Calamity Jane

PAUL SCOTT
THEATRE MANAGER

On behalf of The Playhouse, welcome to our wonderful intimate theatre
here in the heart of Cheltenham. 2015 marked our 70th anniversary as
a performing venue although the building has a fascinating past dating
back to 1806. If you require any assistance during your visit, please do
not hesitate to ask one of the front of house volunteers and they will do
their best to help you.

Whether you are a regular patron or this is your first time with us, could I please ask you to
respect those around you by switching off your mobile phone and not using photographic
or audio equipment during the performance.

Aside from a grant of £5,700 from the borough council, the theatre is totally self funding
and the charity is always looking for financial and practical support to assist with the
operation and maintenance of one of the town’s most historic and interesting grade-II
listed buildings. If you’d like more information about ways you could help us, please don’t
hesitate to contact me.

[email protected]

PLAYHOUSE PARTNERS

The Partners in the Playhouse Scheme offers our valued patrons a
chance to help keep this lovely theatre alive while getting closer to the
life of the theatre and the people who work in it. For more information
on becoming a Partner, please contact us on 01242 522852. We extend
our thanks to our current Partners:

Roger Beacham Elizabeth Maisey Mr D Williams
Sue Bennett Tony Maisey Mrs E Williams
Simon Bill Sheila Mander Regent Windows
John Morgan
Anne Chandler Lyn Morgan Peak Hire
Ian Chandler Signcraft
Eileen Morrison M R Ratcliffe Consultants
Mr Geoffrey Cox Jane Moseley Hitwave
Mrs June Cox Thin White
Peter Oddy Stageteam
Mr & Mrs D Elkins Carol Oddy Mailadoc
Les Godwin Mr D Powell
David Hall Mr & Mrs M R Ratcliffe
Veronica Hall

THE COTSWOLD SAVOYARDS

The Cotswold Savoyards was formed in 1962 to produce the works of
Gilbert and Sullivan. They have presented staged versions of all 13
surviving operas, a reconstruction of Thespis, and other operettas by
Sullivan, Lehar, Offenbach and Strauss. Over the past few years they
have broadened their repertoire to include shows such as Salad Days,
Sweeney Todd, Candide, Into the Woods, Scrooge the Musical, Titanic,
the Musical, Strike up the Band, Follies, Anything Goes, A Little Night
Music, My Fair Lady and most recently Oliver!. Approximately half of their shows are now
Gilbert and Sullivan, and half from other composers. They stage two productions per
year, each running for a week; one at Cheltenham's amateur theatre, The Playhouse, and
the other at the town's professional theatre, The Everyman. They are always willing to
consider requests from other organisations to stage concerts on behalf of charity. They
can produce a short cabaret by a small group of singers or a whole evening's
entertainment with full chorus. The Society is always keen to attract new members,
whether as performers or as helpers in some capacity and they are always pleased to
see new faces on (and off) stage.

www.cotswoldsavoyards.org

SIMON LEWIS
CHAIR OF THE SOCIETY

It is my very great pleasure to welcome you to our 2019 autumn
production of Calamity Jane here at Cheltenham’s own Golden Garter
saloon - The Playhouse Theatre, where the talent factor soars higher
than a hawk, and for our second visit way out west, following our foray
across the Pond to stage Strike Up The Band in 2014. Calamity boasts a
fulsome round of frothy songs, among them the pulsating Deadwood
Stage, the soaring My Secret Love, the jaunty Hive Full of Honey and
the stirring Black Hills of Dakota, ensuring Webster and Fain’s little jewel continues to
stand the test of time well into the 21st century. Not surprisingly, the passing earlier this
year of Doris Day, the doyenne of every Calamity Jane there has ever been, has occupied
our thoughts throughout this production, and it is our fondest hope that we will honour her
memory with a suitably reverential presentation. Always keen to blood new talent, taking
the reins for this stateside extravaganza is debutante director Sheila Ham, whose
unbridled enthusiasm has been a joy to behold, and I am confident you will be enchanted
by the finished article that is certainly blessed with a woman’s touch.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your most valued support once again in the company
of The Cotswold Savoyards who bid you welcome to what is, essentially, our own special
tribute to the unique Doris Day. Time to whip-crack-away!

MARILYN HILL SMITH - PRESIDENT

Welcome to The Cotswold Savoyards at The Playhouse!

One of the attributes of this wonderful group of performers is their versatility.
From the cockney London of Oliver! and My Fair Lady, the Savoyards turn to The
Wild West for their latest production: Calamity Jane. The title role is based
loosely on the real-life Martha Jane Canary, born in 1856, and described by one
historian as “tobacco-spitting, beer-guzzling, foul-mouthed”. Pictures of her,
always in men’s clothing and frequently sporting a rifle, are truly alarming and a
long way from our own engaging Calamity.

But a lot of poetic licence and some great musical numbers make this a fun show that will have you
slapping your thighs and yelling “Yee-haw” – I guarantee. Enjoy!

CALAMITY JANE - THE STORY (WARNING: SPOILERS!)

ACT 1
It’s 1876 in the wild and humorous Old West of Deadwood City, Dakota, home of the sharpshooter
Calamity Jane who doesn’t act like an ordinary female; she dresses, rides, and shoots like a man, and
protects the Deadwood stage coach. Calamity’s best friend is Wild Bill Hickock, a former peacekeeper
and she has a soft spot for the handsome Danny Gilmartin, a Lieutenant at the local fort.

Back in Deadwood, the citizens are impatiently waiting for the stage to arrive, especially Millie, the
owner of Deadwood’s hotel/bar/theatre The Golden Garter. She awaits the arrival of a lovely actress
named Frances Fryer, whom she has booked to headline her show. Calamity arrives to much fanfare
Deadwood Stage and is encouraged by the crowd to tell of her adventures. Calamity tends to
exaggerate and Bill and the crowd good-heartedly tease her “Careless with the Truth”. All the men
clamour for a rare cigarette card of the most famous East Coast star, Adelaide Adams. Calamity is
puzzled by their obsession but Bill tries to explain “Adelaide”.

A nervous young man enters the bar and is approached by Millie’s niece Susan. It turns out that he is
Francis Fryer (spelt with an i), who insists he is a great showman and demonstrates with his routine
“Everyone Complains About the Weather”. Millie hatches a plan and ushers Francis backstage to get
ready for the show.

Danny and two scouts come in, having been attacked by Indians and are in a sorry state. Calamity
immediately takes it upon herself to nurse Danny back to health, but he resists her attentions.
Frustrated by being called a touchy old woman Calamity is exasperated “Men!”.

Millie comes in to start the show. First she sends out the can-can dancers and then Francis,
disastrously dressed in drag “A Hive Full of Honey”. Unfortunately, his wig falls off and the local
characters rise in noisy anger. Calamity restores order with her trusty pistol and promises that Millie,
to make amends, will next feature Adelaide herself. The men are overjoyed, but Wild Bill and Millie
doubt Calamity can convince Adelaide to come to Deadwood. “I Can Do Without You”. Calamity storms
out and heads for Chicago.

In Chicago Adelaide Adams has just finished her final show before heading to Europe, she is in her
dressing room when her adoring fan boys enter and persuade her to sing her signature tune one last
time “‘Tis Harry I’m Planning to Marry”. Adelaide leaves, gifting her collection of costumes to her
maid, Katie Brown. Calamity mistakes Katie for the great actress and she allows Calamity to convince
her to go back to Deadwood.

All of Deadwood are delighted that the famous Adelaide Adams has come to their town. Katie is
introduced to Danny and Bill, who are instantly smitten. Francis Fryer suspects she isn’t who she says
she is. Millie convinces her to get ready straight away and whilst she is getting ready, Calamity
entertains the bar crowd with a colourful account of their experience in Chicago “Just Blew In From
The Windy City”.

Katie performs her act “Keep It Under Your Hat” but breaks down and loses her way. Calamity
masterfully takes control of the audience and Katie gives a show-stopping performance and wins
the hearts of everyone in Deadwood, particularly those of Danny and Wild Bill.

ACT 2
Katie moves in with Calamity and helps her spruce up her cabin “A Woman’s Touch”. Whilst both girls
are out on errands, Bill arrives and it is clear that he is in love “Higher than a Hawk”. Danny shows up

at the cabin to woo Katie too. When she gets back, they argue over who will take her to the ball.
Eventually they draw straws, Danny winning, getting to take Katie. Calamity arrives, and to save her
feelings, they tell her that Bill and Danny drew straws to take her to the ball and Bill won.

The residents of Deadwood make their way to the ball “Black Hills of Dakota”. Calamity, dressed in
Katie’s finery, is the belle of the ball and shocks Bill with her transformation. Danny and Katie find a
moment to themselves and it is clear they are in love “Love You Dearly”. Calamity finds Katie and
Danny alone together and in a fit of jealous rage she orders Katie to leave town.

Wild Bill corners her and forces her to confront her true feelings. Taking a hard look at herself,
Calamity realizes that all along it was Bill and not Danny that she loved “Secret Love”. The show closes
joyously with all of Deadwood’s citizens attending a double wedding: Calamity to Wild Bill, and Katie to
Danny “Finale”.

SHEILA HAM - DIRECTOR

Sheila has been a member of The Cotswold Savoyards since joining them for
their 2007 production of Iolanthe. Since then she has been involved with nearly
all areas of the society, from a cast member on stage, to working with the
backstage crew, front of house, creating the poster artwork and programmes
and, more recently, Publicity Officer on the committee. The desire to direct her
own show had been growing for the last couple of years and when Calamity
Jane was announced she finally decided to apply.

Calamity Jane was always a firm favourite of Sheila’s, conjuring up nostalgic
memories from the times spent with her grandparents watching the glorious Technicolor musicals of
the 1950s, joyous, bright and full of fantastic songs.

The chance to bring this beloved show to the stage has been an absolute joy and she has been
humbled by the support given to her from the society for her directorial debut. Additionally, for the
time and dedication put into the show, not just from her fellow directors David Manifold and Hatty
Davis but from the talented cast, stage crew, set designers, lighting, sound, wardrobe, makeup, props
team, prompts, publicity, photography, programme design, front of house, honestly the list goes on.
She would also like to thank her endlessly patient Production Secretary, Rachel Prudden and her long-
suffering husband Ian, who up until 4 months ago had not known a single song from the show (he does
now).

DAVID MANIFOLD - MUSICAL DIRECTOR

David first sang in Calamity Jane when he was about twenty-one. He has
conducted the piece previously, so you might say he is reasonably well
acquainted with it. He thinks it is a really good piece of musical theatre with
(perhaps unusually for modern times), the benefit of an array of memorable
musical numbers. The harmony, written for the ensemble, is vibrant and
interesting. It is delight to sing and (he hopes) for you to hear. Because the
Playhouse is a rather small and intimate venue, he is playing with a reduced
orchestra this evening, but he knows they will play it beautifully for you.

HATTY DAVIS - CHOREOGRAPHER

Hatty has been dancing and performing in shows for the past 15 years, although
this is her first show choreographing for the Cotswold Savoyards. She first
joined the Savoyards during their last show Oliver!, and instantly felt at home. To
be able to choreograph the second show she has been in with the company has
been such a huge honour. Her favourite past productions include Blackadder,
Carry on Screaming and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She
also choreographed shows for Breakout Productions from 2016 to 2018.

Hatty has a real passion for theatre and is in her element when performing or
choreographing. She has thoroughly enjoyed rehearsals for Calamity Jane, and says everyone has
been an absolute joy to work with! The cast and crew of Calamity Jane are some of the most talented
and determined people, and Hatty will be in the audience every night, toe-tapping and yee-haawing
along to their greatness! Hatty says she's sure the cast will be glad once the show is over not to be
called swans and swanmen again, but she's loved every minute of it! Yeehaw!!

JOY-AMY WIGMAN
CALAMITY JANE

Joy-Amy is a mature student at The University of Gloucestershire and co hosts a
comedy night at Smokey Joe’s Cafe. She also regularly performs at Vintage
events singing 1950s/60s music.
Joy-Amy originally trained at the London School of Musical Theatre, performing
shows at The Cochrane Theatre and the London Old Vic.
Previous shows include Avenue Q, One Man Two Guvnors, King’s Ransom,
Spamalot, 9-5, A Bunch of Amateurs and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. This is
Joy-Amy’s first show with The Cotswold Savoyards and she is very excited to be playing the role of
Calamity.

ROBBIE GARDNER
WILD BILL HICKOCK

Robbie trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
His musical credits include: Lost Journals, The Producers, Rent, Alchemy, She,
King’s Ransom, Babes in Arms, Godspell, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Free
and Easy, and The Buccaneer. He was lead vocalist for Production Suite and for
Focus Theatre. He then went on to be the lead vocalist on three P&O Australia
cruise liners. His theatre credits include: A Bunch of Amateurs, Murder in the
Cathedral, The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband, Dancing with Auntie and Viva
La Faff. His TV credits include: Flattened (ITV) and Anatomy of a Human
(Discovery Channel.)

AMBER SMITH
KATIE BROWN

Amber made her theatrical debut as a pantomime fairy (aged 3) and hasn’t
stopped performing since! Alongside theatre, her passion for music has led to
teaching both piano and singing, also running Cheltenham Children’s Choir.
Whilst studying in Bristol, she spent time singing in Bristol Cathedral, Colston
Hall and the Royal Festival Hall, London. Previous roles include Grace in Annie,
Millie in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Barbara in Billy. She has also
enjoyed ensemble roles in Our House, Thoroughly Modern Millie and The King
and I. Off stage, Amber has musically directed shows including Rent and
Honk! Jr. Although she is currently rehearsing the role of The Magic Mirror, she
is yet to reprise her role as the pantomime fairy... Amber is delighted to be
joining The Cotswold Savoyards for the first time, playing Katie Brown alongside such a friendly cast
and hardworking team.
ROBERT BARTON-ANCLIFFE
LIEUTENANT DANNY GILMARTIN

Robert has been performing with the Savoyards for over 10 years and has
appeared with them in many Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas as well as other
classic musicals. Favourites include The Gondoliers, Patience, Princess Ida
and Follies.
Having recently got married, he is really pleased to be returning to the stage
after a short break. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time rehearsing Calamity
Jane with this talented company, and has found every opportunity he can to
make people laugh and be entertained by his fellow cast in equal measure.

SAMUEL TAUNTON
FRANCIS FRYER

Since playing Hank the Scout in Chepstow in 2002 Samuel has wanted to be
Francis, a joy any would relish. The only drawback is that it robs him of a chance
to perform with Worcester G&S this autumn. In their Trial by Jury he played a
(late) Elvis style Edwin the defendant. Most recently he appeared as Hysterium
in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum where, in a wedding dress,
he fluttered his eyelashes as a dead beautiful girl. Alongside dramatics, he
enjoys orienteering; this summer running through the amber bracken and purple
heather of careless Scotland near Perth. After many years of stage work, he is
hoping to join a choir on one of his nights off so he can start carolling and
singing liturgical music again. He is also hoping to train as a Station Master on the Gloucestershire
Warwickshire railway.

CAROLINE KENDAL
ADELAIDE ADAMS

Caroline joins us for the fourth time after making her debut with The Cotswold
Savoyards in 2016 playing the flirtatious showgirl Virtue in Anything Goes. She
took great delight in playing the ditzy Kate in The Pirates of Penzance the
following year and got the bug for portraying villains after being cast as the
venomous Velma in Hairspray with another local group.

As respite from her IT based day job and being society Secretary, the chance to
play the acid-tongued prima donna Adelaide Adams in Calamity Jane was too
good an opportunity to pass up. Adelaide is a highly paid vaudeville star and her
interactions with others are laced with sarcasm, affectation and general disdain; so Caroline is very
much looking forward to channelling her inner diva!

BRONWEN CARLESS
MILLIE

Bronwen had her first introduction to musical theatre through her father who
sang with the Ledbury Choral and Operatic Society. Having watched him in
many productions, she finally joined him on stage in the chorus for The Pirates
of Penzance in 1972 when he played Samuel. There was then a rather long gap
until she ventured back on stage, acting in village productions in Dymock. She
returned to musical theatre somewhat later still - 2010 - taking Principal roles
with the Beggars Company, Great Witley Operatic Society, Opera Worcester,
and Our Stars Theatre, as well as with The Cotswold Savoyards. She has loved
being part of bringing this classic show to the wonderful stage of the Playhouse,
and becoming the controlling, stressy, well intentioned, rather hapless Millie. Hope you have a whip
crackin’ time y’all!!

HEATHER GALLAGHER
SUSAN

Heather has been performing in shows in Cheltenham for the past 10 years,
although this is her first show with The Savoyards. Her favourite past
productions include Oliver!, Guys and Dolls and Sweeney Todd. She is looking
forward to being back on the Playhouse stage. Heather has a real passion for
theatre and her favourite thing to do is go to the theatre with her family and
friends. She is also part of Cheltenham Community Choir and loves singing and
having fun each week, as well as being part of the performances.

She is very excited to give her portrayal of Susan - she has been informed that
the strong-willed and determined nature of the part bears no resemblance to her real personality!

CAST

Calamity Jane Joy-Amy Wigman

Wild Bill Hickock Robbie Gardner
Katie Brown Amber Smith
Robert Barton-Ancliffe
Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin
Samuel Taunton
Francis Fryer Caroline Kendal
Adelaide Adams
Bronwen Carless
Millie Heather Gallagher
Susan

Townswoman Angie Aston
Townswoman Sarah Aston
Liv Birch
Dancing Girl Aimee Brasington
Dancing Girl Helen Carter
Tim Cook
Dancing Girl Lisa Crowhurst
Townsman/Stage Door Johnnie Sarah Eliot
Anthony Jones
Dancing Girl Anne Martin
Townswoman Tom Mullins

Doc Bex Partlett
Flo Inma Perez de Herves
Townsman/Hank the Scout/ John Pickup
Sarah Rogers
Stage Door Johnnie Richard Schofield
Townswoman Tracy Sweeting
Malcom Webb
Townswoman Jim Whalley
Townsman/Pete the Scout

Townswoman
Townsman/Colonel

Townswoman

Joe the Barman
Rattlesnake

ORCHESTRA

Conductor David Manifold
Leader
Violins Maggie Scott-Langley
David Scott-Langley
Cello Louise Oldridge
Bass
Keyboard Jenny Hood
Reed 1 Ian Hartnell
Reed 2
Flute Jackie Adams
Trumpets 1 Hilary Barry
Trumpets 2
Trombone Fiona Stubbs
Percussion Helen Harper

Steve Harper
Phil Storer
Carolyn Chandler

Pam Smith

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT 1
The Deadwood Stage - Calamity and Ensemble
Careless with the Truth - Calamity, Bill, Ensemble

Adelaide - Bill and Men
Ev'ryone Complains About The Weather - Fryer

Men! - Calamity
Hive Full of Honey - Fryer
I Can Do Without You - Calamity and Bill
It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry - Adelaide, Johnnies
Reprise of It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry - Katie
Reprise of Adelaide - Men
Windy City - Calamity, Ensemble
Keep It Under Your Hat - Katie

ACT 2
A Woman's Touch - Calamity, Katie

Higher Than a Hawk - Bill
The Black Hills of Dakota - Ensemble

Love You Dearly - Katie, Danny
My Secret Love - Calamity
Finale - Full Company

ANGIE SARAH
ASTON ASTON
AIMEE
LIV BRASINGTON
BIRCH LISA
HELEN CROWHURST
CARTER ANNE
SARAH MARTIN
ELIOT INMA PEREZ DE
HERVES
BEX TRACY
PARTLETT SWEETING

SARAH
ROGERS

TIM ANTHONY
COOK JONES

TOM JOHN
MULLINS PICKUP

RICHARD MALCOM
SCHOFIELD WEBB

JIM
WHALLEY

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Director Sheila Ham
Musical Director David Manifold
Choreographer Hatty Davis
Production Secretary Rachel Prudden
Stage Managers Adam Bottomley

Rachel Prudden
Gill Cogzell
Assisted by members of the Society
Set Building Adam Bottomley
Lighting Design Tony White
Sound Design Rob Prosser
Prompt Sally Welzel
Ann Cox
Wardrobe Jo Llewellyn
Jeannie Flint
Karen Wright
Props Gary Winrow
Sue Winrow
Make-up Lisa Crowhurst
Assisted by members of the Society
Publicity Helen Carter
Artwork Sheila Ham
Ian Ham
Programme Design and Photography Ian Ham
Rehearsal Accompanists Jacqueline Adams
John Merrick
James Quinn
Jo Sanderson
Karen Greenhalgh
Rehearsal Refreshments Rosemary Evans
Front of House Paul Chesworth
Duncan Hooper
Helen Hooper
Assisted by members of the Society

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Marylin Hill Smith’s Photo Louis Flood Photographers
Rehearsal Spaces Shurdington Primary School

Poster and Programme Printing InstantPrint
Costumes Triple C Costume Hire

Music Stands CODS
Adept Precision Flowerpot© Adept Precision Engineering

PAST SHOWS 2002 Salad Days 1983 The Yeomen Of The Guard
2002 The Yeomen of the Guard 1983 Utopia Limited
We perform two shows per year, and below 2001 Patience 1982 Ruddigore
is a full listing of all our past productions 2001 The Gondoliers 1982 Trial By Jury/Cox & Box/The Zoo
from 1962 to the present day. 2000 Utopia Limited 1981 Princess Ida
2000 Iolanthe 1981 Patience
2019 Oliver! 1999 Die Fledermaus 1980 The Pirates Of Penzance
2018 Iolanthe 1999 The Sorcerer 1980 The Rose Of Persia
2018 My Fair Lady 1998 Cox & Box/H.M.S. Pinafore 1979 The Mikado
2017 A Little Night Music 1998 Princess Ida 1979 The Sorcerer
2017 The Pirates of Penzance - 1997 The Merry Widow 1978 Iolanthe
Broadway Version 1997 Trial By Jury/ 1978 La Belle Helene
2016 Princess Ida Not In Front Of The Waiter/ 1977 The Gondoliers
2016 Anything Goes 1996 The Zoo 1977 H.M.S. Pinafore
2015 Follies 1996 The Yeomen Of The Guard 1976 Utopia Limited
2015 Cox & Box/H.M.S. Pinafore 1995 The Grand Duke 1976 Orpheus In The Underworld
2014 Strike Up The Band 1995 Ruddigore 1975 The Yeomen Of The Guard
2014 The Mikado 1994 The Pirates Of Penzance 1975 Princess Ida
2013 Jekyll & Hyde 1994 Patience 1974 Ruddigore
2013 Ruddygore 1993 The Count Of Luxembourg 1974 The Grand Duke
2012 Patience 1993 The Mikado 1973 Patience
2012 Titanic, the Musical 1992 The Gondoliers 1973 The Mikado
2011 Utopia, Limited 1992 Iolanthe 1972 The Sorcerer
2011 The Pirates of Penzance 1991 The Sorcerer 1972 Iolanthe
2010 Scrooge, the Musical 1991 The Yeomen Of The Guard 1971 Thespis
2010 The Yeomen of the Guard 1991 Cox & Box/H.M.S. Pinafore 1971 Cox & Box/
2009 Hot Mikado 1990 Utopia Limited The Pirates Of Penzance
2009 The Gondoliers 1989 The Merry Widow 1970 The Emerald Isle
2008 The Sorcerer 1989 Ruddigore 1970 The Gondoliers
2008 Into the Woods 1988 Princess Ida 1969 Utopia Limited
2007 The Beggar's Opera 1988 The Pirates Of Penzance 1969 Trial By Jury/H.M.S. Pinafore
2007 Iolanthe 1987 Trial By Jury/Cox & Box/The Zoo 1968 Princess Ida
2006 Candide 1987 The Mikado 1968 The Yeomen Of The Guard
2006 Trial by Jury/Pinafore 1986 Patience 1967 Ruddigore
2005 Orpheus in the Underworld 1986 The Gondoliers 1967 The Sorcerer
2005 Princess Ida 1985 The Grand Duke 1966 Patience
2004 Sweeney Todd 1985 Iolanthe 1966 The Pirates Of Penzance
2004 The Pirates of Penzance 1984 The Sorcerer 1965 The Mikado
2003 Ruddigore 1984 The Gipsy Baron 1964 Iolanthe
2003 The Mikado Not In Front Of The Waiter/ 1963 The Gondoliers
H.M.S. Pinafore

NATIONAL OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION

The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), founded Headquarters: 15 The Metro Centre, Peterborough, PE2 7UH
in 1899, is the leading representative body for amateur theatre in Membership of NODA provides theatre groups and individuals with
the UK. The Association has a membership of approximately 2000 a wide range of benefits including access to NODA’s advice
amateur theatre groups and approximately 800 individual service at national and regional level, as well as representation to
members staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and government, access to funding agencies, direct access to rights
pantomimes in a wide variety of venues ranging from the country’s holders and the media as well access to regional and national
leading professional theatres to village halls. Covering a broad conferences, workshops and seminars to help share information
spectrum of age ranges NODA member societies meet the needs on best practice. NODA holds an annual residential Summer
of all levels of both performers, whether dramatic, dance or School (with bursaries available) offering training from
musical, and those involved backstage, front of house or in society professional tutors in a wide range of both performance and
administration. technical courses. NODA also holds an annual national and
regional programme and poster competition to encourage high
NODA aims: standards in design. Through its trading arm, NODA Limited
members have access to a varied range of products and services
· To give a shared voice to amateur theatre. including insurance for both societies and individuals, long service
awards that recognise the dedication made by individuals to
· To help societies and individuals achieve the highest standards amateur theatre, discounts on plays, vocal scores, libretti and
technical books and a range of NODA branded merchandise. As a
of best practice and performance. rights holder NODA Limited has 150 pantomimes by leading
authors as well as a growing catalogue of plays and musicals.
· To provide leadership and advice to enable amateur theatre to
Telephone: 01733 374790
tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Email: [email protected]
Website: www.noda.org.uk
· To achieve these aims NODA is divided into eleven regions,

each headed by a regional councillor who sits on the national
council (ruling body of the Association), and supported by a
network of regional representatives and officials. These
volunteers are the vital link to the grass roots of the
Association; the amateur theatre groups themselves and their
members.

· To provide support and assistance to these volunteers the

Association is administered from its office in Peterborough by
a knowledgeable and friendly staff who can deal with any
enquiry about amateur theatre.

DORIS DAY
1922—2019
Doris Day, Hollywood legend and the only woman to hit No. 1 at the box office and No. 1 on
the music charts simultaneously, died May 13, 2019, at her Carmel Valley, Calif., home.
She was 97.
She was born Doris Mary Ann Von Kappelhoff, April 3, 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She
pursued a passionate interest in dance, winning a number of competitions as a girl. After a
serious injury in a car-versus-train collision, a fractured leg that took many months to heal,
Day turned her interests to singing. Her mother arranged private lessons to distract her
convalescing daughter, and vocal coach Grace Raine saw such a spark of talent in young
Doris that she offered lessons at two for the price of one.
Day began her professional singing career at the tender age of 15, working with local band
leader Barney Rapp, who suggested she change her surname to “Day.” Her star rose
quickly, and she caught the eye of band leader Les Brown. Day played with Brown for two
stints, marrying trombonist Al Jordan, giving birth to her son Terry in 1942, and divorcing
in the interim. Day’s first hit with Brown’s band, “Sentimental Journey,” captured the
national mood of the day, as World War II veterans returned home. Time would show
“Sentimental Journey” – along with her signature “Que Sera Sera” – to be Day’s biggest
hits.

Never an adherent of the Hollywood scene, Day reluctantly accepted an invitation to a
party attended by songwriters Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. Styne was so impressed, he
immediately arranged a screen test for Day – and vaulted her into motion pictures. Day’s
first film, “Romance on the High Seas” in 1948 with director Michael Curtiz, led to a string
of Curtiz films in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s. Day took the box office by storm, appearing in
romances, comedies, dramas and bio-pics – from the fun and frivolous “Pillow Talk” to the
dark “Storm Warning” and the dramatic “Love Me or Leave Me.” During her three decades
of work in film, Day starred in nearly every genre, not just as a singer/dancer but as an
actress with superb comic timing, a natural talent for interpreting a role and a gift for
evoking emotion. She worked with many of Hollywood’s greatest leading men – Rock
Hudson, Clark Gable, Jack Lemon, James Garner, Frank Sinatra, and Cary Grant – many of
whom became lifelong friends. Her 39 films – many still incredibly popular and shown
frequently today -- stand as a testament to her talent. While Day was honored with many
awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and a Grammy for Lifetime
Achievement in 2008, she never won an Oscar, and many film critics and fans have decried
the Academy’s overlooking Day’s talents.

Day’s third marriage, to her
agent, Marty Melcher, in 1951,
was tumultuous. His sudden
death in 1968 ultimately revealed
he and a business partner had
squandered Day’s earnings,
leaving her nearly bankrupt.
Reluctantly, Day entered the
world of television, honoring a TV
contract for “The Doris Day
Show” (1968-1973) that Melcher
had signed on to without Day’s
knowledge. A consummate
professional, Day set her personal
troubles aside, and went on to win
a Golden Globe for the series, and
to produce two television specials
before retiring from Hollywood
entirely.
Day’s music continues to attract
new fans worldwide. The 2011
release of “My Heart”, a compilation
of songs Day had previously
recorded but never before released,
went to No. 1 in the United Kingdom.

In the 30 years since she exited the limelight,
Day has focused her energies on the Doris
Day Animal Foundation and the Doris Day
Animal League; the latter is now run by the
Humane Society of the United States. Day’s
lifelong compassion for and kinship with
animals compelled her to fight animal testing
and to advocate for spay/neuter education and
outreach programs in the U.S. Her Spay Day
program, which began on a local level, has
gone international in recent years, with World
Spay Day providing thousands of free or
reduced-cost spay and neuter surgeries in 75
countries. The Doris Day Animal Foundation
continues to provide support to smaller
rescue organizations nationwide, with a
special focus on those assisting senior pets.
Doris’ wishes were that she have no funeral or
memorial service and no grave marker.
Friends and fans wishing to remember Doris
Day, are encouraged to visit
www.dorisdayanimalfoundation.org.
Credit: Doris Day: Official Obituary
www.dorisday.com









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OUR PATRONS
To whom we are most grateful for their continued interest and support

Mr & Mrs B Benson Mrs J Johnson Mr R W Pocock
Miss P Bowyer Mrs M E Kilminster Mr M Rainbow
Mr J. M. R. Clarke Mr B Large Mrs J Roberts
Mr & Mrs G Codd Mr P Leppard Mr & Mrs S Seaton
Rev & Mrs G Cox Mrs C McNaughton Mr & Mrs K G Sherwood
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Mrs Sylvia Edmunds Mr J Norris Revd & Mrs J Whales
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