In the 1970's Maureen James, a well known, prominent member of the society gathered some of the member's children together to form a singing group who travelled around Weston-super-Mare performing concerts for the OAP clubs and other organisations. This group gradually increased to such a size and were so popular that they were eventually named 'The Oppitts' and non-members children joined. As their popularity grew so did the membership. Judy Smith from the Alexander School of Dancing also became involved and taught the children to dance. The group now has about 40 children with ages ranging from 6 - 16 who are proficient in acting, dancing and singing. As the children reach adolescence they are auditioned into the main society; many then go on to stage school and the professional theatre.

In 2002, 'The Oppitts' under the direction of Heather Collings presented 'Bugsy Mallone' at the Blakehay Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. In 2004, their first production in St Judes Theatre was 'The Wizard of Oz', under the  professional direction of Ray Jeffery. This production was so successful that he agreed to return and in August 2006 he directed 'The Oppitts' in 'Pinnochio' at St Judes Theatre.

Laura G. James who successfully directed two summer concerts for the adults in 2005 and 2006 at St Judes has also directed shows for the Oppitts. She directed her first Oppitt production of 'Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat' at St Judes Theatre in February 2007 and again directed the children in 'Guys & Dolls' at The Blakehay Theatre, Weston-super-Mare summer 2008, with Annie Doswell as Musical Director.

The Oppitts also featured prominently in our spring 2008 production at the Playhouse, ‘The Secret Garden’ and then again in ‘The Likes of Us’ in 2009.

The last show was ‘Junior Honk’ which was presented at St Judes Theatre, Milton in mid February, 2010. Laura G. James was delighted to direct a cast of nearly 50 children in this amusing & poignant musical adapted especially for children, John Johnson took the role of Musical Director.

The rehearsal schedule for the Oppitts is on the Private Oppitts Page, accessed via 'Members Only'
To gain access to this page, email membership@westonoperatic.org.uk. State your name, address and e-mail address together with the name/s of your child/children who are members of the 'Oppitts'.