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Home Page The Full Monty APRIL 2010 The Producers Singin' In The Rain REVIEW Charity Concerts First Stage Event Diary IODS History Contact Links		NODA Eastern Area Award Winners 'For Sounds Familiar' 2001 : 2003 : 2004 : 2008 SPA THEATRE, FELIXSTOWE 6th to 9th October 2010 Excepts from the East Anglian Daily Times Review from 2009.... "Forget X Factor - if you want to hear some really great singing, get along to IODS 30th anniversary edition of Sounds Familiar. Considering the numerical and vocal strength of the company's soloists the show features some remarkable ensemble work in a varied programme that takes us, musically through almost a century of song. There is such a breadth of talent in the company that it is a really tough call to pick out individuals. We marvelled once again at the voices of those - the looks familiar - who have played leading roles with the society over the years ..... and the new generation of operatic and dramatic flair. All the solos were attacked with enormous gusto and yet, when the soloists stepped back into the chorus their voices melded into the harmonies as one velvety sound." On line Bookings: www.getlive.co.uk/spapavilion (click 'treble clef' for link) Credit Card Booking: 0870 607 7580 JOHN WHITE In 1979 John and his wife Pam had the idea of presenting an annual Review - and 'Sounds Familiar' was born! John compared the show for many years until sadly ill health forced him to retire from the stage. However, John's encyclopaedic musical knowledge ensured that he continued to be very much involved in what has become the 'Flagship' of IODS. 21st anniversary of Sounds Familiar celebrated in October 2001 From small beginnings in village halls and changing in bakers' vans (yes really) - to school halls and classrooms and finally to the splendidly refurbished Spa Pavilion. From cotton gingham and net curtaining and a costume budget of approximately £50.00 - to sequins, spangles, feathers and gowns, costing in excess of £2,000! How it has grown over the years! Few of the audience for those first shows could have envisaged they were witnessing the start of a local theatrical tradition. Few among the cast of twenty-nine could have imagine the show would still be playing to packed houses twenty-one years later. Sounds Familiar made its debut at Chantry School, Ipswich 12th & 13th October 1979. In the beginning.......... The show was created as something of a stop-gap, when the Society's finances had been hit hard after a disappointing run of 'The Vagabond King'. By 'Sounds Familiar 4' the show had moved to Westbourne School and was attracting enthusiastic press reviews: **"An infectiously happy evening ....... if you want an away from-it-all happy evening then let the company whisk you away with colour and romance" Carol Carver reviewing Sounds Familiar 5: 1983** Performances have taken place in other venues over the years, including Northgate & Copleston Schools, Stowmarket, Wickham Market, Dovercourt and Woodbridge. 1987 saw an enforced move away from Ipswich when Northgate School was redeveloped. The trip to the seaside at Felixstowe marked the beginning of a long and fruitful setting for the show at the Spa Pavilion Theatre. Since then the show has not looked back and has seen year-on-year increases in audience numbers, to become a highlight of the local theatre calender. Author: Mary Meredith Owners: IODS Executive Committee