, either on its own or with others, that will vary from time to time and which will be initiated, expanded or closed as appropriate.

 

The activities may include but are not restricted to:

  • staging full-length musical and dramatic works;

  • staging concerts of assorted musical and dramatic material;

  • participating in the staging of musical and dramatic works by others;

  • social activities; and

  • fundraising activities.

 

 Supporting Other Charities

The society has always operated on a not-for-profit basis and over the years has donated small sums of money to charitable causes identified by the committee.