Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society (TAOS) was formed around 1918 and performed annually in the Albion Cinema, North Shields. At this time the society performed Gilbert & Sullivan Operas and was able to donate £200 to local charities in 1928!

The society closed in 1939 because of the war but was reformed in 1947 by a dedicated group of people led by Alderman Frank Mavin O.B.E., then Mayor of the County Borough of Tynemouth. He became the President of the Society and remained so for 50 years, never missing a final night performance or presiding over the Annual Meeting. In 1997 he received his 50 years N.O.D.A. medal.

At this time the society performed Gilbert & Sullivan – The Gondoliers first, The Mikado and then Iolanthe. The Musical Director was Mr Jack Wolstenholme, who was at the time head of music at the Tynemouth High School. There were 36 ladies and 32 men in the Society, and it was honoured to have Harry Arnold from The Doyle Carte Opera Co, London as the producer. To celebrate Tynemouth's 100th anniversary as a County Borough, the society performed a concert version of Merrie England in the Gaumont Cinema, with a full orchestra and four professional singers, including Owen Brannigan (Bass).

In 1951 the society moved to the Rex Cinema, Balkwell, North Shields. More room was needed on the stage to produce different shows; Vagabond King, Arcadians, Merrie England and Yeoman of the Guard. By this time the society was attracting new members and many younger people were joining. During 1955 the society moved to the Gaumont Cinema, North Shields; this was a 1,400 seat cinema and was built around 1930 as a dual-purpose theatre. The first show in 1955 was Brigadoon with Jack Wolstenholme as Musical Director. The next Musical Director was to be Mr Fred McIntyre and he stayed for 25 years! TAOS remained at the Gaumont until 1971 and in 1972, (by kind permission of Whitley Bay Council) it moved to the Priory Theatre in Whitley Bay. On 22 March 1976 TAOS moved to The Classic Cinema and in 1977 the building became The Playhouse, owned by the Local Authority. TAOS has been performing at The Playhouse ever since.

TAOS produces two shows every year and has donated lots of money to various charities; this is one of its main aims, and its members look to the future with hope. The committee works tremendously hard – the society’s standards are high and has a lot of talented members. The society really does need many more interested young people who love to sing, act or work backstage. In fact anyone who is interested in making a contribution towards its very successful productions!!

To find out more about the society, its shows or how to join us, click here to contact us