“Nothing quite beats the rush of adrenalin you feel before the curtain going up on opening night.”
Adele says, “nothing quite beats the rush of adrenalin you feel before the curtain going up on opening night. It’s an amazing feeling when you realise that months of hard work has been worthwhile.” Adele goes on to say, “After the final performance, I’m ready for a rest – but I get ‘after show blues’ and can’t wait to do it all again!”

Adele completely blames the Society for her obsession with musical theatre and for the amount of wigs and tap shoes she owns!

Before Anything Goes, Jake had already been in performances at school appearing in such diverse roles as ‘Doody’ in Grease, ‘Seymour Krelbourn’ in Little Shop of Horrors, ‘Herb’ in Godspell and ‘Javert’ in Les Miserables.Being a chorus member in Anything Goes was a great experience for Jake and he really enjoyed the experience this afforded him.

“It’s a real confidence boost being given the opportunity to show off my skills as a performer.”

He is looking forward to performing a solo and duet role tonight in ShowStoppers! “It’s a real confidence boost being given the opportunity to show off my skills as a performer.”

Jake says that his favourite experience as a member of the Society so far “has to be the show week of Anything Goes. It’s a week of having something to look forward to each night, performing every night as if it’s the last, bring on 42nd Street…”

Ryan says “Not only is everyone made to feel very welcome, but the Society also provides a safe, encouraging environment which inevitably creates a fantastic social atmosphere.” He goes on to comment that “we learn a lot from the older members of the Society, which could hopefully transpire into us becoming principles ourselves one day.” Ryan’s ambition is to appear on the West–End stage and be able to look back where it all began – with the Newark Amateur Operatic Society.

...you can imagine my surprise at seeing so many of my teachers when I walked into the rehearsal room for the first time!”

It is perhaps this aspect of the society that Matt personally found the most interesting – the fact that the Society brings together people of contrasting character from such differing backgrounds: students, farmers, solicitors and the aforementioned teachers, all who sharing a common interest.

Matt goes on to say, “I have enjoyed the experiences that each show has brought since, each one being different in its own unique way. If I had to name a favourite it would have to be Crazy for You, both for the brilliant scene I was given the opportunity to do with my friend Chris Wright and for introducing Chris Grant to the joys of the iPod!”

Recognising Dan’s passion for the performing arts, Vivien invited him to attend a rehearsal of West Side Story. Dan says, “I took some friends along with me and we were all made to feel very welcome.
I auditioned, and was very pleased to be asked to join the society and become a cast member of West Side Story.”

Dan particularly enjoyed Anything Goes which proved to be even more fun than West Side Story and gave him the opportunity to learn to tap dance. He has made some great friends during his time with the Society and is sure they will remain so for many years to come.

“The Society has really helped me as an all round performer”

“The Society has really helped me as an all round performer… singing in six–part harmony, appearing as a chorus member, dancing in a range of different styles and has helped build on my confidence. It is very exciting to be involved in ShowStoppers! and to take part in extracts of some brilliant musicals. I cant wait – bring it on!”

“Going to Germany was a special experience for me. My host family was very welcoming and it gave me the opportunity to learn about another culture, and to perform to a different kind of audience.”

Joining the Society also inspired Ben to take part in the Magnus School productions. In his first show in 2007 he played the challenging role of the Major–General in The Pirates of Penzance. “I was quite nervous before the first night, because I’d never sung on my own in front of an audience before, especially a song as challenging as the Major–General’s! I quickly overcame my nerves, however, and had a really enjoyable show week. I couldn’t wait for my next show!”

Having been part of the Society for over two years now, Ben feels that he has developed both as a performer and a person.

“The experience the Society has given me has enhanced my confidence and broadened my horizons. I’ve met many new people who have all been very welcoming, and I think it’s a tribute to the Society how well everyone gets on together. I’ll be sad to leave next year when I go to university, but I’ll be leaving with some very fond memories!”

The Saturday night singing at the Rugby Club was nearly West End standard but the team all had to wear the same colour ‘costumes’, so I decided to try the Operatic Society.

She passed her audition, and started rehearsing for Annie Get Your Gun (1967 production). On stage was another teacher who was new to Newark. A colleague of his, (Chris Grant!) had also recommended NRUFC and NAOS, so Rae and Dave found themselves in the show at the Palace Theatre as Red Indian Squaw and Western Cowboy!

Forty years later, having married soon after Annie Get Your Gun, Rae says, “We’ve made so many friends in the Society and learned so much about the Theatre. I have been Membership Secretary and am presently Programme Co–ordinator and in charge of Ladies Make–up. Being on the Business Committee has enabled me to gain insight into theatre finances and I have more understanding of how NODA works to help us, particularly having had the honour to host Eric Smart when he was NODA President.”
“Being on stage is an incredible experience. I have loved every show and concert I have been in, especially when Dave and I, and daughters Nicola and Georgina were all on stage for the Society’s 50th Anniversary Concert. That was a golden occasion!”

She said to me, “You live in Newark. Have you ever seen a Newark show”, “No”, I replied, “Well, I’m directing Oliver! I’ll get you a ticket for the last night”. I went along, sat in the remaining single, empty seat on the front row and was mesmerised.

Afterwards I saw Linda and Lisa Lee in the foyer, and Linda said, “I’d love you to be in Crazy For You next year”, so the following October I turned up to the initial rehearsals and got ‘sucked in’.

I auditioned and got the part of Junior in the show and this followed with playing A–Rab in West Side Story, the Purser in Anything Goes and tonight, Mac, the Stage Manager in 42nd Street. My involvement in Crazy For You led to me being asked to join the committee as Social Secretary, a post I held for two years which culminated in two very successful (I hope) after–show parties which I arranged with great support from my Mum and Dad.

I also had the very stressful job of booking the 30 + flights for the trip to Germany for A Night Of The Musicals. I didn’t relax until everyone was in their seat, belted in and we had taken off! This then led to being asked to consider filling the huge job of Society Treasurer that had been guided so efficiently for the previous ten years by Betty Dawes.
The Treasurer’s role is an honour to have but I still hope I get the chance, one day, to strike a leading role and do what I enjoy most in the Society which is performing.

I have met many great friends and talented people in my four years with NAOS and look forward, through the current difficult times, to many more successful, enjoyable years.