Twickenhamoperatics.com
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Tracey Arkell, a local musician who was a keen fan of Gilbert and Sullivan, founded the Twickenham Operatic Society (TOPS) in 1927. Staged at York House in Twickenham, the society presented G & S shows until the early I950s. After Tracey Arkell retired, a new chairman was elected and the company was soon expanding its horizons, producing shows such as The King and I, Pink Champagne and The Merry Widow
In 1951, Peter Holloway became the Musical Director and the company went from strength to strength. Peter also became Chairman and Producer in 1961 and saw the society celebrate its 50th production, Brigadoon in 1977 . Peter handed over the role of Producer to his daughter Gillian in 1979 and My Fair Lady marks Gill's 25th show as Producer for TOpS. In 1988, after forty years as Musical Director, Peter relinquished his baton to Mervyn Bryn-Jones. Peter sadly passed away on December 21st 2001, in his 94th year following a very brief illness. To commemorate his 50 year association with TOPS a memorial plaque was unveiled in Richmond Theatre during the run of 'CAROUSEL' in July 2002.
In 1988, having outgrown the facilities and audience capacity of York House, the society moved its production of lvor Novello's 'The Dancing Years' to the Queen Charlotte Hall in Richmond, which became a very happy home for the society providing the stage for many successful and memorable productions. Just twelve years later, TOPS found itself with capacity audiences again and, with a record number of patrons and an ever-growing membership, made the decision to move to a larger venue. The society was very proud to enter the new millennium presenting its debut production at the historic Richmond Theatre.
Languages
English
