This year Thurrock Operatic Society (TOPS) celebrates its Fiftieth Anniversary; an unbroken accomplishment of 54 musical shows since 1960.
It has always been the ethos of the Society to produce for you, the people of Thurrock, quality amateur performances of operas, operettas, musicals and other works, and to encourage the appreciation of all forms of music.
The Society has come a long way since it was founed in South Ockendon by Anthony Jose (the Society's President) and a group of parents, who together formed the All Saints Amateur Dramatic Society (later renamed the Thurrock Operatic Society). Mr Jose became the combined Musical Director and Producer, holding that position for some 34 years.
Having initially produced our shows at All Saints Church, Courts School and the Civic Hall, TOPS was the first amateur theatrical company to perform at the newly opened Thameside Theatre in 1971. Since then we have presented almost 40 full productions over a wide scope of musical genres and produced a considerable number of concerts in aid of charitable organisations. These include St. Luke's Hospice, the Society's adopted charity, for whom we have so far raised over £6,000.
WORKSHOPS
We are delighted to announce that we are in the process of organising three workshops on Acting, Dancing/Stage Make-Up and Singing. They will be organised as follows:
• Thursday 20 May Gary Sullivan has kindly agreed to undertake an Acting Workshop immediately following the close of the Annual General Meeting.
• Thursday 17 June TBC, but this will be either a dance-based Workshop or one relating to Stage Make-Up.
• Thursday 15 July John Wallace will lead a Singing Workshop.
Please put these dates in your diaries; we do hope that as many of you as possible will make every effort to attend.
THE CHICAGO MIKADO AVAILABLE ON DVD
For those of you who have ordered a copy of The Chicago Mikado on DVD, we can confirm that these are now available to buy at the price of £20. Please make cheques payable to All Media Works.
TOPS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE
To celebrate this year's half-century a Dinner/Dance has been arranged to take place in the Monks Barn Restaurant at Ye Olde Plough in Bulphan on Friday 18 June. Tony Jose, the founder of the Society, together with his wife Mary, will be our guests of honour.
LATEST NEWSLETTER
Read the most recent edition of the TOPS Newsletter here
TOPS WINS NATIONAL AWARD
In 2008 TOPS was highly delighted to receive from NODA East... read more