Our History
West End Operatic and Dramatic Society was the brain child of the late Mr Wilf Lambert, following the dissolution of Newburn Operatic Society. His interest in amateur operatics caused him, some 51 years ago, to gather round him a few friends who were similarly interested in order to form a new amateur society in the West End of the City.With Wilf as its first President, and later Chairman, in 1949 the Society produced its first show A Country Girl at the Majestic Cinema, Condercum Road in the West End of Newcastle. Three musicals were produced there, and in 1952 a move was made to the Grand Theatre in Byker, where after two productions another venue had to be found, as the Grand was closing down. In 1954 the Society moved to the Plaza Cinema, West Road, Newcastle with a production of The Lilac Domino.
Following four very successful years it was agreed by a forward-looking Governing Committee that their ambition to present bigger and better productions required a much larger stage.Hello Dolly! Following negotiations with Howard & Wyndam in London, the Society performed its 1958 production of Ivor Novellos Kings Rhapsody at the Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle, where this year its 42nd subsequent show will be presented. The only exception was in 1987 when the Societys production of Gigi was performed at the Tyne Theatre because of refurbishment at the Theatre Royal.
Under the Chairmanship of Wilf Lambert the Society grew in stature, and on his death in November 1972, the reins were handed onto the following Chairmen, Eddie Patterson (1972-1991); Brian Francis (1991-1998); Derek Smith (1998-1999); Derek Coleman(1999-2006); Val Shield (2006-2009); Ken Anderson (2009-).
In 1997/98, because of the ever increasing cost liability, the Committee decided to convert the Society to a Limited Company. Derek Coleman then undertook this task and the company was registered in May 1999. Since then Charitable Trust Status has also been achieved.
The Board of Management are continually striving to make sure productions are performed to the highest standard possible.
The society's third president Adam Fenwick was appointed in 2004. The late Joyce Whitehead was Vice President (2004-2006). Derek Coleman was appointed Vice President in 2008.
Company Office : 8 Adelaide Row, Seaham, Co. Durham. SR7 7EF
Registered in England and Wales no. 3768900.
Registered Charity No.1078611
Affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association
