Tribute to our Production Teams
     
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We would like to pay tribute to all our past Directors, Choreographers and Musical Directors, with special mention of the following:

DIRECTORS:
                                                                             
                                                             IVY HULME-WELCH 

 A founder member and our first Director,  affectionately known as 'Auntie Ivy'.

                       BERNARDO QUANTRILL

Started with the Society as make-up artist in 1955.  Performed in several shows and went on to direct thirty-four musicals for the Society at The Gaumont Theatre, retiring in 1980.

                           KEN SMITH

                Director from 1983 to 1987

                     PAT TAPLIN

Pat Taplin, who has directed many of the Society's shows since 1988 years, including taking us to The Wolsey Theatre for a short spell. 
 

STEVE WOOLDRIDGE

Has taken part in IODS shows.  Directed 42nd Street (1999) and Mack & Mabel (2002)

 

                                                              
                        JEREMY TUSTIN

Jeremy Tustin, directed two shows for the Society, Copacabana in 2002 and the magnificent Jesus Christ Superstar in 2003.

                         JAMES HAYWARD

James has taken part in several IODS shows in the past and made his debut as Director for the Society in 2004 with 'West Side Story'.. 

                            SIMON BOWEN

Simon joined IODS after leaving the Royal Hospital School Holbrook.  Since then he has taken part in many of the Society's shows and directed Sounds Familiar.  2006 saw him make his debut as director for the main spring show 'Summer Holiday'.

CHOREOGRAPHERS:

Of course, where would a show be without 'the choreographer'.  The Society has been blessed throughout its history with the creativity of exceptionally talented choreographers.
                                                       

                                               DENNIS LOWE

Dennis choreographed six shows during the 1960s and appeared in others.  He is well known is Suffolk for his annual Pantomime and 'Red Feathers' shows at Felixstowe and raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years.

                          PAT FAULDS

  Choreographer during the 1950s and again '81 & '82

 CAROL WILDEN
Choreographer for the Society from 1968 to 1979

Carol started as a dancer with the Society in 1961 and became Choreographer in 1968, still continuing to perform in shows during this period. 

           
               DOREEN MATTHEWS

     Choreographer for the Society from 1983 to 2002

                                    DAVID HOCKLEY

David has taken part in many of the Society's shows in the past and choreographed for Sounds Familiar.  2004 saw him make his debut as Choreographer for the main spring show with 'West Side Story'.

LAURA DICKONS

Laura has been a professional dancer.  She has also appeared in the Society's award winning Sounds Familiar as well as in several main shows.  Laura made her debut as Choreographer for Sounds Familiar 2009 and went on to choreograph The Full Monty in 2010.

MUSICAL DIRECTORS:

Our history has already mentioned the 'two pianos and a conductor' which made up the orchestra for early shows.  Moving to The Gaumont meant more 'noise' was needed from the pit!   The Royal Marine Band from HMS Ganges provided musical accompaniment during the early sixties, with Roy Budden and the Capriol Orchestra taking over the role between 1967 until 1976.   Bernard Reader formed an orchestra of local musicians and supported all our shows between 1976 and 1986.  They were supported by Margaret Morphew who, in addition to playing principal roles in many of the shows, was Chorus Mistress for the Society.

ROY BUDDEN

Musical Director from 1967 to 1976

                                                                                         BERNARD READER

                Musical Director from 1976 to 1986
 

               ALAN HUMPHREY   

Alan Humphrey took over as M.D. in 1987 and remained with the Society for many years, freely giving his time to support our many charitable concerts.  A true friend to the Society.

MIKE WREN

Mike has been involved with IODS for many years, initially by taking part in shows.  His first show as our Musical Director was the Society's acclaimed Sounds Familiar in 2003.  2005 saw him make his debut as Musical Director for the main spring show with 'Anything Goes'.
 

Author:   Mary Meredith
Owners:   IODS Executive Committee