120 Years of Entertainment

Predating NODA itself, Sunderland AOS celebrated their 120th anniversary with a one night production at their spiritual home the Sunderland Empire Theatre. Show compere was local Radio Sun-FM presenter Simon Grundy as he gave the audience a ‘history lesson’ of the group from its origins to modern times, often with humorous anecdotes.

Given the popular genre of music in the late 19th century (and indeed now) it was fitting that the group performed from a selection of G&S classics including their first major production of “HMS Pinafore”. Also included in the show content was an ‘upbeat’ medley of Rodgers and Hammerstein classics, many of which the society had performed in previous years. Fetching the audience into more recent times was a series of solos from recent productions and timeless classics, including a haunting rendition of ‘Vilia’ from the “The Merry Widow” sung by society stalwart Barbara Simpson with accompanying dance routine by Abigail Bowman.

A similar format was followed in the second act, providing a rounded production with something for everyone. The ‘next generation’ were represented by the inclusion of two school choirs from Hill View junior school and Hylton Redhouse primary school.  Also providing entertainment in the form of dance were the excellently drilled steps of Kathleen Knox dancers.

At times the sound volume of the performers could have done with being a little louder compared to the backing tracks used, whilst lighting was sometimes faded at the end of numbers too quickly, thus not allowing the audience sufficient time to show their appreciation to the cast in the form of applause which the dancing, choral work and soloists richly deserved.

For a society 120 years old the finale of “Music Was My First Love” seemed somehow richly appropriate.

In recognition of the society’s longevity, immediate past President Fred Piggford presented society chairman Derek Crooks a special certificate from NODA, as well as a diamond (60 years) bar to Barbara Simpson whose membership of the group has spanned half of its existence.  Well done SAOS.

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