Two generations of a West Cumbrian amateur dramatics group have come together to share their experiences of performing the same show 40 years apart.
Workington Amateur Operatic Society has been putting on shows for nearly 120 years, so it’s no surprise that some are performed more than once.
That’s the case with their upcoming production, Annie, which was last performed by the society in 1985.
Norman Brayton played the part of Oliver Warbucks in the 80s and has been a member of the society for 66 years.
He said: “It’s always fabulous to see what a new cast brings to the same show, though it’s hard for us ‘oldies’ to believe that 40 years have passed!”
Though not on stage this time round, many others from the original cast are still actively involved in the society and have been sharing their memories with this year’s members.
One such recollection is when a curtain got stuck at the beginning of the 1985 run, forcing all scene changes to happen in full view of the audience.
Norman added: “The cast, professional to the last, took the old saying to heart that the show must go on.”
Other original cast members include Gwen Tweddle as Grace Farrell (played by Holly Harkness in 2025) and Ed McGee as Rooster (now Mark Stilwell). Warbucks is played by Jack Pike in 2025.
Next year the society will celebrate its 120th anniversary.
Norman, who is also president of the group, added: “Such a milestone wouldn’t be possible without generations of people coming together both to perform and to help with all the behind the scenes work.”
Annie runs from March 12 to March 15 at The Carnegie Theatre in Workington.
A limited number of tickets remain and are available from the theatre’s box office at www.carnegietheatre.co.uk
