Calamity Jane Poster

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.

A scene from Robert and Elizabeth 1971 (1)

An operetta-style musical, Robert and Elizabeth tells of the love story between the poets 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 photograph showcases the extravagent costumes which featured in T.A.O.D.S productions.

A scene from Robert and Elizabeth 1971 (2)

An operetta-style musical, Robert and Elizabeth tells of the love story between the poets 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. The actor who played Elizabeth Barrett is depicted in a wheelchar as Barrett suffered from a multitude of illnesses throughout her life .

Robert and Elizabeth ensemble (1)

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 male ensemble cast in their period costumes.

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.