WOPs History

Before the Second World War a company called the "Merrywood Operatic Society" were performing in Bristol.  Walter Moody was the producer and Mr. Scillitoe (Music Master of the Boys Central School) was the Musical Director.  The group dispanded at the outbreak of War in 1939.  After the War former members Arthur Litman, Walter Moody & Eve Burton reformed the group.

A new name was sought as it was thought that "Merrywood" sounded rather parochial.  After deliberations the name "Western Opera Players" was decided upon.  Thus in 1946, 55 years ago, the current society was founded.

Our original Home Theatre was the Victoria Rooms in Bristol, where our first production in 1946 of Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Gondoliers’ launched The Western Opera Players (WOPs) to the attention of the Bristol Public.  

WOPs are one of Bristol’s leading Musical Clubs, with a strong tradition of loyalty and family association.  With many members having completed over 25 years service, several current Acting Members with 40-50 years and even one Acting Member with 50 years service.

We were one of the first societies in the UK to have a NODA Diamond Pin Holder, awarded for 60 years service to the Amateur stage.  This being presented to Pauline Gammon in 1997.  It was closely followed by her husband John gaining the same Diamond award in 1998.

During the past 55 years WOPs has directed over 1,000 Acting Members involved in Amateur Productions.   A number of whom have gone on to join Professional Companies, notably Collette Todd, who is now a Principal Player with river Dance Productions International, touring world wide.

WOPs has a long tradition of family membership, with several families being the foundation on which the company grew and developed.  These include, the Foxleys, Westacotts, Gammons, Carters, Shorts, Miltons, Skinners, Dawes, Knights, Chowns, Bakers and Brittons.

As a result of cutting their teeth with WOPs, past members were responsible for pioneering other societies in the Bristol area, most notably being:  

1. Headley Players (A high profile Musical & Drama award winning Society) 

2. Avon Light Opera Club (Unfortunately no longer active)

We completed our final show at the Victoria Rooms in 1990 being ‘Annie Get You Gun’ and moved to our current base, the Redgrave Theatre in 1991 with 'Puss In Boots'.

More recently, we were invited to take part in the first Buxton International Amateur Music Festival in 1997 and presented Oklahoma!, for which Neil Baker, playing ‘Jud Fry’ won the Festival award for ‘Best Male Vocalist’.

In September 2001, we were nominated for the South West Region N.O.D.A. award for our production of ‘Calamity Jane’.

55 years strong and looking forward to celebrating our Diamond Jubilee in 2006.

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