Way back in 1921 when a small number of All Saints members and their friends got together to raise funds for the Church, they could hardly have imagined that 80 years on the society they founded would still be going strong. With a thriving membership of over 100 people enthusiastically engaged in every aspect of the theatre, from set construction, sound and lighting, to make-up, props, front-of house and, of course, performing. But that is precisely what has happened. From its modest beginnings, a few friends presenting a revue entitled "A Little Fowl Play", the Alton Dramatic Society grew to become the Alton Operatic and Dramatic Society of today: a three-shows-a-year society which still supports causes in the local community as well as providing first class entertainment for the people of Alton, and an hectic social life for all its members.

Think of almost any major local historical event, and the Alton Operatic and Dramatic Society has played a part in in the civic celebrations. With a strong suit in patriotism, the Society helped Alton usher in the New Elizabethan Era, and to celebrate the Jubilee year - on both occasions treating audiences to a rousing performance of "Merrie England" (that truly English tale of Windsor in the time of good Queen Bess.)

It also had a role to play in entertaining the troops. During the World War II, some of its members went to Bordon to entertain 'our boys', whilst after the end of the war it found itself entertaining the German prisoners-of-war from Fishers Camp. It must have been a curious sight: A hall packed to overflowing with grey-clad German soldiers enjoying that most English of spectacles, a production of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Gondoliers". They were apparently an extremely enthusiastic audience, which just goes to show (as all opera fans know) a good opera is good in any language, even if not your own.

More recently, AODS took part in the D-Day landing commemorations. Through songs and sketches they remembered both the courage of our troops, and the strength of spirit of those left behind. Excerpts from their show, entitled "We'll Meet Again", were shared again with the veterans attending the VJ Day luncheon.

From contributing to the town's Festival of Britain celebrations, to marking the 150th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austin's "Pride and Prejudice". AODS has shown itself time and again to be at the heart of Alton life. Through 80 years it has also stayed true to its charitable beginnings, helping to make fund-raising fun by providing entertainment in aid of local causes such as St John Ambulance, Rehab, The Rotary Club, and the Samaritans.

Many of AODS charitable activities are made possible by the support it receives in sponsorship and advertising from the business community, who know that there is no business like show business for raising your profile in the local community. But that is not the only thing their support has helped to raise: There is no doubt that production standards too, have felt the benefit.

The Society is proud to have won two awards from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association in as many years, the first being for the production of Alan Ayckbourn's "A Chorus of Disapproval", a play with songs which gave full rein to the Society's dramatic and musical talents. As for national acclaim, although the Society can no longer boast a full page of coverage in the "Daily Mirror" (as happened back in 1936), it has survived the competition from Film, TV and Video in their turn, even managing to sell out for its latest innovation - the summer revue.

It is difficult to know what the society's light opera devotees, who performed Gilbert and Sullivan almost exclusively for 40 years, would have made of the 1995 summer revue - a celebration of the Broadway musical. In particular, one can't help wondering what they would have made of a number from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show", in which the audience participation involved mastering the pelvic thrust. If not exactly approving, they probably couldn't have helped admire the Society's versatility.

But there is more to the society than what goes on on stage. AODS has always enjoyed a lively social calendar, though the genteel tennis tournaments and coffee mornings have made way for more modern pastimes, from dinner dances and barbecues to uncharacteristically tuneful Karaoke nights and riotous themed parties. Strange characters in stranger costumes. So, if you see some during any February take pity, it's only us, enjoying ourselves as usual.

The above is adapted from an article written by Barbara Rayner in February 1996, for our 75th anniversary.