Operatic Society

About Us

A Brief History…

Croft House Operatic Society was originally founded in 1902 as part of the Croft House Settlement, whose original premises were in the heart of Sheffield in Garden Street. The aim of the Settlement was to help the young people of what was then a slum area of Sheffield, by providing 'Education and Recreation.' From humble beginnings when productions were originally staged at Garden Street, the Society grew and their audience widened, so much so, that they had to move to the Temperance Hall (on the site of the later Sheffield Playhouse).

In 1920 the Cutler's Hall was booked for a performance of 'Merrie England' and the show was such a success the Company finally moved to the Lyceum Theatre in 1921 and this was there home for 10 years. From 1931 and then continuing after the Second World War most of the Company productions were held at the Empire Theatre until finally in 1960 the Society returned to the Sheffield Lyceum.

In 1969 the Lyceum closure led Croft House to move. Croft's 1970 production of 'Virginia' was held at The Montgomery Theatre, then from 1971 to 1990 they performed at the Sheffield City Hall. Finally, they returned to the Lyceum in 1991 with a production of 'Hello Dolly'.

Over the years Croft has been fortunate to have worked with a number of talented producers, choreographers, and musical directors. For many years Laurie Lingard was the producer, assisted by a talented choreographer by the name of Constance Grant.

The family connection with Constance Grant continued, as her daughter Judith Silvester took over the role of choreographer and finally, in 1979 took on the additional role of producer.

Croft has also been fortunate in their musical directors, including Douglas Sadler, Leslie Rew, John Bonner and the talented John Higgins.

The company is now Directed by Jeremy Tustin, and Musical Direction by Andrew J Booth.

Brenda Scaife.

In to the 21st Century…          (The Producers 2009 season)

With such solid foundations beneath us we were off to a flying start in the new millennium.

We still perform each year at The Lyceum Theatre and have enjoyed presenting shows that were new to us and to Sheffield audiences, as well as few old favourites that we thought weren’t ready for retirement just yet.

Our company has welcomed many new members and goes from strength to strength as each of them adds their own talents to those of the more established members of the team.

This season we’re lucky enough to have been one of only a handful of groups who have been offered the chance to perform “The Producers”.
This is a local premier and one that we hope will be well supported by our audiences.

For the those of you who don’t know the show, it’s outrageous, hilarious, a teeny bit offensive, off the wall, and the winner of a record 12 Tony awards and 3 Oliviers. We promise you’ll be rocking with laughter as Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom sing and dance their way through the greatest show biz scam there ever was.

Once again we are pleased to have secured the services of Director/Choreographer Jeremy Tustin and Musical Director Nigel Gyte to lead us through the maze of little old ladies, pigeons, Nazis and high camp that go to make up “The Producers”.

So we look forward to many more challenges over the coming years and hope that whether you’re part of the company or part of our audiences that you continue to enjoy the “The Croft Experience”.

Fiona Hannon.