Actor’s 100th Show

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A DRAMATIC society is celebrating its 130th anniversary with a production of The Sound of Music at The Palace Theatre this April.

Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society’s (SODS) first production, Robin Hood, took place in 1893, and the group have been at the forefront of local amateur dramatics ever since.

This April’s production of the Rogers and Hammerstein favourite also marks the 100th show for veteran acting member and society president Dick Davies, , who lives in Leigh. He will be playing Franz the butler, for the fourth time since he joined the company.

Mr Davies joined SODS in September 1971, after being spotted enjoying a post-match sing-song at Westcliff Rugby Club by SODS member Roland Darvell.

Mr Darvell said: “If you can sing here, you can do it on the Cliffs Pavilion stage.”

It helped that most of his friends were in SODS and that the two show weeks a year were always fun. Mr Davies remembers a barrel of beer being in the men’s dressing room for every show, with the Cliffs inviting members of the company to set it up a few days beforehand, in order to let it settle.

“It was different culture back then, and over 50 years it has changed enormously. I wouldn’t say it’s any better, it’s just different, and you have to accept it.”

He added: “I married a dancer in the society (Sarah) and despite that, I still need several guesses as to which is the right and which is the left foot.” He is relieved that playing Franz doesn’t involve any dancing.

Mr Davies admits: “I’m not talented enough for big parts, and it does become harder to remember lines and songs the older you get.”

Paul Alton, SODS General Secretary and an acting member of the cast, will be reprising his Baron Elberfeld for the new show.

He said: “Our artistic director Holly Hallam has been doing some very interesting and different things with characterisation. The show promises to be marvellous.

“Dick is with SODS and is also well known locally to BBC Essex listeners as a cricket commentator.”

The show, which runs from April 26 to 29, also stars Mary Bloss as Maria and Simon Lambert, with choreography by Sam Coles.

Evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on 27 and 29 at 2.30pm.

Visit: southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 0343 310 0030 to book tickets.

Picture: Mr Davies (centre) playing Franz in SODS’ 2012 production of The Sound of Music. Pic: Roger Young.

Share this story!

A DRAMATIC society is celebrating its 130th anniversary with a production of The Sound of Music at The Palace Theatre this April.

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