Monday 7th August 2023

Anything Goes Welcome Meeting - Save The Date

The Welcome Meeting for Anything Goes will be on Monday 2nd October 2023 from 7.30pm at Dallas Road Boys & Girls Club, Dallas Road, Lancaster, LA1 1TP, where full information will be given out.

We are a Lancaster Society and are pleased we are able to continue our rehearsals in Lancaster.

Age from 16 upwards (ie Year 12).

Rehearsal Venue - Dallas Road Boys & Girls Club, Dallas Road, Lancaster, LA1 1TP.

Large car park at rear in addition to limited parking at the front.

First rehearsal/get together Monday 2 October, 7.30 pm.

Auditions Monday 30 October, 7.30 pm.

Please attend rehearsals prior to this. Tapping not essential so do not be deterred by thinking you will have to tap!

Tuesday 17th January 2023

DAVID BRIERLEY

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our President David Brierley on Thursday 12th January 2023.

David has been connected to LADOS for over 50 years. Along with being President and a trustee he has also been front of house manager. David was always there for LADOS, supporting and guiding the committee. He was a great front man meeting and greeting the theatregoers front of house; making them feel welcome and promoting the show. He was a very good advocate for LADOS giving out leaflets and promotional cards, where possible. He always used to say that as he went to a lot of funerals, it was an ideal opportunity to discreetly give out the cards. It seemed to work!

David will be greatly missed, being around for over 50 years he was part of the fabric of LADOS; someone who was always there wherever he was needed, someone who you could rely on. They don't make them like that any more, LADOS were lucky to have him on the team.

His funeral will be held on:

Thursday 26th January, 11.30am at Wesley Methodist Church, Middleton Road, Heysham, followed by committal at Lancaster & Morecambe Crematorium and onward to Heysham Golf Club. For further information contact: Alex Willis Funeral Home, 2 Middleton Road, Heysham, LA3 2QD.

Monday 1st August 2022

Sister Act Welcome Meeting - Save The Date

The Welcome Meeting for Sister Act will be on Monday 31st October 2022 from 8.00pm at St.Paul's Hala Centre, Hala Square, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA1 4RW, where full information will be given out.

We look forward to seeing current and past members and welcoming new members. Age from 16/17 upwards (ie. year 12).

Auditions will be held Sunday 27th November from 1.30pm - 5.30pm. Rehearsals will then get under way, each Monday (from 7.30pm) and Thursday (from 8pm), finishing around 10.00pm. There will be some Sunday rehearsals in the final weeks prior to show week.

Car park and street parking is available.

The production team includes Director Suzanne Ward and Musical Director Anna Eddowes-Scott.

Sunday 13th February 2022

Full cast announced for "Calendar Girls: The Musical"

With just 86 days until opening night, our full cast has now been announced.

Click here for full details of our "Calendar Girls: The Musical" production.

Monday 24th January 2022

Happy Birthday Audrey

After our final performance of Elf, Audrey Tarney (LADOS Secretary, Business Manager and Trustee) was presented with a cake to celebrate her 70th birthday, and not only a birthday celebration but 50 years as a member of LADOS.

Happy 70th Birthday Audrey
Happy 70th Birthday Audrey
Happy 70th Birthday Audrey
Happy 70th Birthday Audrey
Audrey started in the chorus, was also a dancer and played Chava in Fiddler on the Roof. At the same time as being on stage she went on to the committee and rose through the ranks to become Business Manager. This is a very important role, which involves: pitching for shows, liaising with costumiers, scenery, lighting and sound technicians. In fact she pretty much deals with all the background work involved with putting on a show.

LADOS owe Audrey a great debt for all her years of commitment, support and contribution to the success of the Society... and here's to many more years to come!

Check out Audrey's LADOS timeline here
Sunday 16th January 2022

LADOS return to the Grand Theatre stage

It has been over 2½ years since we were last on stage, but the wait is finally over as we bring "Elf The Musical" to the Grand Theatre, Lancaster - 19th-23rd January 2022.

Tuesday 17th August 2021

Principal casting announced for ELF The MUSICAL

James Shields returns to LADOS as Buddy the Elf...

James Shields ... Buddy
Ashley Hartin and Sophie Jade Butler ... Jovie
Ceri Hamer ... Emily
Chris Isherwood ... Walter
Charlie Dingle and Ethan Shimwell ... Michael
Andrew Thompson ... Manager
John Savage ... Chadwick
Kerry Hartin ... Deb

Keep an eye on our Elf The Musical production page for further details.

Wednesday 21st July 2021

Welcome Meeting for ELF The MUSICAL

Welcome Meeting for ELF The MUSICAL Thursday 5th August 2021 from 8.00 pm at Hala Hall, Lancaster (our rehearsal venue).

This will be an 'information night' giving people a chance to learn more about the production schedule and audition process.

Singing, dancing and audition preparation will be on Monday 9th and Thursday 12th August 2021.

Please email Audrey Tarney, Secretary at atarney@hotmail.co.uk if you are planning to attend so we can manage numbers.

See our How to Join page for a map and venue information for the Hala Centre.

Monday 2nd November 2020

Elf 2021 now postponed until January 2022

We're now heading to the North Pole for "Elf, The Musical" in January 2022.

With the continuing restrictions we have taken the decision to move our production of 'Elf The Musical' from May 2021 to January 2022.

Wednesday 19th January to Sunday 23rd January 2022 at the Grand Theatre, Lancaster.

Evening performances Wednesday to Saturday and Matinees on the Saturday and Sunday.

Further details to be confirmed. Auditions/Rehearsals will start July/August next year.

Following 'Elf' we will then go straight into rehearsals for a production (as yet to be decided) in our usual May (2022) slot, again at the Grand Theatre, Lancaster.

We can't wait to see you all - on stage, back stage, in the audience - eventually!

Tuesday 30th June 2020

Announcing our 2021 production

We're heading to the North Pole for "Elf, The Musical" in May 2021

Monday 8th June 2020

Hairspray CANCELLED

The Committee have taken the difficult decision to cancel "Hairspray".

In light of recent developments, we checked with the rightsholders and we were advised we could proceed with the show but should endeavour to keep within the characterisations as scripted. We tried to recruit black actors for named parts and chorus but we had little success and we realise it would be wrong for us to proceed with an all white cast in the present climate.

Had it not been for Covid-19, our fabulous cast would have staged what promissed to be a stunning show just over 4 weeks ago. We initially rescheduled for September and then moved into next year but unfortunately this time it was just not meant to be.

The Grand Theatre will process refunds in due course for tickets booked via their box office (online or on the phone). Anyone who has booked tickets via a LADOS member and paid should speak to that member.

We will confirm details of our 2021 production in due course and look forward to hopefully welcoming you back to the Grand Theatre, Lancaster in May next year!

Thursday 14th May 2020

Hairspray moved to 2021

In light of the ongoing situation we have now had to take the decision to move our production of "Hairspray" to 4th - 8th May 2021.

Rehearsals were originally suspended with just 7 weeks until the original opening night and it had been hoped we would be able to stage the show later this year. Social distancing creates issues for safe rehearsals as well as in the theatre itself for staff and audiences alike. We hope that this situation will be such that we can bring "Hairspray" to you in 2021.

As before, all bookings will been transferred to the new dates. If you booked tickets via a LADOS member and are unable to attend on the new dates, or would like to make any changes, then please contact the LADOS member. For bookings made direct with the Grand Theatre box office, online or via phone, they will be in contact to confirm or refund as you require. There is no need to contact the Grand Theatre yourself.

We look forward to hopefully seeing you all at the Grand next year! Coronavirus will NOT Stop The Beat, but it will delay things a little bit.

In the meantime please take care of yourselves and those around you.

Monday 16th March 2020

Hairspray Postponed

In light of the unprecedented COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and the latest anouncements from Government it is with regret that we have taken the decision to postpone our upcoming production of Hairspray.

With just 7 weeks until the original opening night, rehearsals were in full flow. Having secured new dates with the Lancaster Grand for the end of July, we now realise that with the current ongoing restrictions this will no longer be possible.

We now announce new dates of 22nd - 26th September 2020

If you have booked tickets through a LADOS member, they will be able to transfer your booking to the new dates. If you have booked through the Grand Theatre, then they will be able to transfer your booking or process a refund as you require.

We apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment that this will cause. The entire cast and production team couldn't wait to bring this amazing uplifiting production back to the Grand Theatre and inevitably Coronavirus will NOT stop the beat!

We look forward to seeing you all at the Grand in September! In the meantime please take care of yourselves and those around you.

Saturday 28th September 2019

LADOS perform at NODA Presidential Gala

As the founding members, LADOS were invited to perform at NODA's 2019 Presidential Gala.
Letter Convening the meeting that led to the formation of NODA
Letter Convening the meeting that led to the formation of NODA
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In 1899, LADOS Musical Director Mr. A.P. Bulfield had the idea to form a "union of operatic societies". A letter was sent on the 7th February 1899 to convene the first meeting of the National Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, now known as NODA.

In 1991, NODA President E. Neville Cook congratulated LADOS on their Centenary Season saying "To the Society who provided the Father of the Association back in 1899 in the person of their then Musical Director, Mr A.P. Bulfield, Hearty Congratulations and every good wish for your future endeavours."

2019 sees the NODA Presidency returning to the North West with the inauguration of Christine Hunter Hughes. The Presidential Gala Weekend and AGM being held at the Southport Convention Centre on 28th-29th September 2019.

From the LADOS Minutes - 14th February 1899
From the LADOS Minutes - 14th February 1899
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LADOS are proud to have been invited to provide the cabaret with NODA saying "We are excited to announce that Lancaster Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society will be providing entertainment after the Gala meal. Back in 1899, NODA was founded by A. P. Bulfield - the musical director of LADOS, so it is only fitting that as the NODA Presidency returns to the North West they are with us to join in the celebrations."

Set List:

  • "Superstar" from Jesus Christ Superstar (James Shields and Ensemble)
  • "Nobody's Side" from Chess (Alison Birtle and Ensemble)
  • "Three Little Maids" from Hot Mikado (Anna Webster, Claire Allcock and Sophie Jade Butler with Duncan Ryan, David Eddowes and James Shields)
  • "I Am What I Am" from La Cage aux Folles (David Eddowes, Sophie Jade Butler and Ensemble)
  • "What I Did For Love" from A Chorus Line (Ashleigh Hartin and Becky Halpin, and Ensemble)
  • "I Wish I May" from The Witches of Eastwick (Ensemble)
  • "You Can't Stop The Beat" from Hairspray (Holly Brown and Ensemble)
Directed and Choreographed by Holly Brown

Musical Director Angela Potter

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Monday 26th August 2019

Rehearsals and Auditions for Hairspray

Rehearsals for Hairspray will commence on Monday 7th October 2019 at 7.30pm at our new rehearsal venue Our Lady's Catholic College, Morecambe Road, Lancaster, LA1 2RX.

Get the Full Details Here
Monday 22nd July 2019

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 29th July 2019.

The LADOS AGM will be held on Monday 29th July 2019 at 7.30pm.

Venue will be Christ Church (Hall), 72 Main Road, Bolton-Le-Sands, LA5 8DU.

Please contact Audrey if you would like to be on the committee.

Monday 6th May 2019

Jess wins Best Female Comedy Performance

... at the NODA NW Region Awards for her role as Kate in the 2018 LADOS production of "Kiss Me, Kate"
Jess Turton (with Josh Utting) and her award for Best Female Comedy Performance in the 2018 LADOS production of 'Kiss Me, Kate'
Jess Turton (with Josh Utting) and her award for Best Female Comedy Performance in the 2018 LADOS production of 'Kiss Me, Kate'
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Jess joined LADOS last year to play the part of Kate in the Cole Porter musical "Kiss Me, Kate". During a special evening at the Abbey House Hotel Jess was excited to learn that she had been nominated for "Best Female Comedy Performance".

At the NODA awards ceremony in Manchester on Sunday 5th May, in the company of about 500 fellow thespians from the North West, Jess was thrilled and amazed when her name was announced as the winner.

Jess is a graduate from a Fine Art and Theatre degree at the Lancaster Institute of Contemporary Arts. She came to Lancaster to study in 2014, from her home town in Bury where her love of theatre started.

Jess is presently working as duty manager at the Dukes Theatre. However, if you want to see this talented young actress in action, hurry along to the Grand Theatre to see Jesus Christ Superstar, where Jess is playing the emotional part of Mary Magdalene, singing the iconic song "I don't know how to love him".

Tickets are selling fast and the show runs until the end of the week, incorporating a Saturday matinee. LADOS are supporting the Rosemere Cancer Foundation with this show.

Tuesday 30th April 2019

LADOS Damian completes London Marathon

Damian Ashton, with his medal (and two 'marathon cousins') after completing the 2019 London Marathon
Damian Ashton, with his medal (and two 'marathon cousins') after completing the 2019 London Marathon
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As well as rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar, our resident "Forest Gump" Damian Ashton has been in training for the London Marathon. Running in aid of the British Heart Foundation, Damian has so far raised over £1500.

Since taking up running, Damian's goal has always been the London Marathon. This was actually Damian's sixth marathon, the first being in Vancouver alongside his brother. Then going on to complete marathons in Manchester, Chester, Windermere and the Isle of Man. But after 7 years, and watching his brothers run it many years ago, it was finally time to take on the London Marathon!

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On the day, Damian completed the course in 5 hours and 10 minutes. "I didn't beat my best of 4 hours 32 minutes, but I wasn't going for that. I just wanted to enjoy the event, the day and the overwhelming crowds of London", says Damian. "After 7 years of waiting, I finally did it!"

Damian decided to run the London Marathon in aid of the British Heart Foundation, after his father survived a double heart attack a few years ago. "How doctors and surgeons managed to save his life with the equipment, know how and expertise. That is why I chose this charity. I was doing it for dad."

Congratulations to Damian for successfully completing the London Marathon, and good luck with Jesus Christ Superstar, which will be Damians' 14th production with LADOS, having also appeared in our 1996 and 2002 productions of JCS.

Damian's fund raising page - https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DamianAshton

Monday 29th April 2019

James and Jess talk Jesus Christ Superstar on BBC Radio Lancashire

James Shields and Jess Turton went along to BBC Radio Lancashire to talk about their roles in the upcoming LADOS production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

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Saturday 27th April 2019

Announcing our 2020 production

We're heading to Baltimore for "Hairspray" in May 2020!

As we countdown to opening night of "JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR" in just 10 days time, we felt now was the time to tell everyone that in 2020 it will be back to the 60s when we will be saying 'Good Morning Baltimore' and welcoming back "HAIRSPRAY".

As always, further details of this new production will be posted here and across social media over the coming months.

Saturday 20th April 2019

Alison talks Jesus Christ Superstar and Rosemere on BBC Radio Lancashire

Alison Birtle went along to BBC Radio Lancashire to talk about her life as a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with Rosemere and the upcoming LADOS production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

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Wednesday 6th February 2019

LADOS "Kiss Me, Kate" wins Best Musical 2018

LADOS won BEST MUSICAL 2018 for our - too darn hot - production of "Kiss me, Kate", on a successful night at the NODA Region 11 Awards Dinner.

Celebrating our win - Best Musical 2018 for 'Kiss Me, Kate' from NODA Region 11.
Celebrating our win - Best Musical 2018 for 'Kiss Me, Kate' from NODA Region 11.
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Several nominations and 2 wins all celebrated at our Rehearsal for our next production, "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Monday!

NODA Region 11 Awards:

  • Best Musical - LADOS "Kiss Me, Kate"
  • Best Female Comedy Performance - Jess Turton as Lilli/Kate

Well done everyone involved with "Kiss me, Kate"! And here's to the next one...


NODA Review by Martin Craig

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The plot of Kiss Me, Kate involves a production of a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew, and the on and off-stage squabbles between its' director, Fred Graham (who also happens to be the leading man, Petruchio) and his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi (his leading lady, Kate). Lilli (although engaged to Harrison Howell) isn't particularly happy about Fred's pursuit of Lois Lane, who plays Bianca. Throw into the mix her gambling actor boyfriend, (Bill Calhoun), a couple of gangster hoods, an overenthusiastic fiance, a Cole Porter score to die for with dance numbers a plenty, and you have a great musical within a play within a musical.

Ashleigh Hartin and Sam Wicks
Ashleigh Hartin and Sam Wicks
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For this show to work, the audience have to be convinced that the two were once an item and have a history together- so much so, that each acerbic barb thrown at each other just bounces off, like they've heard it all before-it still hurts, but no way are you going to show it to the other party. James Shields (Fred Graham) and Jess Turton (Lilli Vanessi) carried this off with ease, the interaction between the two both as Fred/Lilli and Petruchio/Kate came over really well.

James Shields and Jess Turton
James Shields and Jess Turton
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James once again gave a great, dependable leading performance- slightly tongue in cheek, but never so much so that the two characters he was playing were ever lost, performing his musical numbers with aplomb.

Jess Turton
Jess Turton
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Jess Turton played the role of Lilli/Kate. Having never seen Jess perform before, I was interested to see what she'd bring to the role. What can I say about this performance? Initially, I thought her first entrance was a little low-key, but then... Wow, just wow!!! Jess's Lilli was an absolute powerhouse of a performance. Every single nuance of the character right down to a tee. Her facial expressions, her comic timing and use of props and vocals throughout were absolutely En Pointe- the light and shade of her character(s) there for all to see. Sometimes, as an audience member you just have to sit back, let your jaw drop, marvel in somebody's craft and feel privileged to be there. Show-week, the audience were privileged.

Ashleigh Hartin as flirty Lois and Sam Wicks as her jealous boyfriend Bill/ Lucentio both gave fine performances. The interplay between these two was a delight to watch- Ashleigh once again showing she's a "triple threat" performer.

Bob Bailey and Simon Yaxley
Bob Bailey and Simon Yaxley
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Bob Bailey and Simon Yaxley as First Man and Second Man respectively, with their New Yoyk accents milked every last ounce from "Brush up your Shakespeare" and then some.

Robbie Love's bombastic General Harrison Howell was a solid performance, even when marching with the same arm and leg. Victoria Muir and Alec Taylor obviously enjoyed their roles as Hattie and Ralph, as did all of the other smaller roles too numerous to mention.

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Chorus were well drilled and diligent throughout the whole production, with its long heavily choreographed numbers they didn`t once lose their focus.

Staging was clever, simple (although the crew may not agree) and effective, with sound and lighting, as ever on a par with the production.

Musical Director, Angela Potter`s orchestra sounded great, and she had obviously worked hard with principals and chorus with all numbers well performed.

Holly Brown's well thought out and balanced choreography made the most of the long instrumental breaks in the musical numbers, and allowed all cast members to make the most of their abilities.

Directors Suzanne Ward and Kevin Ward should be very proud of what they achieved with this show, when Kiss Me, Kate isn`t done well, it`s a long show, where most people spend the last half hour of each Act looking at their watch... I didn't look at mine once.

Congratulations to all involved, and thank you for your hospitality.

The LADOS 2018 Cast of 'Kiss Me, Kate'
The LADOS 2018 Cast of 'Kiss Me, Kate'
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Friday 11th January 2019

Another new rehearsal room...

From Monday 14th January our new Rehearsal Room is St. Paul's Hala Centre, Hala Square, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA1 4RW. How to get there

A small car park and street parking is available.

Rehearsals start at 7.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays and will finish at 10pm-ish.

Saturday 1st December 2018

Jesus Christ Superstar - Tickets On Sale

Tickets are now on sale for our 2019 production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Book Now

Saturday 24th November 2018

More casting news for Jesus Christ Superstar

Josh Utting Jesus of Nazareth
James Shields Judas Iscariot
Jess Turton Mary Magdalene

Robbie Love ... Pontius Pilate
Andrew Thompson ... King Herod
Steven Bryant ... Peter
David Eddowes ... Simon
Simon Rothwell ... Caiaphas
Peter Thompson ... Annas
Bob Bailey ... Priest

Ensemble:
Damian Ashton, Billy Barrett, Jack Baxter, Bob Christie, Owen Holland, Phil Huddart, Steve Johnson, John Savage, Charlie Seddon, Catherine Andrews, Alison Birtle, Holly Brown, Sophie Butler, Julie Creer, Elle Dorrington, Jane Harrison, Ashleigh Hartin, Kerry Hartin, Victoria Jeffreys, Cathy Moorhouse, Victoria Muir, Sarah McDougal, Annette Nisbet, Susie Romaniuk, Anna Webster

Keep an eye on our Jesus Christ Superstar 2019 production page for further details.

Also, full cast details now online along with programmes and production photos from our previous productions of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Check out our 1996 Production at the Grand Theatre or the 2002 Production at Lancaster Priory.