A scene from Kismet 1988 (2)

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.

A scene from Kismet 1988 (3)

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.

Souvenir programme cover for Ruddigore at City Hall

A Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration, Ruddigore, or “The Witch’s Curse”, is set in the fishing village of Rederring in Cornwall and tells the story of the cursed Baronet brothers who must commit a crime every day to avoid a painful death. The comic opera ran for 288 performances at the Savoy Theatre in 1887 before eventually being revived in 1920 to critical acclaim. Although initially regarded as a failure by critics, the opera soon proved to be a success after running for 8 consecutive months and amassing a total of £7,000. Directed by Mr. Gordon Hall, the opera was performed at City Hall by the T.A.O.D.S between the 19th and 23rd of January 1926.

Souvenir programme cover for The Rebel Maid at the County Theatre Truro

The Rebel Maid was performed at the County Theatre Truro by the T.A.O.D.S between the 12th and 16th of March 1929. Produced with great success in London in 1921, it tells the story of Lady Mary, “The Rebel Maid”, who’s secretly engaged in obtaining the support of local fishermen to overthrow King James II. The opera was directed and produced by Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hall whilst Mr. Ellery and Mr. Farley managed the stage and scenery. An illustration of the title character is displayed on the cover. There is also more information inside the programme including advertisements, details of future performances and cast listings.

Programme cover for Utopia Ltd at County Theatre Truro

Utopia Ltd, or “The Flowers of Progress”, is a Gilbert and Sullivan opera centred around Princess Zara, the eldest daughter of King Paramount of Utopia, after she has been sent to England in the hope that her training there will contribute to her fathers master plan. The opera was performed by the T.A.O.D.S at the County Theatre Truro between the 1st and 5th of February 1927. This performance was directed by Mr. Gordon Hall who was the director of music for a number of T.A.O.D.S performances at the theatre in this period.