DEVIZES  MUSICAL THEATRE

Registered Charity: 1050079

Affiliated to National Operatic & Dramatic Association

Our History

Our Society was officially founded on 21st October 1965 as the Devizes Light Operatic Society, and we have continued to present a musical show every year since. In its early days, the Society concentrated on Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, but soon branched out into other operettas such as “Merrie England” and “Orpheus in the Underworld”. To reflect changing times and public appetite, in due course popular musicals were added to the repertoire such as “My Fair Lady”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Oklahoma”.

In 2008 the Society changed its name to Devizes Musical Theatre and our most recent productions have seen us further developing our song and dance capabilities, with fast-paced song and tap-dance routines being a key feature of  “Anything Goes” (our production in April 2010) and “Crazy For You”.

Initially the annual production took place on the stage at Devizes School, but since 1995 we have had the benefit of being based at Dauntsey’s School, where we have access to a large, well-equipped stage with modern lighting and sound system.

As well as encouraging local talent on stage, the Society has always been well supported by an orchestra of local people, enabling yet more talent to blossom. No show is complete without those working tirelessly backstage, whether responsible for costumes, make-up, front of house, lighting, sound, scenery, or simply making tea and coffee.

In addition to our annual show the Society has a long history of providing entertaining concerts, either alone or in conjunction with other groups. This is usually in Devizes or other Wiltshire venues, but in 1976 the Society performed in Waiblingen (Germany) via the Twinning Association.

The Society has built up a good reputation and following since inception. This is due to the generous commitment of many people who share the vision of the founders: to see local people and talent producing musical theatre in the Devizes area.

Devizes Musical Theatre is affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) and participates in the regional Rose Bowl  awards for music and drama. In 2010, the Society was nominated for a Rose Bowl award.