The Committee

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John Fairfoot

President

John has been a member of LAOS for over 40 years starting as a 19 year old distributing programmes. He became Business Manager in 1978 responsible for ticket allocation along with wife Janet and continued this role for over 25 years. John became President in 2004 when his Father in Law Bob Gray, President and past Chairman, sadly passed away. John continues to represent the society to guests and patrons as well as advising the Committee.

Mike Porter

Chairman

Mike joined the society in 1987 for Pirates of Penzance and has been an active member since, performing roles such as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady and Julian Marsh in 42nd Street. Mike became Chairman in 2007 and now leads the Committee in its society activities as well as representing the society overall. Before joining the main Committee Mike was a regular member of the Musical Years Organising Committee.

Nicola Brook

Committee Member

Nicola has been an active member of LAOS for over twenty-four years, appearing regularly on stage in most productions. She joined the Management Committee in 2008, where responsibilities amongst others include co-ordinating programme production for the shows.

Janet Page

Committee Member

Janet is a long standing member of the Committee, with over 25 years service. While still a performing member she is also responsible for all the hairdressing in the productions and served as Chairman of the Concert Committee for a number of years.

Christine Rowlands

Committee Member

Chris has been a member of LAOS since 2004 and has been a committee member since 2009. She coordinates the first aiders for the society and the first aid provision at rehearsals. She also assists wherever she is required from movement rehearsals to costumes and makeup.

Andrew Thomson

Production Manager

Andy joined LAOS in 1991 having been brought in to cover for a member of crew for one night in ‘Bitter Sweet’. After serving a long apprenticeship with Betty Woodrow (Stage Manager retired) to learn the ropes, Andy is now Production Manager and co-ordinates the production team, sub contractors and works closely with theatre staff at all the different venues we perform in.

Richard White

Committee Member

Richard has been a member of LAOS for over 25 years and has been in many shows over this time. He works on the programme with Nicola Brook. He is also in regular contact with the Rights Holders so that LAOS hopefully have the opportunity of doing new shows as soon as they become available.

Gillian Ellis

Society Secretary

Gillian joined the society in 1972 as a dancer in Kiss Me Kate and performed until 1985 when the commitments of being dance school principal and I.D.T.A examiner made it difficult to continue. She has always supported the LAOS and being semi-retired from teaching was pleased and honoured to accept the role of secretary in 2017, once again becoming part of the LAOS family.

Paul Hopkins

Paul has been a member of the society for 40 years, in the early years as a dancer, performer, and previously as a committee member. He has re-joined the committee for a second time having moved back into the area. His role these days is to bring his commercial and process management skills to the society, helping the committee to run the challenging business of major amateur productions.

Gemma Helliwell

Treasurer

After performing in both principal and chorus roles for the Society, including Belle in Beauty And The Beast, Florence in Chess and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Gemma took up the reins as Society Treasurer and brings her financial expertise and acumen to this important role.

Sian Wormald

Sian is the newest recruit to the committee and on joining quickly threw herself into organising fundraising events and functions for the Society. Sian has performed in several shows with LAOS in the chorus and as a dancer and she is also helping to choreograph our production of The Full Monty.