HAODS - For the best entertainment in live theatre, together with top quality drama - amdram at its best, Henley Operatic & Dramatic Society has it all. Performing at the Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames, NODA award winning HAODS musicals and plays are renowned for excellence.
live theatre, top quality drama, amdram at its best
Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society
Affiliated to the National Operatic & Dramatic Association. Registered Charity 259404.
President: Simon Williams.
HAODS was
formed in 1922 and each year 
usually puts on two musicals and a play
at Henley's Kenton Theatre and, every other year at an open-air venue. Our major shows are the musicals, usually one around April and again in November. Productions of plays varies, but we always have an entry into the Kenton Drama Festival.
We are fortunate to own the well-equipped Green Room, behind the Kenton, which is where we hold our rehearsals and social events; our extensive wardrobe is also stored there, in a recently built extension. Rehearsals usually take place three nights a week for large productions, which increase to Sunday rehearsals closer to the production date. Readings and our auditions are generally open to all. If you are a non-member and are fortunate enough to be cast in a show, you will be required to join as a performing member.
The Kenton Theatre is a Regency gem, opened in 1805, set in the heart of Henley-on-Thames. The fourth oldest working theatre in the country, the Kenton’s two hundred and thirty four seat auditorium has a warm, friendly and cosy intimacy that makes it a perfect performance space for both HAODS's large scale musicals and intimate plays. Kate Winslet and the West End's Oliver, Harry Stott are just two of the many stars who trod the Kenton stage at an early age, Harry having appeared in our production of Singin' in the Rain in 2004.
New members are always welcome – whether as budding actors, or to help backstage with set building, costumes or props – or maybe just as a supporter to enjoy the social functions. Drop into one of our Coffee Mornings, Club Room Lunches or come and see a production. You will have the warmest of welcomes and the best of times if you stay! Click here to Join Us.
Vice Presidents
Mr M Chalcroft His Worship the Mayor of Henley Mr J Luker
Mr R Hardy CBE His Worship the Mayor of Falaise Mr J A R Yeates
Mr Simon Langton Mr J Yeates Mrs A Luker
Life Members
Nansi Diamond Mary Reece
1977 Mrs V Barter 1983 Mr JAR & Mrs J Yeates
1976 Mr J & Mrs A Luker 1990 Mrs J Taylor
| CELEBRITIES WHO PERFORMED AT THE KENTON THEATRE No7. - Joe Brown - Musician/Singer |
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Joe Brown is a much better musician than most people realise. He is
generally regarded by his fellow musicians as one of the finest guitarists in the
country. In his early days he played with such celebrities as Johnny Cash,
Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. He also appeared with Bill Hailey, Jerry
Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry when they toured in this country. In addition to
the guitar, Joe plays the mandolin, the violin, the ukulele and the
melodion. In 1992 he was awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of
Composers and Songwriters for his services to British Music and voted "Top
UK Vocal Personality" by the readers of the New Musical Express.
He was born Joseph Roger Brown on May 13th 1941 in Swarby, Lincolnshire
and has managed to sustain his cheerful "cor blimey cockney" rock and roll
image for over five decades. In 1956 he formed a skiffle group known as The
Spacemen and by 1959 they were appearing regularly on television as the
backing group for a top-rated series Boy Meets Girl. The band were
re-christened Joe Brown and the Bruvvers when they joined the Larry Parnes management
agency. (It is rumoured that Parnes wanted to change his name to Elmer
Twitch but Joe flatly refused). A unique treatment of the Darktown Strutter's
Ball took the band into the top ten hits in 1960 and later in 1962-63 they
made the top ten three times with A Picture of You, It Only Took a Minute
and That's What Love Will Do
Since then, Joe has recorded sporadically on several different labels. In
the 1970s he formed a group called Home Brew which featured his wife,
Vicki, who was one of Britain's most successful backing vocalists.
Unfortunately her career was cut short by illness and she died of cancer in 1991. Their
son, Pete, is a record producer and daughter, Sam, has forged for herself
a notable singing career. In 2002 Joe's great friend, George Harrison, died
and in November that year Joe was asked by Olivia Harrison to sing George'
s favourite song, "I'll see you in my Dreams" at the close of the concert
in George's memory at the Albert Hall.
Joe still makes regular trips to Nashville where he writes and records for
the country music market.
During his career, Joe has released 42 singles and 27 albums and appeared
in 6 films. He has also issued 2 videos of which one, .the "Joe Brown in
Concert" video, was filmed during two shows at the Kenton Theatre in 1993 and
released in February 1994.
Joe has appeared at the Kenton every Christmas since 1993 and in 2005 he
gave an extra performance in aid of the Kenton Bicentenary Fund. Without
fail every performance is sold out several weeks in advance.
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