History Of RAODS

RAODS

Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society was founded on 11th October 1934 and the first shows were staged at the Town Hall. This venue was soon redundant when the purpose-built Crosfield Hall was commissioned. Until the early 1950s much emphasis was placed on the delivery of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. That policy was abandoned as the society faced near insolvency when bills for the orchestra, costumes and royalties exceeded income from tickets. Ruddigore was the show - and almost the result! A pattern of productions was developed, which continued for the next thirty years, of a pantomime and two plays during each season. This was sometimes varied by an evening of Music Hall or Revue and in 1970 came Salad Days, our first non - G&S musical. Since then musicals have been an increasing part of our programmes.

Having a place to call home is often a pipe dream for amateur companies. For many years RAODS had the great good fortune of being able to store costumes, properties, backcloths and flats in The Barn and other outbuildings on the property of one of our outstanding members, Geoffery Wills. As Geoffery became older, the need to find a home of our own became more pressing. The Plaza Cinema had opened in the early 1930s. By the 70s it had ceased to show films, and had become a bingo hall. Then even Bingo came to a full stop. The building stood forlorn and empty. After much trial and tribulation, in 1982, RAODS acquired the freehold and set about converting it into a theatre. In January 1984 the theatre was opened by Lord Romsey; the first show was Jack and the Beanstalk. Since then, RAODS have presented at least five shows each season and sometimes as many as eight. Owning and managing a theatre sets RAODS apart from most amateur companies. It sets us apart in terms of responsibility (for a property) and opportunity (to mount a wide variety of shows). It provides access to the Little Theatre Guild, a national group of amateur companies who all own their own theatres. The theatre is available for hire by other amateur groups and by professional companies. It is let for lectures and has been used occasionally for small conferences. There is a costume hire department which opens on Tuesday evenings except during performances. A wide range of costumes may be hired for shows by other companies and by individuals for fancy dress parties. Current membership is about 250. Between them the members run, on an entirely voluntary basis, the front of house, backstage, the building of sets, the bar and of course they secure the upkeep of the building.

Return to Home Page