(formerly West Wickham Operatic Society)
WWOS was founded in 1935. During the first 25 years our repertoire was drawn solely from Gilbert & Sullivan and English musical comedy but in 1961 the musical comedy element was replaced by classical European operetta and in 1986 we added modern musicals, which have now become the mainstay of our repertoire. For the first 43 years we performed in various local halls but in 1979 we moved into Bromley's newly opened civic theatre where we now stage a production each Spring and Autumn. In 2002 we were invited to perform at the Minack Theatre on the cliffs at Porthcurno, Cornwall, so, in Jubilee Bank Holiday week we took a company of over 90 down to Cornwall to performPickwick at this most magical of open-air theatres.
We have an acting membership of approximately 75 (although not all members are in every production) and we meet for rehearsals at 8.00pm at the Wickham Theatre Centre, Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, on Wednesdays. This is the home of Theatre 62, a local award winning drama group, with whom we have a strong artistic working relationship. Once the show has been cast, usually within 1 month of the start of rehearsals, then the principals rehearse at the same venue on a Monday evening.
In addition to the main production activity, we have a thriving Concert Party Troupe with two groups performing under the WWOS umbrella and comprising:
(a) Wickham's Wandering Oldetyme Stagers who perform Olde Tyme and Variety Music Halls at least once a year at the Churchill Theatre and also tour performances to theatres in the South East of England. Recent venues have included Sevenoaks, Croydon, Fontwell, Herne Bay, Brighton, Whitstable, Peacehaven, Oxted, Christchurch, Heathfield, Folkstone, Henfield and Margate.
(b) Wickham's Wandering Occasional Savoyards who perform favourite excerpts from the Savoy Operas of Gilbert and Sullivan.
The Company has a high reputation for the quality of its performances and its professionalism in all aspects of mounting productions, exemplified by the award from N.O.D.A for the 'best National poster' of 2000 (Oliver!), 2001 (Sweeney Todd) and 2005 (Chess) - click the link below for details.
Membership of the Company is by audition and full details can be obtained from the Secretary (020 8777 4413) or by clicking the link below.