Glee Singers & St Illtyd's Operatic & Dramatic Society

The Illtyd Operatic & Dramatic Society

The Illtyd Glee Singers were founded in 1919 by seven enthusiastic singers, led by  David Edwards, who lived near St Illtyd’s Church.   Fame was to spread far and wide and contributions to charities enriched its reputation.   Hundreds of singers can speak of their association with the “Illtyd,” but the solid foundations and strict discipline insisted upon by the giants of those early days ensured the Society’s success.

In 1926 the society, then known as Illtyd Operatic & Dramatic Society organised its triumphant entry into “operatics,” with the “Bohemian Girl,” to be followed by success with “The Gondoliers,”

A great many folk still have cherished memories of Blodwen, Aeis and Galatea and Belshazzar’s Feast.   The great singers of that day set a high standard and team spirit ensured complete success.

One lady enthusiastically remembered a performance of the Mikado back in 1937.   Alf Bayber took the comic lead.   Unfortunately, I cannot find any information on this gentleman although his name has cropped up in various places during my research.

War brought a halt to activities, but when hostilities ceased there was an immediate return with the Pirates of Penzance.   Traditions were maintained, but the cost of productions was rising, and the search for talent ever more difficult.

Three generations of a family were often involved in a single production.   This involvement could span perhaps 20-30 years of performances.   Roles were taken seriously and many hours spent on learning lines and creating character.   People still remember a father or mother ‘living’ their role for the week of the performance, then reverting to their original personality when the show was over.

School girls as young as 13 and 14 were involved with the Pirates of Penzance in 1951.   One young lady can still remember performing the sailor’s hornpipe and suffering afterwards with muscles aching from the strain.

This photograph of a performance on the Institute stage, around 1954-5 was donated by Walter Harris and includes his mother and sister, Joyce in the chorus of The Gondoliers by Gilbert & Sullivan.

The musical ‘The Arcadians,’ played to a packed house in the Workmen’s Institute for a week in March 1954.   The cast is listed under "The Arcadians" on this blog.

In 1956 very few households would have owned any entertainment technology, other than a radio to be plugged into the electricity supply.   TVs were only just appearing in homes.   Many were purchased to view the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.   Being able to take part in, or go along to watch an Operetta or Musical in the local hall was a real treat for everyone.    ‘The Illtyd’ performed the musical Maritza.   Mary Simmons took the romantic lead and in 1957, she also performed as Saffi in their 21^st presentation since 1926, The Gipsy Baron.   It was  performed on six nights, commencing Monday, 18^th November 1957, in the Workmen’s Hall by kind permission of the Institute Committee.  See Appendix 4 for a further history of the society included in that programme and other details.

Participants practiced for months, and costumes would have been made by Society members in their spare time.   During the years of the Illtyd Operatic Society, large number of amateur artistes of great ability took part and others provided services behind the scenes making every show a success with many still remembered.  

A few names are listed below:

Musical Directors:-  David Edwards, Harry Hill, Jack Jenkins, Luther Evans, Arthur Hill, Miss L. Edmunds, Tom Watkins, Frank Watkins, Horace Grayford, Sam Mounfield, Martin Budd.

Producers:-  Tom Addis, Emlyn  Blissett, Albert Price, Grantley Baker, Mrs Morfydd Davies-Green, J M Roberts, Fred Carpenter.

The list of non-performing members of the society, during 1956, illustrates the huge local following of the Society, and the importance of these annual performances to the community:

            County Councillor George Gibbs, President of the society
            51 vice-presidents,
            25 Officers and Committee
             Hon. General Secretary
            36 people “serving the society” from stage mgr., stage carpenter to call boy.
            Producer,
            Accompanist,
            Musical Dir.,
            Guest Dir.

An advertisement for Webb’s brewery in the programme for 1956 “had pleasure in drawing the attention of patrons of the society to Golden Bitter Draught, IPA Draught, Golden Ale bottled, Special Ale bottled, CLEARLY THE BEST.”

Corona  advertised their fruit squashes and sparkling drinks:  “For value, variety and all occasions keep Corona at your side.   If you experience any difficulty in obtaining supplies, just send a postcard to: Thomas and Evans Ltd. Head Office, Porth, Glam.”  

H. Kibby and Sons, probably later to become one of the first supermarket chains in the UK , advertised as “Over 50 years in the trade, HIGH-CLASS GROCERS & PROVISION MERCHANTS,   THE STORES,  ABERBEEG, Telephone 247.”

H.Gore advertised ‘“Formica” hardboard.’   People handy with their hands would purchase these sheets to glue over  their Victorian wooden kitchen cupboard or table to make it ‘wipe clean.’”   

Although death often came suddenly during the first half of the twentieth century, communication was difficult and news moved slowly.   Hence the note on C. Williams’ ad:

“Wreaths and Crosses made at short notice.”

Shows and the years they were performed by the Illtyd Amateur Operatic Society.

                                    The Bohemian Girl     1926
                                    Gondoliers                  1927
                                    Pirates of Penzance   1928
                                    The Yeoman of the Guard 1929
                                    The Mikado                 1930
                                    Ruddigore                   1931
                                    The Count of Como   1932
                                    San Marino                 1933
                                    Gretchen                     1934
                                    Iolanthe                       1935
                                    San Marino                 1936
                                    Mikado                         1937
                                    BREAK  DURING WWII
                                    Ruddigore                   1947
                                    Mikado                         1948
                                    Merrie England           1949
                                    The Gondoliers          1950
                                    Pirates of Penzance  1951    Conductor H Crayford
                                    A Country Girl             1952
                                    The Geisha                 1953
                                    The Arcadians            1954  (March)
                                    Lilac Domino               1955
                                    Maritza                         1956
                                    The Gipsy Baron        1957  (Nov)  21^st Presentation
                                     The Gipsy Baron       1958
                                    The Gypsy Princess   1959  (April)

The Gipsy Baron performed in 1957, although documented as the 21^st Presentation, was, according to the above list, in fact the 23^rd.  

The Operatic Soc. often performed two or even three shows a year and they were always a highlight of village life.   Excitement and anticipation grew as it became time to purchase tickets and dress up for show nights.   The audience would wear their best clothes, generally reserved for Sunday chapel, for this special night out.