Reno Sweeney (Linda Campbell)

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Moonface Martin (David Chapman), Bonnie (Julie Hewitt)

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Reno Sweeney and the Angels (left to right):
Charity (Kerrie Fiddy), Virtue (Sarah Browne), Reno (Linda Campbell), Purity (Vicky Grafton), Chastity (Jeanie Woods)

Dereham has a lot of people and organisations to be proud of.

Whether it be world renowned sportsmen and women, record breaking drummers or hugely successful schools, there are plenty of flag wavers for the town.

And up there with those who deserve huge credit is the Dereham Operatic Society, which celebrates its 60th birthday in 2008.

For most people on the eve of such an anniversary they could be forgiven for taking things a bit easier, relax, be satisfied with achievements and enjoy a chilled out retirement.

For DOS, though, such thoughts of resting on any laurels of past glories could not be further from the truth as members prepare for the diamond anniversary.

Saturday's gala opening night of Anything Goes - a delightful mix of comedy, romance and foot-tapping music favourites - proved that the society can still take productions to new heights.

It was not the easiest build-up to the autumn musical - with the society being told just a week ago that the Memorial Hall kitchen had failed an environmental health check which ensured a major headache for the first night catering.

Throw in a throat problem for leading lady Linda Campbell (Reno Sweeney) right up until Friday and one or two other pre-show hiccups and the end result which the packed audience was treated to was even more impressive.

The energy, enthusiasm, pace and confidence were oozing on the SS American from the cast, which was a great blend of vastly experienced Dereham performers and young newcomers.

Linda was stunning as glamorous night club singer Reno and Nick Bird (stowaway Billy Crocker) displayed his immense versatility as leading man - and produced his wide variety of different accents all in the right places!

The depth of quality in the cast was perhaps the most impressive aspect of the show.

Katie Wicks was a delightful Hope Harcourt, David Chapman took to the role of gangster Moonface Martin superbly (and his rendition of Be Like The Bluebird was unforgettable), Julie Hewitt blossomed in her part of Moonie's friend Bonnie, while David Rees brought the hapless English aristocrat Sir Evelyn Oakleigh to life.

Tony Wilds - well loved by Dereham audiences over many years as the panto dame - was equally popular as drunken Wall Street boss Elisha Whitney and special mention must also go to Kevin Reeve and Ron Eaglen (Chinese converts Ching and Ling) who added a great spice of comedy.

The list of those deserving praise could go on and on.

Life may begin at 40 - but it is getting even better at almost 60 for Dereham Operatic Society.

 

Reno Sweeney	Linda Campbell
Mrs Wadsworth T Harcourt	Pat Tabor
Hope Harcourt	Katie Wicks
Bishop (Henry T Dobson) and Chorus	Nick King
Billy Crocker	Nick Bird
Moonface Martin	David Chapman
Ching and Chorus	Kevin Reeve
Ling and Chorus	Ron Eaglen
Captain of the Line	John McInnes
Bonnie	Julie Hewitt
Sir Evelyn Oakleigh	David Rees
Whitney, Elisha J	Tony Wilds
The Four Angels:-
Charity and Dancer Purity and Dancer Virtue and Dancer Chastity and Dancer	Kerrie Fiddy Vicky Grafton Sarah Browne Jeanie Woods
Steward on the Liner and Chorus	Philip Haynes
Purser on the Liner and Chorus	Tom Monument
Cameraman and Chorus	Ashley Cashfield
Reporter and Chorus	Ian Doughty

Passengers and Crew (Chorus); Chloe Bailey, Helen Bailey, Jackie Buckingham, Sally Escrader, Jennie Groom, Ruth Hannent, Jane Mack, Laura Pirret, Lavinia Pirret, Helen Stack, Kerry Willis and Nicola Van der Veldt.