Previous Shows - 1950's - 1970's
Through the IODS Decades with Sue Goodall,
who having watched the shows from 1957, joined in 1963.
1955
COUNTRY GIRL
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch,
Choreographer: Mary Goddard,
Musical Director: David Collins
Venue: Art Gallery, High Street, Ipswich
COUNTESS MARTIZA
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch, Choreographer: Elizabeth Clarke, Musical Director: David Collins
Venue: Art Gallery, High Street, Ipswich
1956
NO NO NANETTE
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch, Choreographer: Mary Goddard, Musical Director: David Collins
Venue: Art Gallery, High Street, Ipswich
1957
CAROUSEL
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch, Choreographer: Marjorie Mutter, Musical Director: David Collins
Venue: The Hippodrome, St Nicholas Street, Ipswich
1958
BLESS THE BRIDE
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch, Choreographer: Pat Foulds, Musical Director: David Collins
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
1959
SHOW BOAT
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch, Choreographer: Pat Foulds, Musical Director: David Collins
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
FLIGHT OF FANCY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Pat Foulds, Musical Director: Michael Cornell
Venue: Art Gallery, High Street, Ipswich
1960
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch, Choreographer: Pat Foulds, Musical Director: Cyril Commins
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This lively Western depicting the amazing exploits of Wild West star Annie Oakley was produced at the Gaumont Theatre by Ivy Hulme-Welch (otherwise affectionately known as ‘Auntie Ivy’. Choreographer was Pat Foulds with her successful specialities. The orchestra was led by MD Cyril Commins, with great music by Irving Berlin.
1961
KISMET
Director: Ivy Hulme-Welch, Choreographer: Pat Foulds, Musical Director: Cyril Commins
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This Arabian gem with music based on themes by Borodin was an ambitious production with lavish costumes full of colour.
A difficult musical, both technically and musically enabled the large cast of principals and chorus to be stretched to their full potential.
1962
THE DESERT SONG
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Dennis Lowe, Musical Director: Donald Carpenter
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Produced at the Gaumont Theatre, this was Bernard Quantrill’s first show as Director, having previously appeared on stage with the Society. Another first for Dennis Lowe as Choreographer and also Donald Carpenter as MD of the Band of the Royal Marines with wonderful melodies of Sigmund Romberg.The staging of a production of this standard cost approximately £3,000
ROSE MARIE
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Dennis Lowe, Musical Director: Donald Carpenter
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
With the same production team again, this show takes a colourful trip to the Canadian Rockies, filled with gaiety, intrigue and romance. The large cast of Mounties, half-breeds, lumberjacks, trappers and traders delighted the audience with music by Rudolf Friml and Herbert Stothart and book and lyrics by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein. The souvenir programme was one shilling.
1963
FLOWER DRUM SONG
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Deniss Lowe, Musical Director: Donald Carpenter
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
From the Canadian Rockies to San Francisco’s Chinatown this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical was full of colourful singing and dancing with a very large cast. With the same production team this was to be the last show for Donald Carpenter as MD of the Royal Marines as he moved from the area with the Service.
WEST SIDE STORY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Deniss Lowe, Musical Director: Donald Carpenter
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
From the Canadian Rockies to San Francisco’s Chinatown this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical was full of colourful singing and dancing with a very large cast. With the same production team this was to be the last show for Donald Carpenter as MD of the Royal Marines as he moved from the area with the Service.
1964
OKLAHOMA
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Pat Foulds, Musical Director: A. C. Finney
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Having followed the Society for many years this was my first show on stage. After the drama of West Side Story, this lovable feel-good show played to packed houses with the ‘Full House’ sign standing outside the Gaumont Theatre . Joining Bernard Quantrill and A.C. Finney of the Royal Marines, Pat Foulds was Choreographer with her excellent skills in the dream ballet scene. The horse used duly performed one night, and brought the house down, but sadly failed to repeat his performance on following nights to the disappointment of the cast.
KISS ME KATE
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Dennis Lowe, Musical Director: A. C. Finney
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This great score of Cole Porter gave the Society another change of style and had some wonderful melodies. Dennis Lowe returned as Choreographer to join the team, as well as playing one of the male leads. Sadly from an audience point of view it played to poor houses in comparison to ‘Oklahoma’. Maybe Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew had something to do with it. Nevertheless a wonderful company show.
1965
THE STUDENT PRINCE
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Dennis Lowe, Musical Director: A. C. Finney
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
‘I’ll walk with God’ and ‘Drinking Song’ are just two memorable gems from this great Sigmund Romberg score. With the same production team this show was an operatic treat with fine ensemble singing. Of its time a popular show.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Dennis Lowe, Musical Director: Keith Turton
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
October 12th 1965 headlined ‘Another landmark set by South Pacific’ in the Evening Star by Critic Diapason. A very popular show that saw some of the cast visit a chilly Felixstowe beach for publicity photos. Very successful production with Keith Turton joining as MD of the Royal Marines.
1966
CAROUSEL
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Dennis Lowe, Musical Director: Keith Turton
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Yet another Rodgers and Hammerstein blockbuster. First presented by the Society in l957 at the Ipswich Hippodrome. This production saw Yvette Graves elevated from the dancers to join the production team as Ballet Mistress, playing Louise in the Ballet. A wonderful ensemble show with many tear-jerking moments.
THE KING AND I
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Dennis Lowe, Musical Director: Keith Turton
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Staying with Rodgers and Hammerstein and the same production team, this proved to be a theatre jewel. Beautiful songs, dancing, costumes and numerous cute and talented children. It’s right when they say ‘never work with children or animals’.
1967
CAMELOT
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Sue Macer, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This Lerner and Loewe production was the ‘Southern Amateur Premiere’ of this musical. It was very nearly the ‘National Premiere’, but two other amateur companies pipped the Society by a mere seven days. As Critic Diapason said ‘it was the most lavish and sumptuous show in the Society’s history’. With Bernard Quantrill again directing , the Choreographer was Sue Macer and for the first time a professional Capriol Orchestra of London under the direction of Roy Budden. The cast took a trip to Orford Castle for publicity photos and with original costumes from Drury Lane, this truly was a spectacular show. The Souvenir Programme was One Shilling.
1968
GUYS AND DOLLS
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Christine Clarke, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Damon Runyon‘s story of gambling, gangsters and dolls was a world away from King Arthur. This fast moving sleazy world mixing with the Salvation Army contained showstoppers such as ‘ Luck be a Lady’ and ‘Sit down you’re rockin the boat’ , to name but two. Joining Bernard Quantrill and Roy Budden on the production team was Christine Clarke as Choreographer. Sadly, as with ‘Camelot’ the show financially was not a success and with losses made, Peter Carley, Chairman, said it was vital to make sure the next production was a success for the continuous existence of the Society.
MY FAIR LADY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Christine Clarke, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This was an amateur premiere for the Society shared with two other companies. A great boost for the Society to be granted permission with some 200 applications to NODA wanting to stage the show. What a show! Bookings went well and ‘House Full’ signs were on show again. One of the highlights was the Ascot Gavotte scene dressed entirely in black and white, which earned great applause from the audience each night when the curtain opened. Another great production by Bernard Quantrill and the Capriol Orchestra. It attracted a record attendance of 10,250 and earned a record gross income of £4,250. It cost a record breaking £3,750 to produce.
1969
THE NEW MOON
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
A nice change to Sigmund Romberg’s show full of melody and colour. This show had a revolutionary flavour with lots of tough guys involved in brawls alternating with dances by pretty girls. Bernard Quantrill and Roy Budden were joined by Carole Wilden as Choreographer. Stephen Ball, the Society’s Business Manager, told the Evening Star that the Society expected to lose about £300. This, he said, was caused by two main factors, one being rising costs and the other being no increase in ticket prices.
1970
THE MERRY WIDOW
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This classic show with the music of Franz Lehar contains eight-part harmony and truly was an ensemble gem. In his very detailed critique Diapason praised Bernardo’s production pointing out that many amateur companies were reluctant to embark on a show that contains such good singing and acting. With Carole Wilden and Roy Budden on board the production team, this was a glamorous and successful show. The souvenir programme went up to one shilling and sixpence.
HELLO DOLLY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Margaret Leeke, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Based on Thornton Wilder’s famous play ‘The Matchmaker’ this is the story of Dolly Levi’s efforts to arrange a marriage for Horace Vandergelder. Margaret Leeke joined Bernardo Quantrill and Roy Budden as Choreographic Assistant as well as playing the part of Minnie Fay. The cast took a trip to Ipswich Station for publicity photos as well as visiting The Crown and Anchor Hotel with Dolly and the waiters.
1971
KISMET
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Second time round for this Arabian gem. Last produced in 1961. This production cost £4,000 and Lesley Jones, Miss Anglia TV, paid a visit to rehearsals to promote the show. The production team of Bernardo Quantrill and Roy Budden was joined once again by Carole Wilden as choreographer. With an orchestra of over 20, including a harp, the cast and production team numbered over 80.
SWEET CHARITY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This show is a dancer’s paradise. With music by Cy Coleman and book by Neil Simon it has 11 dance routines. Each one took choreographer Carole Wilden a fortnight to create. Such wonderful numbers such as ‘Big Spender’, ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’ and the show-stopper ‘Rhythm of Life’. It was a long hot summer of rehearsals and knee pads were a must. It was exhilarating to say the least. With seats at 35p-75p and a box costing £3, the Society offered 2 seats for the price of one on the Monday night.
1972
SONG OF NORWAY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Edvard Grieg, the Norwegian composer, is the subject of this enchanting musical. With the same production team in place and a large cast, there was Corps de Ballet, trolls and an abundance of wonderful ensemble singing. Special mention to pianist John Butler for his great contribution instrumentally with some fine solo playing, particularly in the finale, based on Grieg’s piano concerto.
SOUND OF MUSIC
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Back to Rogers and Hammerstein for this family favourite. The show ran in October and back in June a staggering 114 youngsters auditioned for the seven Von Trapp children. The understudies performed in the Saturday matinee. Bernardo Quantrill’s production set a new attendance record. Over 11,000 people saw the show putting the Society in a very healthy financial position at this time.
CAVALCADE OF MUSIC
Director: Dennis Pennock with Bernardo Quantrill, MC: Barry Marshall
Venue: Ipswich Town Hall
Performed at The Town Hall, Ipswich on the 25th October 1972 this concert was for the 1972 Season of Music and the Arts. Devised and presented by Dennis Pennock and assisted by Bernardo Quantrill, the Master of Ceremonies was Barry Marshall. A programme of song and dance. A cheque for £50 was presented to the Ipswich Society for Mentally Handicapped Children.
1973
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Playing to almost full houses each night this show was not only a success in audience attendance but for the wonderful feeling of camaraderie for the cast. A story of tradition fast becoming eroded by new ideas and values leading to the Russian Revolution. Great music with ‘If I were a Rich Man’ leading the way. Bernardo Quantrill’s sensitive handling of the production was a great success.
HALF A SIXPENCE
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Based on the novel ‘Kipps’ by H G Wells, this production gave some of the younger members of the Society their chance to shine. This was a completely light frothy piece and Carole Wilden as choreographer produced some dynamic dance routines. Great stamina required by Kipps who is barely off the stage. The Society was now proving to be fully competent of performing a wide range of shows for audience appeal.
1974
PINK CHAMPAGNE
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
With music by Johann Strauss ‘Pink Champagne’ is adapted from ‘Die Fledermaus’. Some imaginative touches to the production by Carole Wilden, choreographer, with her impressive Corps de Ballet who appear in one scene, after heavily drinking, as pink elephants in tutus and white mice with pink ears and long tails. Great principal and ensemble singing left the audience humming down the street.
CALAMITY JANE
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
One of the most popular Westerns and everyone loves Doris Day. Good family entertainment full of cowpunchers, bullwhackers, trappers, Indians, saloon girls and soldiers. The cast took a trip to the Running Buck in Ipswich, ideally suited for publicity photos. ‘The Deadwood Stage’, ‘Windy City’ and ‘My Secret Love’ are just some of the great numbers from this show. Bernardo Quantrill directed along with Carole Wilden, choreographer and Roy Budden MD.
1975
SOUTH PACIFIC
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
The 21st Anniversary of the Society and the second time for ‘South Pacific’. Bernardo Quantrill had great success with the 1965 production and along with several others of the original cast again delivered a success. In celebration of the 21st year the Society announced that this year it was seeking the key to its own door and set up a building fund for new premises. Just how fantastic would that be! Alongside Bernardo again this year was Carole Wilden and Roy Budden.
VIVA MEXICO
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
This Latin American musical was written with amateurs in mind and contained 13 principal parts and plenty of chorus work. For the Society it brought out new talent in the Company and for the audience hits such as ‘Mexican Hat Dance’ and ‘La Cucaracha’. Continuing with the same production team, Carole Wilden arranged the speciality dances.
1976
THE DESERT SONG
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
The second time of this production by the Society and the greatest scene stealer of all was Worthington, an endearing donkey, whose brief appearance added a touch of magic. This was the 27th production for Bernardo Quantrill and along with Carole Wilden and Roy Budden ‘was a triumph’ according to the Evening Star.
JUST FANCY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Roy Budden
Venue: Ipswich Corn Exchange
A review written and directed by Bernardo Quantrill which ran for 2 nights at Ipswich Corn Exchange. This was a light hearted collection of sketches, dance and song. Music was supplied by John Butler on piano, George Sirett on organ and Lionel Ford, percussion.
1977
MY FAIR LADY
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Bernard Reader
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Some 9 years since the first production this show cost in the region of £5,000. With TV stepping up an alternative form of entertainment all amateur theatre groups were suffering. This show saw the departure of a professional orchestra and welcomed Bernard Reader, a well known Suffolk musician and conductor, as MD using a locally formed 23 piece orchestra. Head of music at the Civic College, Bernard felt local musicians being available for more rehearsals was a great advantage.
1978
GIGI
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Bernard Reader
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
After only one production last year the Society was adventurous in selecting this show as Ipswich was in fact only the second amateur society in the country to stage this delightful musical play. An attractive visual piece capturing the atmosphere of Paris at the turn of the century. Souvenir programmes now selling for twenty pence.
1979
THE VAGABOND KING
Director: Bernardo Quantrill, Choreographer: Carole Wilden, Musical Director: Bernard Reader
Venue: The Gaumont Theatre, St Helens Street, Ipswich
Chosen by the Society for its 25th Anniversary so that as many members of the Society could be involved. The cast numbered 70. This was Bernardo Quantrill’s 30th production and he had the strong support of Bernard Reader and a large orchestra and Carole Wilden as choreographer. An abundance of rousing chorus numbers with romantic and stirring music by Rudolf Friml. An extravagant production and with rising costs and a very bad week for weather, this show did not go down well and lost a lot of money.
SOUNDS FAMILIAR
Director: John White, Produced and Costumed: Pam White, Musical Director: Bernard Reader
Venue: Chantry School, Ipswich
This was a new venture for the Society to raise funds and keep one major production a year at the Gaumont. Compiled by John White with musical arrangements directed by Bernard Reader, it was produced and costumed by Pam White. It took place at Chantry School, Ipswich with tickets at 90p and 50p. On a low budget this revue enabled more members to have the chance to step forward and develop skills and experiences. It was also taken to Wickham Market and Saxmundham.