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Another year has passed, and here we are back again for our annual June show at the Princess Theatre. Our 2003 production here at the Princess, was the new release for amateurs, Copacabana the Barry Manilow song and dance spectacle. This proved a popular draw, but the costs of presentation were incredibly high at £43,000, and even with decent houses there was never going to be much of a chance of re-couping that cost. At least, the audience could see where the money had been spent. Most of the company had between eight and eleven changes of costumes (and there were 45 in the show). There was a new set, beautifully lit by our professional lighting designer, and a big and bouncy orchestra to do the big band tunes proud. We found that this show did not appeal to our older group bookings, which is a shame as they would have enjoyed it immensely. Why is it that in Torbay, people will only come to things they know? Why can't more people take a chance and see a show they haven't seen before? At least, we didn't lose our financial shirt, and the loss was kept to a minimum. The show proved popular with members. Eighty wanted to be in it, and the cast had to be whittled down to the eventual 45 who took to the stage. Not an easy task when there was so much talent wanting to be involved. Joe McNulty directed a blinder, and Wendy Jackson produced some fantastic routines. Jonathan Watts was his usual dynamic self in the pit. The show was nominated for the NODA Haslemere Award for Visual Excellence, but was pipped at the post by a Cornish Society for their production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Still, you can't win them all.
Our autumn production was something completely different. Over the last few years, Toads has secured a reputation for presenting shows  by Stephen Sondheim, to a very high standard. Sondheim shows are musically difficult and based on unusual subjects. They are rarely performed by amateurs, but with Company we were on our fourth Sondheim show in nine years. The cast of 15 pulled out all the stops. In early rehearsals, some of them though t they would never learn the music, which seemed almost impossible to sing let alone perfect. But, nine weeks later, it was all in place. It was hard work, but rewarding work, and congratulations go to Joe McNulty (Director) and Jonathan Watts (Musical Direction) for achieving this feat. As just reward the show scooped the NODA Regional Excellence Award for the SW region 10. The committee expected the show not to be popular with audiences and had budgeted for a loss. Happily, audiences were quite large, and although a loss was resulting, it was not as large as expected.
Just when we thought things had quietened down for Christmas, we received a call from our very good friends at the Princess Theatre. They wanted to stage a concert in aid of the official charity for Clear Channel Entertainment (NSPCC) and would we do the  honours. The chosen date was in February and there was less than two months in which to arrange things. Jean Macer arranged everything herself, no small task and involving hours of planning and hundreds of telephone calls, and on Feb 22nd we played to 500 people and helped raise over £4,000 for the charity. Members sang selections from recent past shows, and all with just a handful of rehearsals. The audience enjoyed it all immensely, the theatre were happy, we were exhausted but pleased, and it looks like we will be doing it all again next year. John Amery was the musical director, Elaine Johnson added some choreography and we gathered together the best selection of soloists seen on one stage in one amateur production in Torbay. We were delighted to assist our friends here at the theatre. We have a very good working relationship with the team here, who all work so hard for the benefit of our productions, and who have helped to really raise the profile of this lovely theatre.
The shows are not the be all and end all of the society, and through the year many social events are held, notable of which was the Christmas Party, featuring the now notorious "Box Game" where members put their hands into boxes and feel what's inside and try to guess what it is. The game has developed over the years and to say that it is now very rude is a massive understatement. (Luckily we are all broad minded!!) On a hot Sunday in July members gathered for a Garden Party in our Presidents beautiful garden, there was a BBQ in another garden later in the summer, two Bingo evenings, a Christmas meal at the Toorak Hotel, a trip to the Eden Project, and various other smaller gatherings. All greatly enjoyed by the members and also adding a few pounds to the society funds.
Due to the high cost of producing shows, the society has to find other ways of producing income, and the fighting fund events are just such a way. In May this year, there was an 8 hour sponsored Dancethon, Singathon that raised almost £1,000, and later this year there will be a Black and White Ball (see the advert elsewhere in the programme) and also a fund raising quiz.
The 2004 AGM was attended by 45 members, despite snow falling that night, showing a healthy interest in the affairs of the society. We welcomed Margaret Aulton onto the committee and bade farewell to Fiona Humphreys who has decided to take a year out from her job and go round the world. On November 8th we held an EGM where the promotional name of the society was changed from Toads Operatic to Toads Stage Musical Company. The society seeks neither grant nor support from the local authority and is completely self supporting.
Colin Gilderthorp won the Golden Toad Award in June 2003 in recognition of all his efforts making props and scenic additions.
The society remains a keen supporter of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association
(NODA) and 15 members went along to the SW Weekend at Bicton College in Sept 2003. A fun time is always guaranteed, and the society's links with NODA (One of our Presidents was National President of NODA, and one of our past Chairman has been regional rep for NODA) is maintained by our current secretary lain Douglas who is this area's Regional rep for NODA.
Sadly, just days after Copacabana past Chairman of long standing, and member of many years, Peter Randall, well known local town crier, passed away following a long fight with cancer. The society was well represented at the Service of thanksgiving, and secretary lain Douglas gave a humorous reading illustrating the qualities about Peter which we all remember. His wife Margaret and daughter Helen continue to be active with the society.
Daniella Hopkins had a little boy in December, and Vicky Lindley also had a little boy, and we look forward to seeing both mums back on stage with us in the not too distant future when their little ones are a bit bigger and dad feels ready to look after them for a few evenings!!! One of our loyal tea ladies (and society call boy) Heather Appleby celebrated her ruby wedding, and many members went along to the celebrations. (She doesn't look old enough!!)
And so to Guys and Dolls. We freely admit it wasn't our first choice of show, but the other two choices bit the dust due to planned professional revivals. However advance bookings are good, we are having great fun and we hope everyone enjoys the hard work of our talented production team.
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