This advertisement in the programme for the 1937 T.A.O.D.S production of Jolly Roger promotes three different Truro businesses, including a teacher of pianoforte, organ and theory, a men’s hairdressers and a building and contractors. These advertisements document the changes that have occured in shopping trends, advertising and ways of life since 1937.
A comic opera in two acts, The Count of Como is set in the fictional ‘Oblivia’ and follows the events that unfold in the aftermath of the betrothal of the Grand Duke Otto’s daughter with the ‘rich but ridiculous’ Crown Prince. The T.A.O.D.S staged their own production of the opera at the Regent Theatre Truro between the 21st and 25th of February, 1933. It was produced under the sole direction of Elsie A. Hall who was accompanied by Gordon Hall as musical director. The scenery was ‘specially painted’ by E. I. Ellery of Truro, 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. The dresses and wigs for the production were made by B. J. Simmons & Co., London who were best known for their historical costume designs. Daintily decorated, the programme is in keeping with the art-deco design trends of the era.
This advertisement in the programme for the 1933 T.A.O.D.S production of The Count of Como promotes four different Truro businesses including two confectioners, a house decorators and an opticians. These advertisements document the changes that have occured in shopping trends, advertising and ways of life since 1933.
The Gondoliers is the twelfth collaboration by Gilbert and Sullivan and is set in the fictional kingdom of Barataria. The comic opera follows the events which unfold when the young bride of the heir to the throne arrives in Venice. Premiering at the Savoy Theatre in 1889, it successively ran for 554 performances which, at that time, made it the fifth longest-running piece of musical theatre in history. The T.A.O.D.S staged their own production of the opera at the Regent Theatre Truro between the 11th and 15th of February, 1936. It was produced by Miss. Vera Ware who was accompanied by Mr. Bertram Lightbown as director of music.
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.
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.
City Hall is a grade II listed building that was completed in 1846. Built to house the headquarters of the local council, the north end of the complex accommodated the municipal buildings, which included a courtroom and a council chamber, while the south end accommodated a market hall. The clocktower was installed on the Boscawen Street frontage in 1858 and in 1877, when Truro became a city, the complex was renamed Truro City Hall.
City Hall is a grade II listed building that was completed in 1846. Built to house the headquarters of the local council, the north end of the complex accommodated the municipal buildings, which included a courtroom and a council chamber, while the south end accommodated a market hall. In the early 20th century, civic leaders decided to make the market hall available for public use. In 1907, it operated as a skating rink and then as a cinema in 1912. In 1925, the market hall was remodelled as a theatre with a stage after a fire had gutted the building in 1914.
As a registered charity since 1969, the TAODS rely on fundraising to finance the society and the events and performances they produce. One such fundraising inititative was the holding of summer fairs at City Hall which included raffles, tombolas and fair ground style games.