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.
The Spirit of Southey Award
Ralph Green with the SOS Award
The Spirit of Southey Award was introduced in 2016 to commemorate the memories of life-long Southey members Marion Shepherd, Sandy Doy, Tony Gibson and Mary Moore. They were all a huge part of the Company’s history and we wanted to acknowledge them for their many, many years of service and support.
The SOS Award recognises individuals who always have Southey’s best interests at heart and who have given devoted and loyal service to the society, never for personal gain or adulation.
2016-17
Michael Moore
Michael was presented with the SOS Award in December 2016 at our Christmas Party by our Chair, Marie Mason, and gave a very emotional speech, remembering his good friends Marion and Sandy, his partner Tony and his mother Mary. Michael himself has been a member of Southey for 50 years and, as well as taking roles on stage, he was our Chairman from 1982 to 2000, he has assisted production teams and been a member of the wardrobe team to name just a few jobs. He is a very talented milliner (his headdresses for ‘The King & I’ are still talked about to this day!) and he is working on a very detailed wardrobe design for our production of ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’.
We are very lucky to have Michael as a part of the Southey Family and there was absolutely no doubt in anyone’s minds that he should be the first recipient of the SOS Award to show our gratitude for all has done, and continues to do.
2017-18
Brian Gill (posthumous)
Brian died suddenly in December 2016. He dedicated many years to Southey both on and off stage, more recently taking on the challenges of Librarian. He had a huge heart, was at every Social event and would do anything for anybody whenever he could. The dressing rooms at the Monty won’t be the same without him popping his head in to wish us all luck before the show and it is very fitting that the SOS Award should bear his name.
Brains sister Muriel was asked to hold the Award for that Season.
2018-19
Ralph Green
Ralph was presented the Award at our 2018 AGM by his good friend Michael Moore. He joined Southey in 1972 as Musical Director, a position he held right through to 1994 and became our Honorary President in 2002. He is heavily involved in the running of the Company, attending monthly committee meetings, many rehearsals and he is always willing to roll up his sleeves when needed.
A very worthy recipient of the SOS Award – we are very lucky to have such a ‘hands on’ President.
Long may it continue.
2019-20
Gina Townend
Gina was named the recipient of the SOS Award at our 2019 AGM, presented to her by Ralph Green who described her achievements surrounding the Company as myriad, certainly in helping to keep Southey at the top of the tree. She joined in 2006 and has been an active member ever since, taking on roles on stage and on production teams. She joined the Committee as Marketing Manager in 2014 and is always willing to go above and beyond what is asked or expected of her.
The SOS Award recognises individuals who always have Southey’s best interests at heart and who have given devoted and loyal service to the society, never for personal gain or adulation.
2016-17
Michael Moore
Michael was presented with the SOS Award in December 2016 at our Christmas Party by our Chair, Marie Mason, and gave a very emotional speech, remembering his good friends Marion and Sandy, his partner Tony and his mother Mary. Michael himself has been a member of Southey for 50 years and, as well as taking roles on stage, he was our Chairman from 1982 to 2000, he has assisted production teams and been a member of the wardrobe team to name just a few jobs. He is a very talented milliner (his headdresses for ‘The King & I’ are still talked about to this day!) and he is working on a very detailed wardrobe design for our production of ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’.
We are very lucky to have Michael as a part of the Southey Family and there was absolutely no doubt in anyone’s minds that he should be the first recipient of the SOS Award to show our gratitude for all has done, and continues to do.
2017-18
Brian Gill (posthumous)
Brian died suddenly in December 2016. He dedicated many years to Southey both on and off stage, more recently taking on the challenges of Librarian. He had a huge heart, was at every Social event and would do anything for anybody whenever he could. The dressing rooms at the Monty won’t be the same without him popping his head in to wish us all luck before the show and it is very fitting that the SOS Award should bear his name.
Brains sister Muriel was asked to hold the Award for that Season.
2018-19
Ralph Green
Ralph was presented the Award at our 2018 AGM by his good friend Michael Moore. He joined Southey in 1972 as Musical Director, a position he held right through to 1994 and became our Honorary President in 2002. He is heavily involved in the running of the Company, attending monthly committee meetings, many rehearsals and he is always willing to roll up his sleeves when needed.
A very worthy recipient of the SOS Award – we are very lucky to have such a ‘hands on’ President.
Long may it continue.
2019-20
Gina Townend
Gina was named the recipient of the SOS Award at our 2019 AGM, presented to her by Ralph Green who described her achievements surrounding the Company as myriad, certainly in helping to keep Southey at the top of the tree. She joined in 2006 and has been an active member ever since, taking on roles on stage and on production teams. She joined the Committee as Marketing Manager in 2014 and is always willing to go above and beyond what is asked or expected of her.
A History of Southey Musical Theatre Company - compiled by Ralph Green, 2015