Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society

YAOS Officers & History

PRESIDENT David Burke
CHAIRMAN Anthony Dexter 07894 712601	VICE CHAIRMAN Gill Cliffe 07776 306809
SECRETARY Paula Budzynski 01935 425865	TREASURER David Hallett FCCA 07766 081306
STAGE DIRECTOR Geoff Thresh 01935 840380	BUSINESS MANAGER Guy Burgess 01935 480611

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 carrying on the tradition.

We now perform two shows a year - March and October - at The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, 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.  The Society has 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, Oklahoma 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 surrounding area of Somerset and Dorset. 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.

YAOS is entirely self-funding and its financial support is obtained mainly from ticket sales, as well as receiving generous contributions from its patrons and sponsors.  The society also helps to raise funds for other charitable organisations, with many thousands of pounds donated to local worthy causes over the years.  Charity Registration No.272621.

Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society (YAOS) endeavours to maintain the accuracy and currency of information contained in this website, which is provided for the benefit of its own members as well as for the general public.  YAOS accepts no liability for the consequences of errors or any other incorrect information that may be found on this website, however it will do its best to correct such errors as quickly as possible when advised.