Swansea’s love affair with musical theatre has a long and proud history, and at the heart of it sits the SWANSEA AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY (SAOS) – affectionately known over the years simply as ‘The Amateurs.‘ As the society celebrates an incredible 125 years, its story is one filled with music, passion, and generations of performers who helped shape the city’s vibrant theatre scene.
The origins of the company go all the way back to 1876, when it was first formed as the St David’s Players. The group was created by Rev. Canon A.P. Wilson when W.F. Hulley took up the role of organist at St David’s Roman Catholic Church on Rutland Street. Under Hulley’s musical direction, the group began staging small operettas, quickly capturing the imagination of Swansea audiences.
By 1880, the company made local theatrical history when they staged Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, giving Swansea the honour of hosting the first ever amateur performance of a Gilbert & Sullivan opera. Just two years later Hulley produced HMS Pinafore, initially at the church schoolroom before moving the production to the Theatre Royal in Temple Street, a venue which once stood where the David Evans department store would later be built. That moment is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the amateur theatre movement in Swansea.
The company officially became the Swansea Amateur Operatic Society in 1901, adopting the name during a performance of Iolanthe at the Grand Theatre in July of that year. Despite the formal title, the group has always been known fondly by audiences as The Amateurs. Hulley himself later went on to become Musical Director at the Grand Theatre, further cementing his place in Swansea’s theatrical history.
Over the decades SAOS has produced countless memorable performances and unforgettable stage partnerships. Among the most celebrated were Jean Thorley and Colin Hodges, a duo adored by Swansea audiences. Their popularity was so great they would often receive standing ovations before even delivering a single line, the true mark of theatrical stardom.
The society has also played a role in launching the careers of many performers who went on to professional success. Among them are Ria Jones, who appeared as a 15-year-old Eliza in the society’s 1982 production of My Fair Lady, along with Catherine Zeta Jones, Menna Trussler, Richard Burman, Leo Andrews, Julie Paton (wife of Alvin Stardust) and celebrated dancer Derek Cullen, one of the finest male dancers to come out of Wales.
For many performers, SAOS has become a second home. DANI GRAVELL, the society’s current Musical Director, first joined at just 14 years old in the 2002 production of Mack and Mabel. Growing up watching her mother Sally David perform with the group, Dani later appeared in both ensemble and leading roles alongside her mum and sister Kayleigh. Over the years she also worked behind the scenes as a choreographer and assistant director, learning from long-standing Musical Director Chris Pike.
Reflecting on her journey, Dani told us….
“Taking on the role of Musical Director for The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a true ‘pinch me moment’.
I always admired Chris Pike and learnt so much from him about teaching harmonies and musical direction,” she says. “When I was asked to step into the role I suddenly felt 14 again, but with the responsibility of leading a group that means so much to me. SAOS is like family.”
In a historic milestone for the society, Dani also became the first female Musical Director in the company’s 125-year history, something she describes as deeply emotional.
“Amateur theatre isn’t just about community and friendship,” she adds. “It’s often the first step for people who go on to train and perform professionally.”
Another member who truly represents the heart of the society is SUSAN THOMAS, who joined the company in 1963 for a production of The Merry Widow. More than 60 years later, Susan is still performing with the group and will appear in their anniversary production.
Looking back, she says……
“Amateur theatre has been the happiest time of my life, and I’ve made lifelong friends through my love of the stage.”
With a proud heritage stretching across more than a century, SAOS continues to lead the way in Welsh amateur theatre. The society has staged numerous Welsh premieres, won multiple awards for productions and technical excellence, and continues to nurture new talent.
Most recently the company was honoured to take part in the 40th anniversary celebrations of Les Misérables, performing in the Welsh amateur premiere of the world’s longest-running musical alongside two fellow local companies.
Now established as a registered charity, SAOS is looking ahead to an exciting future — one that builds on its remarkable legacy while opening the door for new performers, new productions and new audiences.
To celebrate the milestone, the society will stage its 125th anniversary production of WE WILL ROCK YOU at the Taliesin Arts Centre, running 20th to 23rd May, including a Saturday matinee with a BSL performance. More details and tickets on the Talesin website HERE.
If the past 125 years are anything to go by, Swansea audiences can expect plenty more standing ovations in the years to come.
