THE 1960's

The Society came back into town in 1960, to the Dunboyne Hall, and "H.M.S. Pinafore" was chosen.  Like Kells Centre shows involving many scene changes would be difficult to stage.  It was decided to ask Joe Wallace, a member of Carlisle Amateur Operatic Society to direct for us.  This he was delighted to do and so began an association which lasted until 1969.

During the run of the 1962 "The Gondoliers" Catherine Knight, who took the role of Tessa lost her voice! Elizabeth Simpson sang BOTH parts!  New members for the 1963 "The Pirates of Penzance" included Dorothy and Margaret Wilson (Mrs. Lawrence).  Ken and Elizabeth's son, David, was born on the Wednesday of show week - March 27th!  For the 1964 "The Yeoman of the Guard" Mrs Audrey Johnson joined the Society.

In March 1965 the Society presented "The Mikado" with Elizabeth Simpson, Betty Robertson and Pauline Southward as the 'Three Little Maids', Des Toole as the Mikado, Richard Cradduck as Ko-Ko, Ann Graham as Katisha, Gordon McKee as Pooh-Bah and Baxter Shaw as Pish Tush - what a cast!!! The show was a sell-out long before the curtain went up.  On October 15th that year Alfred Robertson, the Society's Musical Director for the last 35 shows, died, aged 83. Co-incidentally this Gilbert and Sullivan was both his first show as Musical Director and his last.. His son, Ted, took over as Musical Director with Ken Phillips as Honorary Pianist.

In the 1966 "Ruddigore" a new member of the Society was Val Hendren (Val Fox) a future principal and director of many shows.  In 1967, with the proposed extending of the Civic Hall, it was decided to move to the lovely Theatre at Rosehill.  With such a large chorus it proved impossible to accommodate everyone inside - so a caravan parked at the rear was used - a unique and very crowded experience!  Also in 1967 for the production of "Iolanthe" Peter Hendren, Pat Dalton and Anne McGuffie joined the Society.  For the 1968 "Patience" George Dalton, a future Chairman and Ripley Steele, a future principal and Ticket Secretary became members.

A successful double bill of "Trial by Jury" and "H.M.S. Pinafore" brought the Society's sojourn at Rosehill to an end in Spring 1969 but we returned there during the 1980's to produce musicals and in the 1990's with dramas and comedies.

Bob Bowker, a chorus member and principal with both Ulverston and Barrow Amateur Operatic Societies was invited to direct the 1969 "Merrie England".  This show was given in the newly opened Solway Hall.  It was the Society's first Autumn production since 1910 and we gave a lavish presentation which was a sell out. The wonderful music and gorgeous costumes gave the population of Whitehaven live amateur theatre at its best.