Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 09:00
Editor's choice: Die Fledermaus
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Reading Operatic Society's Die Fledermaus rehearsal. Keith Lawrence, Adrain Tang, Becky Finch and Daniel Powell
Pic by: 083985b
OPERA is getting a new lease of life in Reading as younger members sing life into a long-established society.
Reading Opera Society is close to celebrating its 60th anniversary and members can now join at 16.
Becky Finch, 17, the youngest member to have a speaking role in the society’s upcoming production of Johann Strauss’ operetta Die Fledermaus (The Bat), said: “It’s good to be with people of all ages. Everyone’s really friendly and there’s a really nice atmosphere here.”
The Bulmershe pupil, who is taking A-levels and hopes to work in the film industry, added: “I’ve danced in shows before, but this is the first time I’ll be singing a particular part, which is a bit scary. I play Ida, the sister of one of the main characters.”
The 170 members of the society are now aged 16 to 70 plus.
Society chairwoman Yvonne Maynard said: “We are fortunate in that we have recently had young people come along to join. We need more and more and more to keep the society going strong.
“There are so many distractions for young kids, but I think coming here helps them grow in confidence. It’s mixing with all ages, rather than being with your own age group all the time. We need the young people to give the society a fresh outlook, so anyone out there will be made very welcome.
“We may not be professionals but we like to think we can put on a show that is every bit as good and that audiences have had value for money.”
A cast of 50 will be performing the comic 19th century operetta in English at The Hexagon.
Veteran chorus member Ray Fullbrook, 77, of Tilehurst, who has sung with the society for 15 years since he retired from his job as a hospital administrator, said: “A friend who sold tickets said they were desperately short of men, so I came along and auditioned and was very soon on stage. The first time I appeared at the Hexagon was quite nerve-racking when the curtain went back, but now I enjoy it. I like the discipline of singing and it’s a very friendly society.”
Although many of the society sing or dance in the twice-yearly productions at The Hexagon, others contribute backstage or at the front of house.
Judy Greenwood, a paediatric physiotherapist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital who lives in Woking and has sung in the chorus for nearly 30 years, is also the society’s wardrobe mistress. She said: “I have a discussion with the producer and see how she wants it and then go to the costume hire company and see what they have to offer.”
The society also holds social events, including karaoke nights, skittles’ nights, dinner dances and concerts. It meets in St Peter’s Church Hall in Church Road, Earley, on Monday and Thursday evenings in the weeks leading up to rehearsals.
Rose Harland
The society will perform Die Fledermaus at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 23, to Saturday, September 27. Tickets cost £10.50 to £16 with discounts for parties of 10 or more and concessions available. Book tickets on 0118 960 6060 or visit www.readingarts.com
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