HERE, in November 1964, is the cast of Haworth West Lane Baptist Church choir and friends in Gilbert and Sullivan’s light opera The Mikado, their first production after a seven-year break.
Producer Frederic W Pye, who also played the part of Ko-Ko, sits in the middle at the front. Distinguished by his headgear in the middle of the back row is Horace Bancroft as the Mikado, with Derrick Fuller on his left as Poo-Bah and Colin Moore on his right as Nanki-Poo. Directly beneath the Mikado is Sheila Simpson as Yum-Yum.
Terence Lofthouse was musical director, and the set was designed by artist Ken Jackson. The show played to packed houses, starting a 50-year tradition of annual productions, since 1974 as the Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateur Operatic Society.
“In its early years the society was renowned for its interval refreshments,” says secretary Mrs Janet Bastow, “not the usual cup of tea and biscuit but a proper supper served by the ladies of the church to every member of the audience.”
The society has toured with its shows over the years – Princess Ida at Keighley Playhouse, and The Mikado at Holy Family School, the Hebden Bridge Cinema and the Buxton Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. In 2007 the National Trust invited them to present Ruddigore in the Great Barn at East Riddlesden Hall.
Later this month they will be giving HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury in their West Lane chapel.
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