With this years performance of The Chicago Mikado, Thurrock Operatic Society is 50 years old - an unbroken accomplishment of 54 musical shows from 1960 to date.
The Society was 'born' at South Ockendon and the moving force of its creations was a local teenager and a group of parents, who together, formed the All Saints Amateur Dramatic Society (after the local church to which they all belonged). The teenager, Anthony (Tony) Jose, became the combined Musical Director and Producer, holding that position for some 34 years.
In 1960, with assistance from parents and Clergy, the newly formed group successfully presented their first show - The Little Sweep - followed by The Pirates of Penzance in 1962 and The Mikado in 1963. Each show was rehearsed and performed in the then yet to be consecrated church.
In September 1964, the flourishing Society transferred its productions from the church to nearby Courts School. The improved facilities included a larger a well-lit stage, dressing rooms, a rehearsal area and space for larger audiences. These encouraged the company to embark on well-costumed productions. The added luxury of a sizeable orchestra enabled them to tackle more ambitious productions such as Orpheus in the Underworld and Die Fledermaus.
In 1971 the company transferred its productions to the newly opened Thameside Theatre in Grays. At the same time the group changed its name to the Thurrock Operatic Society, now affectionately known as TOPS.
Since then TOPS has presented 39 full productions including some at the Civic Hall. TOPS has also produced a considerable number of concerts and regularly performs for charitable organisations, including St. Luke's Hospice, the Society's adopted charity.
The above text is adapted from a short history of the Society, written by Joseph Smith, one of TOPS' longest performing members.
Long Serving Members of TOPS
ALAN FLINT: 1962 to present
Alan joined the Society in 1962 when it was known as All Saints' Amateur Dramatic Society. He was fifteen years old when Tony Jose asked him if he could sing. Alan replied that he couldn't, "That's fine" Tony said "You're in!" Since then he has performed in most of our fifty three productions, making him the longest serving member. Over the years he has taken a number of minor roles, though he feels most comfortable in the chorus, where he sings first bass. He is currently Vice-Chairman of the Society.
JOSEPH SMITH: 1964 to present
A MacDuff born Scot, Joe made his stage debut during the 1939-45 war whilst serving in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, where he was encouraged by the regimental bandmaster to assist in writing and performing in forces shows. In 1964, Tony Jose persuaded Joe to join TOPS and Joe played varied principal roles and more recently performed as a member of the chorus until forced to retire, due to ill-health, from taking an active part. For 10 years he was TOPS' Secretary.
JOSEPHINE WEBB: 1971 to 2009
Jose joined TOPS in 1971 and played principal parts in many productions; her special favourites being Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow. She started singing in junior school, and after leaving Palmer's went on to the Royal College of Music where she gained a Diploma. After a break to bring up a son she returned to her studies, this time at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, gaining a LRAM for the teaching of singing. She always said her life was enriched through music, and filled her days with the greatest of pleasure. Jose found music a wonderful bond with friends, with TOPS being paramount.
BARBARA SPENCER: 1972 to present
Barbara's first introduction to TOPS was in The Merry Widow in 1972. Hoping that first appearance nerves would not be too visible, she ventured forth with a male partner, also new, who promptly fainted and was discreetly dragged off. However, both recovered to tread the boards again! Barbara has since sung in many enjoyable productions, and has become a long standing member of the Society.
DAWN PEAT: 1973 to present
Dawn has always loved singing, and started acting at the grand age of 11! When she moved from London to Grays, she joined Thurrock Youth Theatre and later Thurrock Courts Players. Dawn is one of the longest serving members of TOPS, her first production being Patience in 1973. Since then, she has enjoyed both chorus and principal roles, which have included Gianetta in The Gondoliers and Valencienne in The Merry Widow. Dawn is an active member of her local church, enjoys her job working with children and is also kept busy as a leader of the Brownies as their Brown Owl.
RENE DRUETT: 1975 to present
Rene has been singing alto since her school days in Palmer's Girls' School choir. She joined TOPS in 1975 for our production of Carmen and has taken part in most of our shows and concerts since. Rene has also sung with Thurrock Choral Society, Thurrock Thameside Musical Society, and The Essex Group. She especially enjoys playing comic cameo roles.