Settle Operatic Society celebrates 130th anniversary (From Craven Herald)

Settle Operatic Society celebrates 130th anniversary

10:50am Friday 22nd January 2010 in

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One of the longest-running amateur operatic groups in the country has celebrated its 130th anniversary.

Settle Amateur Operatic Society has been a resounding success since its inception, deep within the Victorian era and at the very heart of “music hall”, in 1879.

Since then, only the war has stopped performances and only once, in 2000, has the society been forced to use a different venue to its regular home in the Victoria Hall, because of refurbishment work.

The society began life performing comedy shows by a group of enthusiasts – Edmund Handby, FC Stanley and CE Bygrave. The first show was Paul Pry, staged in January 1880.

During the next decade several more comedies were staged before the society edged towards comic opera and a series of Gilbert and Sullivan shows was produced.

In 1900, repeat performances of The Geisha proved popular, with Dr Charles Buck, friend of composer Edward Elgar, conducting the show. Its popularity proved too great for the building because hundreds were turned away on the last night in 1906.

The tradition of Gilbert and Sullivan was interrupted in 1933 following a suggestion that the society might want to produce The Vagabond King. Following this came other golden oldies such as the Desert Song and Student Prince, to great appreciation and acclaim. The Second World War forced a break, but the society celebrated the “lights going on again” when war ended with a return to Gilbert and Sullivan and productions of Iolanthe and Merrie England.

Producer for 26 years was Barbara Bailey, who watched every step and listened to every word from the side of the stage and permitted no unauthorised persons in the wings.

In 1966 a bequest from one of the members, J Batty, allowed the society to buy the Old Courthouse, in Station Road, complete with dock and magistrates’ seating. The venue afforded space to create and store scenery and costumes as well as to rehearse and hold social events.

A healthy set of voluntary backroom staff, secretaries and treasurers over the years has kept the group in fine voice and, importantly, enthusiastic.

Current president is Freda Hargreaves whose association with the society began back in 1948.