Operatic Society's producer retires

HATS off to Chistine from the cast of "HMS Pinafore". Back left to right, Alan Johnson, Kath Storey, Roy Dowson, Mike Kennedy. Centre, Jenny Powrie (left) and Lesley Hughes. Seated in front Christine Taylor

IT'S exit stage left for Christine Taylor, who is retiring as producer at the Woodhouses Church Amateur Operatic Society.

Christine Taylor (75) has produced Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury, which will be shown next month.

But it's not farewell just yet, as Christine plans to stay on for now in the make up department.

During her time at the society, she has produced 27 shows, which includes 14 Gilbert and Sullivan shows and nine Christmas variety shows.

Christine has been involved with the society from a very young age. Her interest formed when her mother was a caretaker at Woodhouses Church in Ashton Road.

As soon as she was 16 she joined the society, starting by selling programmes for their productions.

It is fitting that she is to go after the production of HMS Pinafore, as that was the very first show she featured in as a chorus girl when she was just 18. Unfortunately Christine could only do the one night, as she got chicken pox after.

But she got the bug, so to speak, for the world of theatre and stayed on since. Though she worked with other amateur groups, Woodhouses remained her absolute home society and she never missed a production.

As well as being an organist at the church, Christine was also a primary school teacher and a head teacher at St John's Infant School in Failsworth.

The society has also said goodbye to Pat Jacques, who retired as musical director in January due to ill health. She had been part of the society since it re-formed in 1950.

"We both felt it was time to take retirement and hand over to younger folk," said Christine. "I have loved it. I have loved every minute of it. The only reason I'm leaving is because I have run out of energy.

"It has been a very big part of my life and a happy part of it. I am sure the society will continue to thrive and flourish."

Society chairman Andrew Clough said: "It has been absolutely brilliant, both of them have unique talents.

Showing

"It's a shame to see them go, they will be a big loss. They're going to be big shoes to fill."

The society will take on a new producer and musical director after the forthcoming show.

HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury will be shown on Saturday May 6 at Woodhouses Church, Ashton Road, at 7.30pm. It will be showing again from Tuesday May 9 until Saturday May 13 at the same times.

Tickets are £7 and £6 for concessions. To purchase tickets or for more information call 0161 681 1611 and 0161 681 9652.