Robert and Elizabeth ensemble (2)

An operetta-style musical, Robert and Elizabeth tells the love story of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett. It was originally produced in London in 1964 to acclaimed success with several professional and amateur revivals following in its wake. One such amateur revival was produced by the T.A.O.D.S in 1971 at City Hall Truro. This backstage photograph features the female ensemble cast in their period costumes.

The Lisbon Story poster

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.

Illustrated souvenir programme cover for Bless the Bride, 1983

A Vivian Ellis and A.P. Herbert muscial, Bless the Bride tells the story of an English girl who marries a French actor in which she has been led to believe has been killed in action during the Franco Prussian War. The musical was performed by the T.A.O.D.S at City Hall Truro in November 1983. This programme cover features an illustration of a married couple with an accompanying decorative border and bold modern text.

Bless the Bride ensemble (2)

A Vivian Ellis and A.P. Herbert muscial, Bless the Bride tells the story of an English girl who marries a French actor. She is then led to believe by his friend who dislikes the English that he has been killed in action during the Franco Prussian War. This image is a backstage photograph of the cast of the T.A.O.D.S production of the musical at City Hall in November 1983.

A scene from Kismet 1988 (1)

Kismet is a 1911 play in three acts written by Edward Knoblauch. The word ‘Kismet’ means fate or destiny in Turkish and Urdu. The play originally ran in London for two years before eventually opening in the United States. It was subsequently revived in later years and then adapted into musical form in the 1950s. Since its adaptation, several T.A.O.D.S performances of the musical have been staged at City Hall. This image depicts a scene from the 1988 T.A.O.D.S production of Kismet.