St Illtyd's Operatic Society History

A History of the Illtyd Operatic Society taken from the 21^st Celebration Programme 1957
by J M Roberts, an officer of the committee.

The Geisha, performed 1953

The Gipsy Baron, their 21^st presentation since 1926, was  performed on six nights, commencing Monday, 18^th November 1957, in the Workmen’s Hall by kind permission of the Institute Committee:

            “The twenty-first celebration of our entry into the field of Operetta is something we are proud of.  The road has been long, hardly ever straight and much of it uphill.   Because of these circumstances, it reflects greater glory on the society, which overcame the years of industrial strife when unfortunately, others were forced into “temporary retirement.”

            “Our stage has mirrored the warmth of friendly relations, and the strength and weaknesses of its players, but always it has underlined the grand team spirit which exists.   Undoubtedly this virtue has been mainly responsible for the survival of the society.

            “Indeed there is a likeness to a family portrait in the unbroken service of fathers, sons, mothers and daughters, each being proud to uphold the splendid traditions.

            “Some may think this inborn understanding was the influence that attracted the Society to the works of that other team, Gilbert and Sullivan for many notable successes scored before        and after the war.   The most critical will pay tribute that every production was a success – some perhaps, to a lesser degree than others.

            “So much can be written, but rather than commit the offence of overlooking some valuable contribution made by any of the hundreds who have passed through the Illtyd membership – a big thank you to all is given.   The only exception is a tribute to Mrs Gladys Purkiss, who was the accompanist throughout these glorious years of effort.   She has now left, and our loss has been another’s gain.

 “Rather than leave the reader puzzled, we record this brief reference to the works performed.    The first, in 1926, was the “Bohemian Girl” the hit of those days.  Then came the “Gondoliers,” with its colour and gaiety.  “The Pirates of Penzance” remembered for its arias, “The Yeoman of the Guard,” for its operatic purity.  “The Mikado” for its musical charm.  Then to “Ruddigore,” – change often proving a desirable tonic.

Programme cover for 1957 performance

            “Rather than leave the reader puzzled, we record this brief reference to the works performed.    The first, in 1926, was the “Bohemian Girl” the hit of those days.  Then came the “Gondoliers,” with its colour and gaiety.  “The Pirates of Penzance” remembered for its arias, “The Yeoman of the Guard,” for its operatic purity.  “The Mikado” for its musical charm.  Then to “Ruddigore,” – change often proving a desirable tonic.
            “Afterwards came “The Count of Como,” “San Marino,” “Gretchen,” “Iolanthe” with Gilbert’s political shafts appropriate to the time.   The second World war suspended our work and saw many of our players with the colours, but on their return with many new faces to help, “The Pirates” was again performed and repeats were given of “Ruddigore” and “The Mikado.”

Bread ad in 1957 programme for The Gipsy Baron

            “It was “Merrie England” that set the seal on the post-war successes, but alas! There came a crisis we were fortunate to survive.  Our production went on.  Appropriately it was “The Gondoliers” – the Cachucha helping to blow away the troubled air.   The modern “Country Girl,” “The Geisha,” “The Arcadians” and “Lilac Domino” came in the widest variety, and last year’s “Maritza” was acclaimed the best of all.

            “We often hear the phrase, “Those were the days” – days we all know to have been       outstanding in the history of the society, but those diehards will permit this fair observation in defence of the present.   Industry claims men and women today.   There are a hundred and one attractions that tempt the young, and no doubt because of these, rehearsals are not conducted with the rigid discipline of old.   Perhaps it accounts, too, for the almost proverbial saying, “It will be all right on the night” and, strangely ... it always is!

            ““The Gipsy Baron” with its delightful music, comedy, settings, chorus, and costume, makes         an ideal choice to be “The Key of the Door” on the occasion of the 21^st annual production.   We pray it will open up better opportunities and many more years of happy endeavour, and rich fulfilment.   We hope that for always the Society will merit the support so generously and faithfully given by the lovers of Light Opera.”  - J.M.R.

Illtyd Operatic performing 1950

Other details in the 21^st Presentation Programme for Gipsy Baron in 1957.

As always, in 1957 manners were important, the programme listed thanks to the following:

Llanhilleth Institute Committee
            without whose generous support this production would not be possible.

Mr & Mrs J Williams, Llanhilleth Hotel for use of rooms for rehearsal.

Superintendent and members of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, (Llanhilleth Div.)
            for their valuable help.

Patrons for their generous support.

Caretaker and staff of the Workmen’s Institute.

Mr D R Jones, M E for special services.

Messrs Joseph and Falkman, Ltd. for the loan of furniture.

Ladies who kindly arranged refreshments.

Ticket, Programme and Ice cream Sellers

All who so kindly donated window advertising space.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.
General public for continued support.

Ticket hatch with 1960s paintwork, found behind boards during the renovation

The advertisements in this 1957 programme reveal some interesting telephone numbers.  

D. Rees & Sons (Golden crust) Ltd. Abertillery, Mon.  Telephone: Abertillery 27

“Try our new WONDER LOAF, Wales’ Finest Loaf, Made at your local bakery with local labour and services.”

Margaret’s “Give them A PRESENT SURPRISE,”    Telephone Abertillery 59