The Liston Hall now serves as one of our main rehearsal locations, minus the stage, but in the first few seasons M.A.O.S. made good use of the large “Assembly Hall” at the rear of the “George and Dragon” Public House for their rehearsals. Marlow’s own brew of Thomas Wethered’s beer featured prominently in the after-rehearsal relaxation! It is to be noted that of the 13 adverts in the first programme, the “George and Dragon” is the sole surviving business in the town. All of the other small businesses, which belonged to many of the original cast, have long-since closed. (Robert Brown and Philip Dorsett, Grocers; Cyril Chalk, Ironmongers; Hatton Shoe Repairs; Asplin, Butchers; MacFisheries; Helene Conyer Hairdressers; and Norman Heal, Furniture)

From the original cast, some families still have connections with the Society. June Findlay (nee Webb) and Jo Bird (nee Chalk) were made Honorary Life Members of the Society in the 50th anniversary year, Betty Maddock, the original Captain’s daughter, is the Society’s President.

Since 1976, the Society has performed its main show in the Shelley Theatre at Court Garden. Improved facilities would be welcomed by the membership as the stage size, scenery storage and dressing room facilities have come almost full circle to the problems experienced in the old Public Hall days.

For many years, Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas were the mainstay of the society, but a selection of other operettas and one full opera gave variety from time to time. In 2006 the Society widened its scope still further by introducing the American musical, “Oklahoma!” and in 2009, a modern, 60s based musical “A Slice of Saturday Night” was chosen to revitalise the Society with younger members. It was so successful that Elvis music was chosen to rock Marlow with “All Shook Up” in 2010.

Another change will occur in 2011 when the main show dates will change from March to May so that it can be presented within the Wycombe Arts Festival.

In order to extend its season, the Society performs concerts during the year. The programme is selected from a wide variety of musical sources and members who are not always willing to take principal roles in the main show are encouraged to take the lead in these productions. The development from here has been to take a Concert Party overseas to Marlow’s Twin Town, Marly-Le-Roi in France, in April 2006 and in July 2008 the Society performed a joint concert with a choir from France here in Marlow. There is always another challenge to take up in the world of Marlow Amateur Operatic Society!

<H5>History by Jo Bird</H5>
Marlow Amateur Operatic Society Website