About us

In the summer of 1965, around twenty-five people met at Southwick Community Centre in answer to an article placed in the Community News by Mr Roy Davidson, Warden of the Centre at the time. The news item stated that while there were many classes held at the Centre, there was nothing to cover any type of musical and singing interest. At this initial meeting all aspects of forming an Operatic Society were discussed. A steering Committee was set up with Roy Davidson appointed as Musical Director and Secretary of the Company, a position he held until retirement in 1991.

The Company's debut was Gilbert & Sullivan's Trial by Jury, plus extracts from operetta and musicals in spring 1966. Since then we have been a very happy and successful company and over the years have built on our experiences and expanded greatly.

In 1998 The Barn was extensively improved and extended at a cost of almost £2 million, thanks largely to lottery funding. The theatre now enjoys the use of a much enlarged stage and state-of-the-art technology.

Southwick Opera has staged some ambitious productions of many of the world's best-loved operas, plus other musical shows and operetta, under the direction of inspired producers and conductors.  Credit must also be given to the myriad workers backstage, the excellent wardrobe and workshop teams and the efficient box office staff.

In 2005 Southwick Opera celebrated its 40th Anniversary with Eugene Onegin, which Southwick last produced in 1973. Audiences both local and from further afield loyally support the company and are able to enjoy opera at a reasonable cost. 

In 2015 Southwick Opera celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary with Golden Memories, a concert including items from almost every show that the company had ever performed.

In 2018 we added a sub name to the company and SO Musical Theatre is now part of Southwick Opera.  We are moving the company forward, whilst still keeping true to our origins.  Our aim is to attract new members and audiences to join our already loyal casts and followers, who have been with and supporting the company for many years.

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Last updated 2019-04-25 16:55:42 by web_admin