Bollington's resident musical theatre group hits a golden milestone ahead of November show, celebrating 50 years entertaining its audiences.

The group was formed as part of the 1974 Bollington Festival and staged 'The Gondoliers' in the Civic Hall. In its early years light opera was its staple diet, producing most of the popular Gilbert and Sullivan shows along with other light opera favourites.

But times changed. West End classics became more attractive to both audiences and society members, and the likes of 'South Pacific', 'Anything Goes', 'Oliver' and 'My Fair Lady' attracted packed audiences. 

The last few years have seen BLOG move with the times to tackle more modern shows. 'Hairspray', 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' (the modern show is a far cry from the original school production!) and 'The Little Mermaid' tested BLOG's capabilities and attracted new audiences.

'Joseph' in particular sold out six performances, with a waiting list – maybe there was a special reason to celebrate as it took two years from starting rehearsals to performing it, thanks to the Covid pandemic!

The society was formed by a group of people who wanted to bring music and theatre together. The Civic Hall was newly-built, big enough to accommodate a large cast and as big an audience to fund the kind of shows they wanted to produce and stage as they hoped, as well as build up funds to carry on from year to year. Those early shows, believe it or not, featured a full traditional orchestra, nowhere the size of the Halle but based on the same format, and in its 'proper' place in front of the stage.

Over the last ten years, the society has made great strides to improve its facilities at the Civic Hall, first of all working with Bollington Town Council to share the cost of retractable seating, and then upgrading its lighting capabilities to give the society the chance to be more adventurous in the production of its more recent shows.

At least one member of the founding committee still watches most shows. Countless members have contributed in so many ways to BLOG's journey, many of whom are sadly not around to enjoy the society's major milestone. But without their energy and commitment, the society would not have made it this far and they are all due a huge 'thank you'.

Return of the hot pot!

BLOG's next show will be 'Strictly Showtime', 27-30 November, which will mark the return of the legendary BLOG hot pot. The tasty locally-produced interval meal (complete with red cabbage) was a standard part of the ticket price for many years until it was discontinued. However, popular demand from society members and audiences has led to re-introduce it. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives will also be available.

Tickets, £15, are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/bolly.