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 It
all started for Ashton-under-Lyne Operatic Society 100 years ago when Lizzie Burgess,
Herbert Livesey and Tom Ogden got together and formed a group to present
"Liley of Kilarney" at Ashton Town Hall towards the end of 1899.
Lizzie went on to be the leading soprano for the Carl Rosa Opera Company but
Herbert and Tom continued and saw the Society grow in stature in 1904 when it
joined forces with the Ashton Dramatic Society and a move was made to the
Theatre Royal on Oldham Road. We still have a poster from that year for the
presentation of "Les Cloche de Cornville" and "The Red
Lamp" which is proudly displayed at our exhibitions.In 1912 another
change of venue was made by crossing Oldham Road to the Empire Hippodrome.
Apart from a return to the Theatre Royal in the 1920's it has remained, with
various name changes, our home ever since.In the late 1920's a certain
Charles Booth joined the Society and later proved to be its best asset
through his vision and drive. Charles joined the Committee as Publicity
Manager in 1930 and through various positions eventually became Chairman in
1953. During his time as Chairman the Society certainly went from strength to
strength with productions such as the Ivor Novello shows and at the time the
very adventurous "West Side Story" in 1964. Charles remained a very
active Chairman until 1980 when he retired to the position of Society
President.
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 To
commemorate our Centenary the Society held a number of events including a memorable
concert at our birthplace, Ashton Town Hall, and a grand Centenary Ball.
The Society has always been a strong supporter of NODA, the national
association which represents amateur groups, and we have many members who
hold their long service medals - including three who have notched up more
than 60 years. Since the Society endowed a cot at Ashton Infirmary in 1932 we
have continued with contributions to charity. Mainly through the efforts of
our Ladies Committee the Society now makes annual donations of up to £2000 to
local charities.
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