Barton and District

In November 1979, in a local pub, four men met over the first of many halves to discuss the setting up of a local amateur dramatic group, to give the people of Barton and the surrounding areas the chance to perform on stage.
After contacting NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) about rules and regulations Barton and District Amateur Operatic Society was formed locally known as BADAOS.

The first show, Oklahoma was performed in May 1980 by a cast of which many had never been on stage before. It did not draw the audiences that the society was hoping for.
The second show, White Horse Inn drew in larger audiences each night, this was a busy show for the cast as each one played several characters.
Unfortunately Viva Mexico (1983) did not pull in larger audiences: but the society was determined to make future shows a success.

In Showboat (1990) several members put on black make up for their performances. Due to changes in regulations this would no longer be allowed! However, it proved to be an extremely successful show.
Over the years many unfamiliar shows have been performed as well as the old favourites including South Pacific, Gigi and Calamity Jane.

In 1996 we performed our one and only Gilbert and Sullivan show, the Pirates of Penzance which proved to attract the biggest audiences since Showboat.
Camelot in 1998 proved to be an expensive show to perform but was a great success with the cast and audiences alike.
In one or two shows over the years we have invited members of dance schools to take part in our shows but over the last 5 years members have been keen to dance themselves, including learning to tap dance for Anything Goes! Most years the choreography is undertaken by members of the cast, which has proved to be a great success allowing many members talents to shine through.

Over 25 years we have needed a variety of sets to be built from the Wild West to a medieval castle, all of the sets have been designed, built and painted by dedicated society members.
For our 25th Anniversary production we chose The Merry Widow – a lavish and colourful show, which allowed us to demonstrate our high quality chorus work for which we have earned a fine reputation.

While we are busy rehearsing for our shows we also have to rehearse for our Summer and Christmas concerts.
Our first was in 1981, which was held to raise money for the Rotary charity Polio Plus. From then on all money raised by the Christmas concert and our coffee and carols morning is sent to local charities, often relevant to our members or committed to helping young people and children.