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History of ROS

1923

The Ruislip Musical Society came about after a public meeting held on the 17th of December. For many months the society concentrated its efforts on rehearsals, building up a repertoire and adding willing volunteers to the list of members.

1925

The first public performance by the society was a concert version of "Merrie England" given in April 1925.

The handbills advertising the event politely stated that the Society "had spared no pains to do justice to the Opera and hopes it will be the first of many successes. It was.

1935

The Society decided to change its name to Ruislip Operatic Society.

1939

Despite the outbreak of World War II, ROS made the decision to carry on - as far as possible - presenting at least one production a year. The Society is proud that it has maintained an unbroken run since 1925.

During the early war years the fear of imminent invasion led to the introduction of some imaginative schemes designed to confound an invading army. The Society played its part in the war effort by allowing part of the deletion of the word Ruislip from the front page of the programme for each show. Confusing enough for the locals, let alone an enemy force.

1943-44

ROS continued to thrive despite the demands of the war. "Tom Jones" was performed in June to avoid as much of the Blackout as possible, and the 1943 production of "Blossom Time" featured a male chorus chiefly comprised of Air Raid Wardens and Home Guards.

On a more sinister note, the 1944 presentation of "Katinika" was performed to a finish despite the sound of the first Doodlebugs passing overhead during the finale of Act II.

1961

The programme for the production of "The Gypsy Baron" observed that the show cost more than £500 to produce. Those were the days! The budget of each of today's shows comes in at well over £20,000 and every seat must sell to make even a modest profit.

1972

This was the year of the power crisis and The Chorus regularly arrived at Thursdays rehearsals for "The Grand Duchess" with candles and paraffin lamps in case of power cuts.

1998

ROS chose to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year by presenting "the musical of the century" - My Fair Lady. Its appeal was confirmed when the show was sold out weeks before opening night.

Since then, ROS has welcomed audiences to a range of productions; each designed to showcase the societies talents. From the swashbuckling fun of "The Pirates of Penzance" to the dark complexities of "Sweeney Todd"; ROS does its best to make an impact on the audience.

2020

ROS will be seeing this new decade in with a production of "Legally Blonde"!