Central Operatic Society
Central Operatic Society is an amateur theatre company based in Derby, England. It is affiliated to Central United Reformed Church, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and Derby New Theatre Association.
History
The society was founded in Derby in 1932 when members of Normanton Road Congregational Church decided to present an opera entitled "Cupid and The Ogre" to raise money for church funds. The first performance took place on 11 January 1933. It was so successful that an Operatic Section was formed to perform a show on a annual basis. Following the 1939 production of Gretchen World War II called a halt to things and the Society did not resume until 1953 leading to the staging of Highwayman Love in 1954. The society thrived and shows became so successful that it was clear larger, more accessible venues for performances must be found. This necessity led to a move to Derby Guildhall in 1973 for the production of Viva Mexico
In 1980, following the amalgamation of three churches, the society was renamed Central Operatic Society, the name that remains to the present day. Success continued, leading to a further change of venue for the main annual production. In 1997 Funny Girl was performed in the auditorium of Landau Forte College, Derby.
In order to strengthen its financial security the society expanded its range of productions to include concerts, [...] mysteries and one act plays, some of which have been written by members themselves. These are performed in addition to the annual major MusicAL which is still staged in March each year.
The society has raised many thousands of pounds over the years for the Church to use for its own charitable purposes. Membership is not restricted to church members and the entire company enjoy many functions alongside the Church throughout the year.
Notable past members
The society has the reputation of promoting young talent and provides an excellent environment for young performers to practise and demonstrate their skills. Former members who have gone on to develop successful careers in the performing arts world include Peter Wedd (opera) and Kelli Young who was a founder member of the pop group Liberty X.
Awards
For a relatively small city, Derby has a vibrant amateur theatre scene and all productions are of an exceptionally high standard. Successes are celebrated annually at 'The Eagle Awards', presented at a ceremony hosted by Derby Theatre. Central Operatic Society has recently been the Recipient of two awards for its production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Nigel Taylor took the award for 'Best Actor in a Musical' and the society was presented with the presigious 'Best Performance of a Musical' award.
The society has been honoured with awards on several previous occasions, notably in 1998 when Jesus Christ Superstar won 'Best Production of a Musical', an award also bestowed on the 2001 production of My Fair Lady. The society also received the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' in 2006 when the chorus were recognised for their handling and performance of the complex choral pieces in the musical Chess.
The 2005 production of Calamity Jane won the NODA Regional Award for 'Best Production of a Musical'. .
Recent productions
March 2012 saw the society's production of The King & I receive much critical acclaim and in May they presented a concert entitled "This is Our Life" which celebrated 80 years of productions.
Current projects
Central Operatic Society has been granted the rights to perform Little Shop of Horrors in March 2013. Rehearsals will commence in September. This technically demanding show (including man eating plants of various sizes) will be presented at Landau Forte College.