2008 is a special year for Pickering Musical Society. It marks the 25th anniversary of the Kirk Theatre. The society itself is, in fact, much older, having been formed in 1919. It sprang from a group called the Albion Glee singers, which was formed in 1914, by a Mr. W. E. Bilborough. The first stage performance of the Society was in 1920 at the Pickering Central Hall and the piece performed rejoiced in the title of “Cupid and the Ogre” – a musical comedy in two acts.

          The Society has performed many and   varied musicals and pantomimes over the years, latterly at the Memorial Hall and in 1977, the Society was able, through the help of some substantial donations, to  purchase the former Wesleyan Chapel, which was to be transformed in the Kirk Theatre of today. The work on the building was a huge reconstruction job – requiring erection of steel girders, removal of many of the former interior features, as well as decoration and fitting of furnishings such as curtains and the construction of adequate blackouts for the windows. It was an  enormous task and without the dedicated time and skills of a group of volunteers (known as “The Beavers”), the job would never have been completed in time for the first production in the new theatre, the PMS 1983 Spring Show “Beau”.

          The official opening ceremony took place in September 1983, when Lady Worsley inaugurated the building. The rest, as they say, is history and the Society still produces some excellent entertainment thanks to the ongoing commitment of the Committee and members.

          The production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma” planned by Pickering Musical Society for May, regrettably has had to be cancelled. The main reason was due to a general lack of men and more specifically, the inability to find a young man to play the male lead, Curly. Despite appeals in the press, on the radio and direct to local groups, schools and communities, no-one suitable came forward. Rehearsals commenced as planned in the hope that someone would be found, but the decision had to be made to cancel in order to give the Society time to plan an alternative production.

          In this the 25th anniversary year of The Kirk Theatre, it is distressing to the Society that the Spring Show has had to be cancelled. However, like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the Society have decided to put on a review of songs from the shows that have been performed at the theatre since its opening in 1983. These shows have included “Hello Dolly”, “Showboat”, “Calamity Jane”, “Oliver”, “The King & I” and many other classics. More details about the show and how to book tickets will be available nearer the time. The dates of the show will be 14 – 17 May.

          As always, we welcome new members with open arms – especially men!!, so if you feel like giving show business a whirl – whether on the stage or behind the scenes, please contact Jane.

          Anyone interested in learning more about the history of the theatre and the Society should contact the theatre Manager, Derrick Brewer – who, incidentally, is one of the original “Beavers”.

Linda Tester, Publicity Manager – Pickering Musical Society