Canterbury Operatic Society has been performing shows and concerts in the Canterbury area for over 100 years.
Grace Newton is the Chairman of the Canterbury Operatic Society and spoke to us in depth about the history of this wonderful society and their upcoming production of 9 to 5.
Can you explain to readers your background in performing arts and how long you have been involved with the Canterbury Operatic Society?
I have been performing since the age of three starting with dance, then in secondary school moved on to singing lessons. I came to Canterbury Christ Church University to study Performing Arts in 2008 and joined the Canterbury Operatic Society in 2010. I was fortunate to be cast as one of the lead characters in the society’s show Into the Woods and joined the committee in September 2011. I have been involved with all but three productions since joining the society, and after thirteen years, I was elected Chairman in September 2023.
The Canterbury Operatic Society has a rich history dating back over 100 years, from your involvement with the society, what would you say have been the group’s proudest moments?
Compared to some of my fellow members, my stint with Canterbury Operatic is quite short. Some of our members have been part of the society for twenty-five years plus! The group has so many moments to be proud of, but I would say that our sell-out performance of My Fair Lady at The Marlowe in 2019 would be one to really shout about. Having over 1200 people come to support us was a real triumph for the society!
“Canterbury Operatic Society is more than just a group of people who come together to put on a show; they are family.”
In April, your next show 9 to 5 The Musical will be taking place at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, how excited are you for this production and what can readers expect to see from the show?
We are all really excited about 9 to 5 and returning to the Gulbenkian! The show is all about the power of women and no matter how many times women have suffered in a patriarchal society, they really do know what they are doing! The cast and crew are working tirelessly to put on a highly professional show, whilst still working ‘9-5’ and looking after family, much like the characters in our production. The show is full of favourites for all the Dolly Parton fans, along with having an underlying important message.
Do you have any other shows you’re working on for later in 2024?
We do like to keep ourselves busy, so we have some concerts lined up in the summer and at Christmas, with another production planned for October 2024. Let’s just say it is a little bit ‘kooky’ and ‘spooky’ and includes a very famous family!
Are you currently looking for any new members and, if so, how can readers enquire to find out more?
We love new members. Whether it’s to be on the stage, or behind the scenes! If you’re interested in joining us, we have our email address [email protected], our website www.canterburyoperatic.co.uk and our Facebook and Instagram pages to contact us on.
From a personal perspective, what do you enjoy most about performing and how vital is it that we keep local theatre in the community of Canterbury?
Canterbury Operatic Society is more than just a group of people who come together to put on a show; they are family. We are a community of people who look out for each other, whilst having a big song and dance! I love being on the stage with my fellow members and seeing everyone have their opportunity to shine.
Local theatre is where most of the big stars you see on the West End or Broadway started, and it is so important to keep it alive not just in Canterbury, but all over Kent so that those who want to pursue a career in the field, or just want to be out with like-minded people have this, whilst bringing so much joy and entertainment not just for themselves, but for audiences now and for years to come!