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Brief HistoryThe First 25 years (1971 to 1996) | Second 15 years (1996 - 2011)
Advertisements were put in local papers, and by the time the auditions were held, 'word of mouth' plus the advertisements had ensured a huge turnout to see what was going on. Oliver had been chosen as the musical to be performed, because it had a wide choice of parts for all ages. From there the group never looked back. One year later, by popular demand, South Pacific and a Music Hall were performed. The group joined NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association).
During these early years many people influenced the success of the society. As Secretary, Colin Read played a major part both on and off stage. His role as Fagin is never to be forgotten. The position of Secretary was later taken up by Dorothy Brown, who between 1982 and 1990 worked unstintingly keeping everyone in order. Dorothy was also the society's archivist and after her sad death the position was taken up by George, her husband. Another great figurehead for the Majestic at the beginning was Harry Smith. Harry was a great ambassador for the society and president for many years.
The society's next milestone was the 21st birthday in 1991. To celebrate, a birthday concert was held. The audience were treated to excerpts from past shows, and was a huge success. Difficult times were unfortunately to follow. In the early 1990's, due to dwindling audiences, the society was faced with a lack of finances raising the question of the production of the next show. The committee decided that if 'belts were tightened' and 'budgets trimmed' the show might go on! 'The King and I', the show in question, was a huge success breaking box office records and putting the society firmly in the black. to be continued ... Taken from 'A brief history of the M.M.T.G' in the "Anything Goes" programme (1996). 1996 to 2011 - the next 15 years
Our society then began a rather nomadic journey looking for a home. We used the Macclesfield Silk Heritage Centre, The Evans Theatre, Wilmslow, and Fallibroome High School Drama Centre, until finally settling into the very convivial MADS ‘Little Theatre’ on Lord Street, Macclesfield from 1999. Our journey around different theatres certainly had issues: We had to convert a games hall at the Evans Theatre, complete with seating and backstage facilities, to a stage overnight; we converted classrooms and teaching areas at Fallibroome High School nightly; then there was the tremendous task of ‘get in’ and ‘get out’ on the 2nd floor of Macclesfield Silk Heritage Centre for two shows. All good fun, hard work but very rewarding!! Our list of productions include practically every musical ever shown on the West End i.e. 'South Pacific', 'Oklahoma', 'Oliver', 'Sweet Charity' to newer, more contemporary shows such as ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Godspell’, ‘Mile High Mikado’ and in our inaugural 40th Year ‘The Little Shop of Horrors.’ For a full list go to our past shows page. As members of NODA, the society has had 3 nominations for best pantomime, one best actress nomination in 2005 to Collette Desborough in Guys and Dolls, best costumes in 2000 to Mina Wood and Sue Jones, and Best Pantomime to Michael Daws for producing ‘The Little Mermaid’ in 2009. Our achievements can be seen on our awards page. We have many loyal members, who have appeared in most shows we have produced dating back to the Society's formation in 1971, and continue to participate in the Society. Harry Newton, our current president, appears in the Dramatis Personae of most productions on our past shows page. Sheila Gaskell appeared in our very first production of "Oliver" in 1971, and has continued to play many varied roles ever since, most recently, for example, as Aunt Eller in "Oklahoma".
...extracts from an article which appeared in the NODA magazine in 2011 |
Next Show
"Musical Variety Concert"
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