Tony has been involved in amateur dramatics and operatics for very many years. His interest was first stimulated at the Royal Grammar School in Clitheroe (a boy’s only school in his day) when the annual play was usually Shakespeare: with boys playing both the male and female parts. He was also involved with amateur dramatics when at University in Liverpool. When taking up his teaching post at Lancaster University he got involved with the Drama Society on campus and also performed in many plays with local groups such as Cabus Players and Hambleton Players: where he produced for the first time. He (with others) formed a touring company at this time called ‘The Gadabouts’: a company that still tours around doing a mix of music, singing, comedy and playlets. In 1977, the late Harold Yates of LADOS persuaded him to step in for an actor who had to drop out of their production of ‘No No Nanette’ and this was his first experience of a musical as such. He soon got enthusiastic about this form of theatre, also taking on roles in shows in Morecambe, Garstang, Preston and Clitheroe: Bill Snibson in ‘Me and My Girl’, Billy Crocker in ‘Anything Goes’, Og – the leprechaun – in ‘Finian’s Rainbow’, Mister Snow in ‘Carousel’, Hines in ‘Pajama Game’ and many others. He lives in Garstang with Christine and three children (plus spouses) and five grandchildren – yes, they are all in Garstang or very nearby – and it is with the local Theatre Group and the Light Opera Group that he has done most of his directing/producing work with a very long list of credits indeed ranging all the way from Gilbert & Sullivan operettas though reviews and cabaret to musicals such as ‘Me and My Girl’, ‘Sweet Charity’, ‘Pajama Game’, ‘Oliver’, ‘The Arcadians’, ‘Show Boat’, ’Quaker Girl’, ‘Summer Song’ etc. In Lancaster he has worked mostly with Lancaster Footlights at the Grand Theatre particularly taking on the roles of emcee in ‘Cabaret’, Geoffrey in ‘Stepping Out’ and Ratty in ‘Wind in the Willows’: plus supporting roles in plays such as ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’, ‘Major Barbara’, ‘A Chorus of Disapproval’, ‘Celebration’ and so on. Tony loves amateur theatre and his philosophy is to aim for professional standards but without loosing sight of the fun, energy and enthusiasm that are so characteristic of amateur theatre at its best.

Angela first joined L.A.D.O.S. for the 1989 production of "Hello Dolly" as the rehearsal pianist. The main quality required for this job is... patience, which Angela has in abundance, coaxing even the shyest of performers to come out of their shells. She works very hard during the long rehearsal period, and is always willing to go the extra mile to help the principals get to grips with a particularly tricky piece of music. In recent years, she has taken on the mantle of Musical Director as well as rehearsal pianist, and member of the orchestra. She was particularly pleased when the committee chose "Hot Mikado" for the 2006 production, as it is a special favourite of hers.

Victoria trained at the Lancaster Ballet and Theatre School under Miss Heather Burns from the age of three. After attending Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School Victoria completed three years of training on the Professional Dancers and Teachers of Dance course at Preston College Dance Centre, graduating in 2006 with a variety Dance Teaching qualifications.

Victoria took an active role in many local amateur productions including Sophie in ‘The BFG’ and Audrey in ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’. Victoria’s professional experience includes dancing for EuroDisney, choreography for corporate events, Tinkerbell in Pele Production’s ‘Peter Pan’ at Preston Charter Theatre (Dec 2005) and most recently directing ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ pantomime for Preston Playhouse, receiving the NODA award for Direction.

Victoria now has her own company, Danceworks North West, running several dance schools and working in secondary schools in the local area.

If you are interested in contacting Victoria regarding Danceworks North West please contact danceworks@hotmail.co.uk.

Paul joined L.A.D.O.S. for our 1996 production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Attention to detail is Paul's middle name, ensuring that every show has an authentic sound to fit the genre and also making sure that everyone on stage can be heard!

Matthew has been with L.A.D.O.S. since the 2002 production of "The Sound of Music" when established sound technician Paul Mullineaux recruited him to the team. The Rodgers & Hammerstein classic was a particularly demanding show, as it involved a timed sequence of thunder effects that had to be delivered on-beat, plus a wealth of other sound effects from late 1930's Austria. As if this wasn't enough, the set was very complex, transforming seamlessly from an indoor Austrian mansion into a sunlit veranda overlooking the Alps; placing the microphones in a useful yet conspicuous place was a challenge! Despite this, Matthew has stuck with us and has worked on shows including "Kiss Me, Kate", "Chess", "Anything Goes" and "Hot Mikado".  For the 2007 production of "Fiddler on the Roof" Matthew made the switch from technical staff to actor, where he played the part of the bookseller, Avram

Peggy has been our Producer/Director since 1986 when her first production in this role was "Half a Sixpence" Prior to that, she took many leading roles for L.A.D.O.S. one of the most memorable being that of Maria in the local amateur premier of "West Side Story" in 1962, before taking charge of the 1987 production of this musical for the Society. Peggy and husband, David - a former President of the society, love to travel, and she regularly uses her time away to plot the next show. She took a year off in 2004 and handed the reins over to Roger Bradley for "Chess" before returning to take charge again for "Anything Goes". Peggy is normally pretty easy going during rehearsals, but when that whistle comes out of her briefcase, the cast know she means business! L.A.D.O.S. is something of a "Family Firm" because at one time or another, her son, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren have all appeared in various productions, and daughter-in-law Nicola Read has choreographed several of our shows.

Sadly for us, Fiddler on the Roof was Peggy's 'Swan Song', as she hung up her producer's sweatshirt after the show, and is currently taking a well earned retirement.

Thankfully, we have not seen the last of Peggy however, as we are delighted that she has accepted our invitation to be our President Elect, and will follow Malcolm McIllmurray as our President in 2009/2010