CAOS out of love of G&S

EXACTLY one hundred years ago this year Chichester's shopkeepers and the Cathedral's lay vicars got together to create a new society devoted to performing the works of Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan.

One hundred years later, the society is in excellent shape as it contemplates its centenary.

Chichester Amateur Operatic Society has become CAOS; and they now produce shows other than the G&S with which they started.

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But the camaraderie and the quality remain unchanged down the decades.

There have been good times and bad, most particularly at the turn of this century when they were effectively homeless.

But recent years have seen them re-cement their place in the Minerva and return to financial security.

Ray Treagust, a member since 1975 and the Society's historian for the past 30 years, is delighted to report: CAOS have reached their centenary safe and sound.

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But it's been an interesting journey - one which Ray has chronicled in a new book telling the story of their first 100 years.

In fact, when Ray originally wrote it, it was the story of their first 90 years - but the 90th anniversary came at a difficult time for CAOS; cash was a worry; and they opted to shelf the book for ten years, hoping that the 100th anniversary would find the group in calmer waters.

It has.

Ray will be launching his book at CAOS's 100th birthday party on Saturday May 1 in the Assembly Room, North Street, Chichester, from 2 to 4.30pm, with a birthday cake cutting by the Mayor at 3.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend the party, but it would be appreciated if those intending to come contact Jill Kewell in advance on 01243 781709.

The book charts CAOS' history from the very earliest days.

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The group was born on May 6 1910. Thursday was early closing day in Chichester at the time, and the Cathedral lay vicars and the local businessmen were keen to fill their afternoons off with rehearsals and matinee performances.

The company's first show was Pirates Of Penzance on January 18 and 19 the following year, performed at the Corn Exchange (now Next) in East Street, with a cast of 45, a full orchestra and tickets costing one to five shillings.

The company took off quickly, and the 1920s were years when you had to make your way through a long waiting list if you wanted to join up.

Right from the start, the great and the good of the city were involved. That first production featured Hooper the florist, Howard the butcher, Lummus the electrician, Chaffer the printer and Rands the hairdresser - well-known Chichester names.

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Using minute books and drawing on a wealth of photographic evidence, Ray has pieced it all together - from the company's move to the Picturedrome in Northgate to its move to the Assembly Room in North Street and from there to the Minerva; from the company's first non-G&S (Dorothy in 1930) to its production of Merry England to mark the Queen's accession in 1952.

As Ray says, it hasn't always been plain sailing. Far from it. But the pleasures go deep.

The company has given both Ray and his wife Betty some great memories, not least for Ray his spell as Bud Flanagan in Underneath The Arches.

"Ever since I was 11, I have been entertaining," Ray says. He helped raise funds for aid to China and aid to Russia during the war; he ran his own dance band; and took part in concert parties.

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"I just love making people laugh and smile", he says - sentiments shared by Betty: "I do it for the sheer joy of singing."

The book will be on sale at the birthday party. After the party, it will be available through Michael Walsh on 01243 788315.

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