Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society.

Hello, Dolly - May 1985.

As a most pleasant prelude to the performance, Johanna and I had the pleasure of being introduced to the President of the Society, the Baron Loch of Drylaw and the Baroness, with whom we had drinks. American musicals do not happen to be my “Forte” so I always attend such shows with some degree of apprehension. However, after this Society’s scintillating performance, I must confess to being a little more converted to enjoying such productions.

First of all, I must really take my hat off to Joan Francis, whose performance in “Desert Song” a few shows ago, I found so professional. In this contrasting show, she was once more the trouper carrying the show.

Horace Vandergelder (Dennis Duro) must be congratulated on his role, which he played with such dedication, as did Widow Molloy ( Ann Berry), Cornelius Hackl (Geoff Hallchurch), Barnaby Tucker (Mike Kemp), Minnie Fay (Lyn Taylor), Ambrose Kemper (Paul Morrish) and Ermengarde (Susan Ritson). The show went with a “zip” from start to finish. The singing of the Chorus was very good, with fine diction and lovely rhythmic singing. This was a most colourful presentation and all associated with it must feel very proud of their efforts.

I believe that this was the first production for this Society by Carol Hunt, to whom all congratulations must be given for such a splendid production.

The Orchestra (MD Ronald Foxwell) played with great gusto and accompanied well.

Jack Henly
Local NODA Representative