Our History
In 1933 a choral society was formed as a section of Southey-Norwood community association. In 1935 members were looking to expand and were introduced to amateur dramatics by Mr. Charlie Wallace, who was our first director and Southey Operatic Society was born. Founder members Marion Shepard, Mabel Rhodes, Tom Brown and Harry Tomlinson remained with the society throughout their lives.
The society met and rehearsed at Longley School where it's many productions were presented. The costumes for these shows were hired for 6d each (2.5p today). During the war years concerts were performed including one at the Shirecliffe gun site. After the war, shows were presented at the Capitol Cinema, Sheffield Lane Top.
Thanks to the efforts of the councillor John Worrall the authorities of The Montgomery Theatre were persuaded to make the hall available for amateur societies and Southey had the honour of being the first society to perform at the Montgomery Hall. During the 1950's in addition to shows at the Montgomery Hall, the society also presented pantomimes at St Cuthbert's church hall in Firvale.
From 1935-1952 the society raised more than £400 for charity (a considerable sum at that time). A former member was Audrey Graham who went on to appear with Hughie Green on 'Opportunity Knocks'.
In 1961 a community centre was built for the community association, this became our home. During the 60's and 70's pantomimes were staged at the community centre in addition to our annual production at the Montgomery Hall. Sadly from June 2005 we are being forced to relocate whilst the building undergoes some much needed modernisation.
In 1963 the Montgomery Theatre was closed whilst alterations required for safety reasons were carried out. During this time our productions were moved to Burngreave Methodist Hall. The following year we returned to the Montgomery Hall and it was decided to present two full scale musicals per year, one at the Montgomery. Unfortunately this continued for just three years until rising costs and a shortage of new shows meant that it became necessary to revert to just one show per year, a tradition which continues to this day.
In 1965 the Society's President, Alderman John Worrall became Lord Mayor of Sheffield and Society members were invited to a reception in the Lord Mayor's Parlour at the Town Hall. A thirtieth anniversary dinner was held at Hathersage Inn at a cost of 17s 6d (87.5p) including coach!
Over the years we have had 5 Presidents, 10 Chairmen, 9 Secretaries, 28 Musical Directors and 20 Directors. Many members have met their partners through the society and a strong tradition of whole families being involved in one capacity or another continues to this day.
The society met and rehearsed at Longley School where it's many productions were presented. The costumes for these shows were hired for 6d each (2.5p today). During the war years concerts were performed including one at the Shirecliffe gun site. After the war, shows were presented at the Capitol Cinema, Sheffield Lane Top.
Thanks to the efforts of the councillor John Worrall the authorities of The Montgomery Theatre were persuaded to make the hall available for amateur societies and Southey had the honour of being the first society to perform at the Montgomery Hall. During the 1950's in addition to shows at the Montgomery Hall, the society also presented pantomimes at St Cuthbert's church hall in Firvale.
From 1935-1952 the society raised more than £400 for charity (a considerable sum at that time). A former member was Audrey Graham who went on to appear with Hughie Green on 'Opportunity Knocks'.
In 1961 a community centre was built for the community association, this became our home. During the 60's and 70's pantomimes were staged at the community centre in addition to our annual production at the Montgomery Hall. Sadly from June 2005 we are being forced to relocate whilst the building undergoes some much needed modernisation.
In 1963 the Montgomery Theatre was closed whilst alterations required for safety reasons were carried out. During this time our productions were moved to Burngreave Methodist Hall. The following year we returned to the Montgomery Hall and it was decided to present two full scale musicals per year, one at the Montgomery. Unfortunately this continued for just three years until rising costs and a shortage of new shows meant that it became necessary to revert to just one show per year, a tradition which continues to this day.
In 1965 the Society's President, Alderman John Worrall became Lord Mayor of Sheffield and Society members were invited to a reception in the Lord Mayor's Parlour at the Town Hall. A thirtieth anniversary dinner was held at Hathersage Inn at a cost of 17s 6d (87.5p) including coach!
Over the years we have had 5 Presidents, 10 Chairmen, 9 Secretaries, 28 Musical Directors and 20 Directors. Many members have met their partners through the society and a strong tradition of whole families being involved in one capacity or another continues to this day.
A History of Southey Musical Theatre Company - compiled by Ralph Green, 2015