1992 throwback, these handsome men took the stage in Guys and Dolls! How many do you recognise?
“A lot of hard work from a lot of very keen volunteers” has been the secret to celebrating 50 years of the Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society (Talos) according to president Fiona Miller.
Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society celebrates 50 years
This weekend will see a celebratory gathering of past and present members.
“It’s pretty amazing that a small theatre group in a small community has kept the society going so well for so long – including most importantly, running our own building. It is very unusual for a small group to have their own building,” Miller said.
In 1975 a public meeting was held by some keen thespians.
After a successful first 10 years, the Society needed a permanent home and after lots of fundraising, and some fabulous volunteers, The Woolshed Theatre was opened in 1985.
“They had a huge response, 45 people turned up at the meeting and 20 put in their apologies,” Miller said.
“Attendees were addressed by three leading lights. Warwick May, who was a teacher at Pekapekarau School (then Pekarau), and became the first president.
“One was Bill Sanders, a local gentleman who was very talented and the other was Barbara McGregor, later Annie McGregor, who was extremely musically talented.
“They all thought it was a great idea and so they formed the society.”
For 10 years, the group put on shows at other venues until their building, The Woolshed Theatre, opened in 1986.
Throwing back to 1979, check out the legs on display in White Horse Inn! Did you know that for the first 10 years, TALOS performed at other venues around Te Awamutu until a permanent home was built?
1992 throwback, these handsome men took the stage in Guys and Dolls! How many do you recognise?
