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.
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- 100 Club Winners [Monday 19 December 2011, 13:38]
- In remembrance of a society member - Anthony Head [Saturday 10 December 2011, 10:50]
- Little Shop of Horrors - a week to go! [Saturday 5 November 2011, 11:48]
- Chairwords - October 2011 [Friday 4 November 2011, 10:02]
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Editor Login
Web Contributors Required
We need someone like you as a contributing journalist, someone outgoing and dynamic. An 'interesting' person
who likes working with other people and is able to get the best
out of them, ie. get them to submit interesting articles and who can
write a thing or two him/herself. 
You do NOT need any technical skills but a familiarity with 'browsing the web' would be useful. If you think you have the same
skills as an investigative journalist then contact us here . You could be one of our group of HAODS Web contributors.
Coming Events
| A Dickens of an Evening Fri, Feb 17th, @8:00pm - 10:00PM |
| Club Lunch Sat, Feb 18th, @12:00pm - 02:00PM |
| A Dickens of an Evening Sat, Feb 18th, @8:00pm - 10:00PM |
| Club Lunch Sat, Mar 17th, @12:00pm - 02:00PM |
| Jack the Ripper - The Musical Wed, Apr 18th, @7:45pm - 10:00PM |
This is the Chairman's Blog! This is where the current chairman and members of
the committee will dump their thoughts on a hopefully regular basis. You can also send your own content directly here and it will appear automatically in the blog. Any particularly good blog entries, if they have a photo, may appear in the News Section. Note: send all photos in a separate email. Please read our commenting policy here .
the committee will dump their thoughts on a hopefully regular basis. You can also send your own content directly here and it will appear automatically in the blog. Any particularly good blog entries, if they have a photo, may appear in the News Section. Note: send all photos in a separate email. Please read our commenting policy here .
| break a leg everyone! |
| Written by Webmaster |
| Friday, 19 November 2010 16:58 |
|
Raffles of Singapore the Musical is underway at this very moment and the only thing to say is - break a leg everyone! The first reviews are that the show is going down a storm, Chairman reports positive responses from everyone. |
| Henley Operatic on Wikipedia |
| Written by Webmaster |
| Thursday, 04 November 2010 13:06 |
|
A glaring omission on the society's part is it's almost complete absence from the internet, apart from the HAODS website of course. There is currently an entry in Wikipedia for Raffles of Singapore the musical but none for HAODS iteslf. This is an unfortunate situation which we must redress. So this begs the question, who will be prepared to write a potted history of the society? It can't be taken from the current HAODS site verbatim as Wikipedia doesn't like that. It needs to be a new piece written especially for Wikipedia. A few hundred words and a photo or two (taken from the site) would suffice. Is there anyone in the society with sufficient knowledge and a writing ability and the time? Bill Port is the first name that springs to mind thinking of his wonderful "Celebrities who appeared at the Kenton" series but I do not know whether he has the time... If anyone wishes to offer their services in writing such an article it would really be appreciated. Please contact Julie H. via her email or by the contact page on this site. Your words will go down in permanent history as it is unlikely wikipedia will ever disappear! |
| Raffles now has it's own facebook event |
| Written by Webmaster |
| Thursday, 04 November 2010 09:51 |
|
Raffles now has it's own facebook event - please visit and let us know you are attending! The facebook event can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2413518738#!/event.php?eid=164632393557060 |
| lots of emails containing 'new' news |
| Written by Webmaster |
| Wednesday, 03 November 2010 08:57 |
|
Recently one or two members said they were 'swamped' by emails from the site. This was due to our new Stage Whispers Editor writing lots and lots all in one go! Sam Horsfield (who is our new SW champion) put her head down and started to write all the missing articles that haven't been done for a long while. We've never had it so good! Because of this the site triggered an email for each article letting you know that a new one had just been written. Six or seven emails resulted. Don't worry, this is unlikely to ever happen again! We hope to space out the new articles so that the emails are regular but not quite so frequent. A few of you have taken time to state that the new 'e'newsletter' looks good, thanks for that. The old paper version of Stage Whispers is now being mailed to just a few of our members and that list is reducing as the email list grows. The new 'e'newsletter will get better and better and there are thoughts of a yearly compilation of the best to be sold as a glossy HAODS annual. If you have any thoughts on that please submit them here! . |
| Update on Kay's Champagne Celebration |
| Written by The Chairman! |
| Wednesday, 20 October 2010 14:41 |
|
Just to confirm arrangements for the celebration of Kay’s life on
Friday 22nd October, this week. There will be a small private cremation in the morning (this is as per Kay’s wishes) and then we hope you could join us at Christ Church URC, 46 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1AG at 2pm. There isn’t much parking at the church so I would recommend, if possible you park at the railway station car park, nearby (Station Road, Henley, RG9 1AY). There will then be a reception for Kay nearby at Phyllis Court Club, Marlow Road, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2HT between 3pm to 5pm at which you are very welcome. At Phyllis Court, you can park in the Visitors Car Park and enter via the main entrance of the Club to the Ballroom, via the main lounge. Reynolds, the Club car park attendant will be on hand to direct you to the main house. (right up Kay’s street!). Kay asked that there be “no black clothes, lots of colour and smiles please. It has to be fun, please make jokes about me or against me I don’t want to stop people making me laugh just because I’m dead”. Kim and I had spent the last few years in a futile attempt to persuade Kay to dress in a calm palette. A splash of purple, if possible would represent her fighting spirit and the victory of her sense of fun over everything else thrown at her. Kay didn’t like funereal flowers, wreaths, chrysanthemums or carnations. She asked instead that “if anyone would like to make a donation I would love it to go to Nazareth House for children with Aids in Cape Town. I would love to have gone there myself but couldn’t tear myself away from my lovely family for so long”. You can donate in two ways; there will be a collection bowl in the church which will be directed to the charity or else you can donate online at http://www.nazhouse.org.za/give.asp. The website will also give you some information on Nazareth House. |
| Farewell to a Friend - Kay Macara, funeral arrangements |
| Written by The Chairman! |
| Tuesday, 19 October 2010 19:11 |
|
Please note below details of Kay's funeral, sent by her family. ? We apologise for such short notice but Kay?s7 funeral will be on Friday 22nd October; this Friday. There will be a very small private cremation in the morning and then we hope you could join us to celebrate her life at Christ Church URC, 46 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1AG at 2pm She was always a champagne girl, so this will be followed by champagne and canopies as per her instructions (!) I hope as many of you as possible can make the date. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device |
| Rough Crossing - Maidenhead Players |
| Written by kate massey |
| Tuesday, 19 October 2010 09:08 |
|
Maidenhead from Wednesday 24th - Saturday 27th November 2010, tickets cost £12, 7.45pm start. www.nordenfarm.org Box Office: 01628 788997 The Maidenhead Players are proud to present a sparkling comedy from one of Britain's foremost playwrights. Tom Stoppard's acclaimed 'Rough Crossing' is set on board the trans-Atlantic ocean liner, The S.S Italian Castle and follows two desperate playwrights as they struggle to bring their nearly-finished (or so they hope) musical comedy, The Cruise of the Dodo to American shores. Impeded along the way by a cast falling in and out of love with each other, a turbulent storm, a composer with a speech impediment and a sometimes dimwitted, sometimes brilliant but always unconventional steward, somehow the playwrights succeed in finding inspiration for an even better, new comedy, courtesy of a script by the ships captain. The play is full of Stoppard's unique dialogue where no opportunity for a linguistic gag is left unattended and the comedic twists and turns leave the audience laughing constantly. So please join us for a journey on the high seas guaranteed to leave the whole family sea-sick with laughter! |
| News from Jill Richardson |
| Written by Anonym |
| Monday, 18 October 2010 22:36 |
|
Hi Haods Members, I want to tell you about a new venture I am making with Bruce Smith in The Old Fire Station in Henley. It is going to be a video installation which involves 12 great paintings from the past presented in light and sound. Ioan Havard, Jan Corby, Frank Augur, Angela and Dave Pengilley are all involved in a small way and we would like to invite you all to come along between Jan 7 and Jan 11. 2011. The main point being that we hope to raise funds for Jeni Wood's mayoral charity The Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children. Full details will be in the News Letter. It could be quite whacky. PLEASE COME |
| Farewell to a Friend - Kay Macara |
| Written by The Chairman! |
| Sunday, 17 October 2010 17:01 |
|
Some of you may have already heard the news, but it is with great
regret that I have to report the deathof Kay Macara, who passed away
peacefully on Friday afternoon,15th October,after a long and gallant
battle with cancer.
She was a vivacious character and a friend to everyone: She
touched the lives of many of us in the Society since her "escape" from
Derbyshire some 14 years ago. I am certain that she will be remembered
with great affection and very sadly missed by us all. The funeral will be held in Henley, date and time as yet unknown, but I will let you know as soon as I do when it is to be. The funeral itself will be at Reading Crematorium and will be a private family affair, followed by a celebration of her life later on the same day. I will post the information on the website as soon as I know the dates for everyone who wishes to attend. I am so sorry to have to be the bearer of such sad tidings Julie Huntington Chair HAODS |
| Halloween Murder Mystery - Saturday 30th October 2010. |
| Written by Ann Jenkin |
| Sunday, 17 October 2010 14:27 |
|
Book your tickets for this mysterious night. Who dunn it with a prize for the person who guesses the quickest. The Murder Mystery play stars HAODS members. Tickets £10 (including a glass of wine, supper and coffee) let Ann know if you are coming on 07712 003133 or jenkinann@yahoo.co.uk. All proceeds to the HAODS kitchen refurbishment. Come and support this fun and different evening starting at 7.30 p.m. in the HAODS Green Room. Dress optional |
| Becoming Raffles.... The Blog ..... By Alan Elston - Sir Stamford Raffles ? The Lover |
| Written by The Chairman! |
| Thursday, 14 October 2010 23:01 |
|
Alan Elstonis playing Sir Stamford Raffles in HAODS autumn show, the UK Premiere of Raffles of Singapore, at the KentonTheatre 12th ? 20th November I stand tall. My shirt a crisp, white mantle I wear withpride. I am that man. I am Raffles. Man, lover and hero I was wearing an eighteenth centuryfrock coat, crisp shirt with a stock and bright waistcoat at our first photoshoot for the publicity photographs for Raffles, at Danesfield House and it isremarkable how real it all seemed. The setting was magical, with the ancientfeel of the building adding to the atmosphere of the photographs. Suddenly,wearing these clothes, I was no longer Alan Elston, I was Sir Thomas StamfordBingley Raffles, Governor General of Java and how proud I felt! It was as though the spirit of the man hadsuddenly descended on me, simply by donning his clothes. Clothes maketh man? I certainly seems thatway in my case. This part is certainly the most demanding I have ever played,but although challenging, it is also the most rewarding. Rehearsals are really intense as the show iscoming to life. There are moments when singingthe beautiful duets with Michelle Wesson, who is playing Olivia, Raffles? wife,that we are both transported by the music and it all clicks in to place. Olivia is obviously a devoted wife,who shows immense strength of character throughout the show, though even shehas her limits when everything is taken from her. Raffles was passionate andloyal as a lover, but of all the people who suffered for Sir Stamford?s visionand determination, she paid the greatest price. Through thick and thin, she stood by his side and endured a life in anuncomfortable, hostile and often life threatening environment. In life she was with him as a companion andfriend as well as a wife and lover and accompanied him on many expeditions intothe interior. Olivia was with him whenthey rediscovered Borobudur in the jungles of Java in 1815. Borobudur is one ofthe largest Buddhist monuments in the world, containing around 500 statues ofthe Buddha. The monument was built between AD 780 and 840 to resemble a mandala- a wheel-shaped symbol of the cosmos. Walking up the monument replicates the pathto enlightenment, beginning at the base in the realm of desire and ending withthe realm of formlessness at the top. It is often said that behind every great man,there?s a great women, Olivia is worthy of such a title. The show explores the various stages of theirrelationship, the wonderful sense of fun and intimacy between them and thecompassion she shows him as a loving and dutiful wife, who quite clearly adoreshim despite his apparent neglect and complete lack of consideration for her wants and needs. As with many great men, he isdifficult, single minded, neglectful and often behaves like a selfish child inthe pursuit of his vision, but Olivia understands his passion and always standsby his side. Next week, I shall be exploringRaffles as the man. What drove him andhow his drive made him a leader of men not only in the 18th Century,but would also stand him head and shoulders above others in the 21st. |
| Cancelled Play Reading |
| Written by Claire Wallis |
| Friday, 08 October 2010 20:04 |
|
The play reading on Monday 11th October has been cancelled due to me taking on the Murder Mystery Play. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Love Claire |
| HAODS Blog Submission - StageWorks 10th Anniversary |
| Written by emma_taylor |
| Monday, 04 October 2010 14:30 |
|
StageWorks are celebrating 10 years in the business this year and will be marking the event with a Wild West night at The Town Hall, Henley on Saturday 11th December, 730pm-Midnight. There will be a Hog Roast, Dancers, Singers, Disco, Black Jack, Poker and alot of fun for those that like to party! The Raffle and Bar Proceeds will go towards the Kenton for Keeps charity and it is definitely a night NOT to be missed! The dress code is Wild West (glamorous of course!) and tickets are NOW on sale! For further information please call 07956 176166 or email emma_taylor@sky.com StageWorks run performing art classes for 4 - 16 year olds at The Green Room, Henley. The annual show at The Kenton Theatre this year will be week commencing Wednesday 8-10th December. |
| CELEBRITIES WHO PERFORMED AT THE KENTON THEATRE No7. - Joe Brown - Musician/Singer |
| Written by Bill Port |
| Friday, 01 October 2010 14:38 |
|
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. You can Bill's article in full here: Bill Port |
| Simon Williams Chairs the AGM |
| Written by The Chairman! |
| Wednesday, 29 September 2010 19:53 |
 |
| Play readings with a difference - CANCELLED |
| Written by Claire Wallis |
| Monday, 27 September 2010 15:52 |
|
Play readings with a difference! ** CANCELLED ** Sign up either by signing up at the AGM tonight or dropping me an e-mail at clairewallistoastmaster@gmail.com. Remember to put down the age range you like to play. I will e-mail you a part from a play and script. You then have a couple of weeks to read through this to become familiar and to develop a character. YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEARN THE PART! On the night you turn up and have half an hour to read through with the other people in your group and then you perform the rehearsed reading to the group. Sign up if interested in taking part in a new style of play reading taking place on Monday 11th October starting at 8pm. If you would like more information or just want to come along and watch on the night you are more than welcome. Claire |
| recent email about a username/password |
| Written by Webmaster |
| Friday, 24 September 2010 16:00 |
|
You may have received an email about a username/password for the HAODS site. The reason for this is as follows: We are about to create the first offical 'e'newsletter version of Stage Whispers. The tool we are using needs to use your email address to send it to you automatically. So, we are registering 155 of the email addresses in this tool which means 155 emails will go out in a week or so time with the new Stage Whispers attached. We will send an email shortly to each and every one giving you a username/password. You can use these to log onto the HAODS site if you want to. You don't have to! You can opt out of the newsletter at will or opt back in at your leisure, you could even contribute an article if you want! It is entirely up to you! This is one of the recent improvements introduced by your new Stage Whispers editor Samantha Fields. Samantha will be much more proactive in ensuring the information in the new Stage Whispers is interesting, useful and thoughtfully laid out. She really needs your contributions so please think about giving her some kind asistance. |
| CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Just t |
| Written by Claire Wallis |
| Tuesday, 14 September 2010 22:36 |
|
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Just to let you all know Wendy Huntley is now a member of Equity the Union for professional actors. Well done Wendy |
| On behalf of Wendy Huntley... |
| Written by Claire Wallis |
| Tuesday, 14 September 2010 22:34 |
|
I am writing this on behalf of Wendy Huntley. I am trying to help her set up a portfolio of her performance poetry. I know that most of you have seen Wendy perform her poetry over the years and was hoping that some of you may have some photographs. I would be terribly grateful if you could e-mail them to me at benchandwallis@hotmail.com or wendyscomedypoems@gmail.com as Wendy doesn't seem to have any. We do no need any show pictures just performance poetry ones Many thanks Claire Wallis and Wendy Huntley |
| Fabulous FalconGrange at the Green Room |
| Written by Chairman |
| Thursday, 09 September 2010 16:05 |
 |
