This advertisement in the programme for the 1936 T.A.O.D.S production of The Gondoliers promotes three different Truro businesses including a music stockist, a fruiterer and confectioner and a ‘coiffeuse’ which is a women’s hairdressers. These advertisements document the changes that have occured in shopping trends, advertising and ways of life since 1936.
Pictured in this programme page is Mr E. I. Ellery who had extensively photographed a large number of the local aristocracy in the first two decades of the 1900s. Mr. Ellery was also the scenic artist and stage manager for the society and had painted the scenery for its productions since its formation. Also pictured is a photograph from a previous T.A.O.D.S production of The Mikado.
Both comic operas by Gilbert and Sullivan, the T.A.O.D.S production of Trial By Jury and The Pirates of Penzance ran at The County Theatre Truro between the 3rd and 7th of February 1931. Included in the programme is the statement that ‘to write a synopsis of this essentially Gilbertian Dramatic Cantata is almost a sacriledge: The words and the humour are so rich…’
Written by Ted Willis, Doctor at Sea is a farsical comedy in three acts. It was performed at City Hall Truro by the T.A.O.D.S between the 10th and 13th of March, 1965 and was directed by John Knight. The cover features the distinctive cathedral inspired logo of T.A.O.D.S against a colourful background and bold border.
Advertising the T.A.O.D.S performance of Showboat at City Hall in November 1992, this poster is an interesting example of the progression in theatre design that had resulted in sophisticated and modern advertisements by the end of the century.
Camelot was performed by the T.A.O.D.S at City Hall Truro between the 1st and 6th of November, 1993. It was co-directed by Joan and John Boreham who were accompanied by Hubert Julian as musical director. In contrast to earlier advertisements for T.A.O.D.S productions, this poster contains less detailed text in favour of a larger title and illustration. The T.A.O.D.S iconic logo inspired by the spires of Truro Cathedral also features.
Advertising a performance of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at City Hall, this poster is an interesting example of the changes in design trends throughout the history of T.A.O.D.S performances. Illustrations, eye catching colour and modern fonts contrast with earlier production posters which had simpler designs.
42nd Street is a musical based on the 1930s novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent film adaptation of the same era. The show centres on the efforts of a famed director to successfully mount an extravagent stage production during the worse years of the Great Depression. The programme cover for the 1995 T.A.O.D.S production of the musical features the distinctive cathedral inspired logo of the society along with bold and striking text to convey the name, place and time of performance.
The T.A.O.D.S performance of Calamity Jane ran between the 10th and the 15th of November, 1975. It was produced and choreographed by Debbie Underwood and featured Harry Jordan as musical director and Elizabeth Willis as ballet mistress. The poster showcases the theatre and design trends of the 1970s, featuring striking coloured text to convey the title of the musical, the venue and prices which appear in contrast with the bolder black capitalised text that’s used to advertise the society and performance dates.
The T.A.O.D.S performance of The Lisbon Story ran from the 14th of November at the Regent Theatre Truro in 1949. It was produced and choreographed by Mavis Ward who was accompanied by Gordon Hall as musical director. Both Mavis and Gordon were prolific in the shows they produced and directed for the T.A.O.D.S. This specific performance was the first West Country premiere of the musical. Printed by David R. Poland of Truro, the poster is an interesting example of post-war theatre and design trends. It’s bold text, eye catching colour and type of varying sizes is accompanied by a cast list and prices of tickets for prospective audiences to survey.