Recent News...

 

July 09

It is with great sadness that the society must announce the death of their dedicated and long standing Chairman and President, Jack Heaton, on July 2nd 2009. Jack passed away suddenly but peacefully in hospital, surrounded by his loving family, aged 87 years. Jack will be greatly missed by his family and the many people whose lives he touched. His passion, dedication and hard work has kept the society going through the highs and lows. A member since 1946, Jack's huge contribution to the society will never be forgotten.

 

May 09 - Hitting high notes

The Society presented ‘Another Evening of Song and Dance’ on the 16th and 17th May. The concert proved a great success, with something for everyone, including music from Joseph, Evita, Hairspray, Wicked and Mary Poppins, to name but a few. A James Bond and Richard Rogers medley also kept the audience thoroughly entertained.

 

March 09 - Next show announced

RAOS are delighted to announce that their 2010 production will be the hugely popular Copacabana! The musical will be staged at the Gracie Fields Theatre, Tuesday 16th February - Saturday 20th Feburary 2010. Watch this space for more details...

 

Dec 08 - NODA North West Awards 2009

The Society would like to congratulate Mike Ward who has been nominated in two categories at the forthcoming NODA North West Awards; Best Choreography for Hello Dolly and also Best Supporting Actor for his role of Barnaby. We wish him the best of luck and will let you know how he gets on.

 

Nov 08 - Hello Dolly! (Reviewed by Style Magazine)

Rochdale Amateur Operatic Society presented Hello Dolly!, at The Gracie Fields Theatre from 28 Oct – 1 Nov. The society put on a stunning show, under the direction of Martyn Preston, and the audience clearly loved every second.
The plot concerns a rich merchant, Horace Vandergelder, who requires a wife and employs Dolly Levi to find him one. But Dolly decides she wants him for herself. Jill Ratcliffe was excellent as the fast talking match-maker Dolly Levi and Phil Clegg convincingly captured Vandergelder’s grumpy personality, being transformed at the end by Dolly’s charm… and persistence!
Whilst pursuing Vandergelder, Dolly does some matchmaking, succeeding in matching up the young widow Irene Molloy with Vandergelders head clerk, Cornelius Hackl, his assistant Barnaby Tucker with Mrs Molloy’s assistant Minnie Fay, and the struggling artist Ambrose Kemper with Mr Vandergelders niece, Ermengarde.
Gary Jones and Mike Ward found perfect comic timing as Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, and brought endless energy to their roles. Laura Hoyle was delightful as Molloy, and sang her rendition of Ribbons Down My Back beautifully, whilst Keara Johnson was sweet and suitably giddy as Minnie Fay.
Also shining in their roles were the dancers, who sparkled throughout, choreographed by Mike Ward. The young male dancers showed off their outstanding talents in the hilarious Waiters Gallop.
The strong chorus pulled off show-stopping numbers such as Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Before The Parade Passes By, and of course Hello Dolly! The band, directed by Sarah Day, complemented the action and the excellent singing perfectly. Add to that spectacular costumes and scenery and it made for a magical night at the theatre!

Sept 07 - Annie rehearsals are in full swing!

May 07 - Success at the NODA North West Awards 2007

The Society would like to congratulate the following nominees for the NODA North West Awards:

Jon Crebbin (Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde) – Best Actor in a Musical for Jekyll & Hyde

Laura McLaughlin (Florence) – Best Actress in a Musical for Chess

Kerry Newton (Lucy Harris) – Best Supporting Actress for Jekyll & Hyde

The presentation was held on Sunday 6th May 2007 at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool and all three of our nominees attended along with other members of the society for a very enjoyable weekend. We are very pleased to report that Laura McLaughlin was awarded the trophy for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Florence in our October 2006 production of Chess at the Gracie Fields Theatre. Congratulations Laura!

June 05 - Success at the NODA North West Awards Evening 2005

At the 2005 NODA Awards Evening held at the De Vere Hotel in Blackpool, Rochdale AOS swept the board with a string of nominations and awards for the 2004 production of The Scarlet Pimpernel. We were nominated in 6 categories:

Best Actor in a musical – Martin Roche

Best Actress in a Musical – Anne Birchenough

Best supporting actor in a Musical – Gary Davis

Best Musical Direction – Harry Butterworth

Best Artistic Director (Musical) – James Masters

Best Musical (2004) – The Scarlet Pimpernel

We won 3 awards: Best Actor for Martin, Best Director for James and the most coveted one of all was for Best Musical of 2004. About 25 of our members attended the dinner and were ecstatic when the result was announced. Congratulations to everyone involved in the show. What a fantastic result!