Merrie England
Happy 20th Anniversary
Merrie England!
about
In August 2000, Banbury Operatic Society celebrated the Millennium by staging a huge open-air production of Merrie England, by Edward German and by arrangement with Warner/Chappell Music Ltd at Broughton Castle, by kind permission of Lord & Lady Sele.
The highly successful project was a massive undertaking which saw the coming together of many societies and clubs in the area. Sincere thanks go to all those that participated in this scheme in particular, to the Lions Club of Banbury, and the Rotary Club of Banbury Cherwell who contributed greatly to the success of the event.
There were many participating organisations which contributed to this fantastic production, such as our friends at Banbury Cross Players, Banbury Choral Society, Bodicote Youth Drama Group, Leicester Operatic Players, The Susan Taylor Dance Academy and the Ulla Academy of Arts (now Sharon Green Academy of Theatre and Dance).
The Society and all those involved were deeply indebted too, to their many sponsors and advertisers.
You can read more about the project and indeed, the whole production, in the programme and the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) report. Both of which are available to download in a pdf below.
The Society archives are teeming with photographs and lovely memories of this production, including a VHS video of the production. The Society has scanned a selection of photopgraphs into the picture gallery above. We'll add more in due course, so do come back and visit us soon to see the fantastic pictures. You may recognise a few people!
THE TEAM
Devised and Directed by: Andrew Wilson-Jenner
Associate Director: Janet Bishop
Jo Markham
Ian Preece
Musical Director: Goff Hales
Associate Musical Directors: Andrew Johnson
Philip Shaw
Choreographer: Sue Taylor
Associate Choreographer: Sharon Green (was Ulla)
Anecdotes
'I have very fond memories of being part of Merrie England and can't believe it was 20 years ago! The backdrop of the castle was stunning and so fitting for this production. I fondly remember the striking appearance of Queen Elisabeth 1st, brilliantly played by Margaret Steer, as she appeared to rise effortlessly from a boat on the moat of the castle, definitely magical, memorable part of the performance. I also remember dancing under and between hoops of flowers. How can one forget this magnificent piece of history'.
Pam Thom, BOS