Welcome to YAOS
In 1902 the Union Jack Club of Yeovil put on a series of concerts to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII. The festivities ended with a performance of Gilbert & Sullivan's Trial by Jury. Such was the success, the Club decided to form a Charitable Society and put on an annual production of Savoy Operettas. Over 100 years later we are still doing so and recently we completed a 'hotted' up version of The Mikado, with our last show being the Broadway version of The Pirates of Penzance. Likewise our charitable fundraising continues with many thousands of pounds donated to local worthy causes over the years.
We perform two shows a year - March and October - at The Octagon Theatre which is conveniently situated in the centre of the town with good parking facilities. The theatre seats 620 and has one of the largest stages in the South West. A flow of enthusiastic amateurs, willing to give up vast swathes of their free time, put on an array of dazzling shows. They have won over 20 National Awards in the last 25 years (more than any other in the West Country). Their range of productions stretch from the big hits like South Pacific, Oklahorna and The Sound of Music, to the challenging Sweeney Todd, intermingled of course with the many Savoy Operettas.
The roots of the Society lie deep in Yeovil and the supporting area. Some families have been members since the very beginning, many have newly arrived; all have enjoyed the opportunity to perform before the footlights. A few who started with us in their youth have flourished into national stars on stage and television. For over 100 years, the Society has entertained Yeovil.
We generally employ professional producers to direct our shows and Ray Jeffery, Brian Buttle, Alistair Donkin, Terry Mitchell, Alan Spencer and Scott St Martyn have all worked with us in the past.
Yeovil Amateur Operatic Socity endeavours to maintain the accuracy and currency of information contained in this site. However, you are advised to confirm any information contained herein before acting upon such information as Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society accepts no liability for any consequence(s) of any nature whatsoever arising from action(s) of any sort, based upon the content of this web site.
Charity Reg. No. 272621
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