Thurrock Operatic Society, or TOPS as the association is more affectionately known, has been performing musicals in Grays for over 50 years now and is one of the leading amateur dramatic groups in the Thurrock area.
We are a very friendly and welcoming Society. Our aim is to provide light entertainment with an annual production at the Thameside Theatre where our shows have been performed every year since its doors opened in 1971. This annual production takes place in March, with rehearsals running from September the previous year. We rehearse once a week, on a Thursday evening from 7.30pm in the United Reformed Church annexe, Bradleigh Avenue, Grays. Additional rehearsals will also be included as we progress towrds the show (please see the relevant Rehearsal Schedule).
We always warmly welcome new members to perform with us. Equally, if you would like to join us but feel that your place isn't on-stage, we often look for help backstage with sound and lighting equipment, props, costumes, make-up or even front-of-house with the sale of programmes. You don't have to be an aspiring actor to join TOPS, any skill or aptitude would be welcomed into the Society.
If you have used the TOPS website before you will notice a new Members only area, which can be accessed by clicking the ‘Member Login’ tab located at the top of every page. The panel will expand down and if you click ‘login’ you will be taken to a separate page where you can enter your username and password. This section of the site has been reserved for Society Members and will contain the latest newsletters, rehearsal schedules and downloadable show music, so there will be no excuses from now on not to learn your words!
Forthcoming TOPS Events
Sunday, 22 July 2012 at 3pm & 7pm Thameside Theatre, Orsett Road, Grays
After last year's triumph with The Melody Lingers On we return with another great musical entertainment devised by Gary & Ann Sullivan especially for TOPS. Journey through some of the world's best loved musicals from golden oldies to popular modern day blockbusters. Book early for what promises to be another popular show.
See Our Current Show page for more details.
Saturday 1 September 2012 United Reformed Church, Bradleigh Avenue, Grays
A funfair extravaganza for the whole family with musical events, stalls, games and food.
More details coming soon...
Wednesday to Saturday, 13 to 16 March 2013 Thameside Theatre, Orsett Road, Grays
TOPS return to the Thameside Theatre next March with another one of the greatest musicals of all time.
Why not get involved yourself? Rehearsals commence in September with open auditions for principal roles following soon after. Dates for auditions, a full rehearsal schedule and details of principal roles will be available on here soon.
Congratulations to fellow TOPS member Rebecca Huish
For those associated with our 2011 production of Oklahoma! we are delighted to announce that our leading lady Rebecca Huish has won the Best Young Performer award from NODA. Rebecca is currently studying Performing Arts at university and of course, if you have been part of our recent casts or have seen our last few shows you will remember her for her roles in Fiddler on the Roof and The Chicago Mikado. Our congratulations go to her.
Please note there will be NO REHEARSAL THIS THURSDAY, 5 April. It's Maunday Thursday, and as such we are unable to use the church hall. Rehearsals continue Thursday 12 April as normal.
ENCHANTED performed at the Thameside Theatre, Grays, with shows at 3pm and 7pm.
THE BIG ONE DAY THING-A-ME-BOB at the United Reformed Church, Bradleigh Avenue, Grays.