About us
March And District Amateur Operatic Society was formed in 1957 and has presented a ‘main’ production at Easter every year from 1958 to 2012. From 1989 the society also performed a second annual revue style production, usually at the end of October.
NODA Awards
Following their production of ‘Footloose!’ in April 2012, MADAOS were awarded ‘Best Musical’, ‘Best Technical Production’ and NODA East ‘Best Production’ at the NODA AGM in April 2013.
Following their production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in April 2019, MADAOS were awarded ‘Best Technical’ for building from scratch plants and a most amazing Audrey II, and ‘Best Deluxe Programme’ at the NODA AGM in March 2020.
Pictured with the award certificates from left to right are Francis Pepper (Chairman), Ellie Savill (cast member & assistant to the MD), Marian Savill (Stage manager & programme manager), Barbara Pepper (Wardrobe manager), and Claire Lilley (Director).
Iona Morton Cup
In 2021 Francis Pepper was presented with the Iona Morton Cup by Chris Morton and Annabel Birch. Francis was a very worthy recipient, having been a member of the Society since 1982 and has been chairman for two separate stints, most recently from 2012 until now. Francis remains a much valued member of the society but has handed over the reins of chairmanship.
In 2019 the cup was awarded to Marian Savill and her backstage team, specifically for making the highly impressive and award winning Audrey II props for the production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.
In 2018 the cup was awarded to Claire Lilley for her hard work and dedication during her years as Vice Chair for the society.
In 2017 the award was given to Barbara Pepper for her contribution to the society over the past 25 years; in the last year alone she both directed and was wardrobe mistress for Sleeping Beauty. Barbara was also the very first member to receive the cup when it was first introduced in 1990.
In 2016 the cup was awarded to Marian Savill, for her hard work and enthusiasm as stage manager for the last two pantomimes.
In 2015 the cup was awarded to Ellie Savill, for her dedication to the society and her role as musical director for the Touring Group.
In 2014 the cup was awarded to Susan Allinson, for her outstanding work in publicity.
In 2013 the cup was awarded to Paul Tinker and the Footloose Production Team, which included Neil Spinks (stage manager), Jo Rix (choreographer) and Barbara Pepper (wardrobe), for their contributions to the award winning production.
Other Society Awards
At our 2014 AGM, a somewhat belated 25 years Long Service Award was presented to Trisha Pescud by Stephen Hayter, our local NODA representative (pictured). Stephen also presented Eleanor Pettet with her 10 year award.
At our 2019 AGM, Olga Mitcham and Enid Dickinson were both presented with life membership to MADAOS for their long service to the Society. Pictured are Olga and Enid with Chairman, Francis Pepper.
