Vintage

Well, the Olympics are upon us and Team GB are struggling for gold.  Not so, HAODS...We were both honoured and humbled to be nominated for the Kathleen Oyler Trophy ~ the NODA "Best Company Award" for the whole of the London Region ~ for our sell out production of West Side Story...Imagine therefore our delight when we acctually WON!!  A wonderful cup that will be on display at the AGM on September 22nd (note the date!!)  What a triumph for our whole of the team of Cast, Director (Lloyd White) Choreographer (EJ Taylor) & MD (Mark Pizer).  Plus so many Backstage and Front of House.  This is an accolade to really establish the HAODS quality and proof that the "younger" members are able to deliver at the highest level.  Congratulations to all involved.  We are all very proud of the achievement.  (see the NODA report later!)

Our recent outdoor production of The Taming of the Shrew received a glowing review in the Henley Standard...despite the weather...so well done to Mike Huntington and team who mad this happen, in the glorious gardens of Peel Fold.  Which brings me to an acknowledgement of a major omission when casting this piece.  At very short notice (only 6weeks) it became obvious that Henry V could not be cast and an overnight decision was taken to attempt a more popular play.  Whilst I understood that all Henry V potential cast had a first refusal, it seems a few members were not given this option and I share their frustrations...in this day and age an e-mail could have resolved the situation!  Martin and I are satisfied that the audition panel was entirely satisfied with the casting procedure and endorse the decision taken at the time.  I do know that feelings of frustration for those not aware of the change are very real and offeran apology on behalf of the Committee, where a healthy debate will ensure it will not happen again.  The positives outweigh the negatives and the show was a tremendous success, even if, understandably, audience numbers were slightly low.

...and, now we look to the future, and move on, on the crest of a wave!  Almost literally as Titanic ~ The Musical moves into rehearsal.  Julia now has almost a full cast (45 in total!) but a couple of parts remain, so take a look at the list attached.  The music is absolutely brilliant and MD, Tim Cumper, is already bringing out the best in all of us.  This will be another show to remember, so book the dates now!  Offers to help Front of House and Backstage will, as always, be needed, so give me or Julia a call...come and join us!  You will not regret it!!

On the Social side, the Summer Soiree at Rosalies' was held...indoors!  The rain did not defeat us and over 50 members had a wonderful evening at Pinkneys Hall.  Many thanks to Ann Jenkin and the Social Committee for organising the event and providing us with sumptuous food, with special thanks, of course, to Rosalie Raymond for hosting the event.  Make sure you don't miss out on the next one...check out the new and improved website...

Well, I feel a bit like Tony Blair as after 6 years as Chairman, retirement and NODA work in East Anglia, I will probably make this my last year in office.  I will reveal more at the AGM but feel that HAODS has moved forward on many fronts and has re-established it's finacial footing.  I will present a full report for the AGM but will reflect, with some pride, on the achievements over those years which have flown by!  Enjoy the Olympics and what's left of the British Summer!  But above all, take pride in your Society.

Terry.