The Society purchased this building in 1978 when it was known as St. Jude's Hall. Many past and present members raised funds for its purchase. Considerable refurbishment in the last few years has now made it into a suitable small theatre, as well as being our primary rehearsal venue.  Hence the name - St Judes Theatre. Click here for map.

The refurbishment enabled us to perform several very successful 'summer season' productions over the past few years and these will continue into the future. See Future Shows.

St Judes Theatre  is now available for hire; details can be found by clicking  St.Judes Theatre Hire.

We stage two productions each year at Weston-super-Mare's professional theatre, The Playhouse usually during the week following Easter and in mid October.  Over the last 10 years the Society has received many top awards for their shows. See Awards.

We also train a large group of children in theatre arts called 'The Oppitts' and whose ages range from 6 - 16. Many of these children have appeared in our main productions and featured especially in shows such as 'Oliver'. 'The Sound of Music', 'The King and I'. 'The Music Man' and 'Oklahoma' which was the Society's autumn 2007 production. 'The Secret Garden' in 2008 brings more opportunities for the children to appear on stage. The Oppitts also have their own productions and concerts, their next main production being planned for summer 2008. See Future Shows.

To celebrate the start of Christmas, the Society holds its annual Christmas Concert in St Judes Theatre.  Both adult members and the Oppitts take part in an  evening of Christmas music and carols followed by mince pies and coffee. To request tickets, telephone Carl on 01934 824262.

New members are always welcome and auditions are held twice a year in May and November.  
Adult and Oppitt membership application forms can be found on the 'Membership' page. For further information, please contact us through membership@westonoperatic.org.uk.

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SOCIETY History

Between the years of 1914 - 1920 and 1940 - 1947, the society was unable to stage any shows due to the 1st and 2nd World Wars but in between those years and since, it flourished. The membership grew and some very well known and influential members of the community belonged to the Society. Up until 1960 only one show a year was performed but since then it has been the custom to stage two every year with small groups performing concerts and cabarets on request. During the 1980's and 1990's a weekly cabaret show was performed at The Playhouse by request of the Town Council to provide entertainment for the holidaymakers. For the last few years, the Society has staged small very successful productions at St Judes Theatre during the summer months which have proved to be extremely popular with our members and patrons. See Future Shows for new productions.

Following on the success of The Oppitts formation, it was realised that there was a gap for the in-between age groups of 14 - 18 where the children needed a more adult type of show to display their talents. Nesta Shearman, an accomplished actress, singer and musician and long-standing member of the Society; Joline Alexander, who was the Society's Choreographer and the head of the Alexander School of Dancing and Bee Beasley, a long term friend and associate of Joline Alexander therefore decided to form The Youth Theatre Workshop. Nesta acted as Musical Director, Joline was the Choreographer and Bee directed the youngsters with many other adult members of the society helping backstage. Altogether,14 productions were staged at St Judes; including shows such as 'Smike', 'The Boyfriend', 'Love from Judy', 'Godspell', 'Pippin', 'The Card' and 'The Match Girls' were performed with a cast of between 15 - 25 youngsters. Their successful collaboration continued over many years during which time many youngsters went on to train at London Stage Schools. Others were happy to stay in Weston and become members of the main society, where they remain to this day. Sadly, Joline's untimely death whilst on a cruise brought an end to this partnership and the 'Workshop', as it was affectionately known, was eventually disbanded.

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