Crowds flock to see possible last-ever show

Published on 25th October 2007 in News

Feelings about Goole's oldest drama group are "as strong as ever", according to its producer.

Goole Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (GAODS) are currently performing Show Business - which is likely to be their last show at Vermuyden School.

Doreen Chappell, MBE, GAODS producer, said: "I feel we've had an excellent start - we haven't had any holdups yet.

"The show's got tremendous appeal. I've tried to include something for everyone and we've had visitors from Sheffield, Hull, Birmingham, London. It's sold out every night so far."

Work has already started on a £15 million facelift of the school, which includes removing the permanent stage which GAODS use. The group fear that they will not be able to find a suitable alternative venue in the town.

Mrs Chappell said the fact that Show Business was likely to be the last performance at Vermuyden, after more than 30 years, had affected the audience and the cast.

"It's made a heck of a difference," she said.

"When we started the show, I said the most important thing is the current show. But it's so sad. It's house full every night.

"You have to see it to understand it. It's not just appealing to a few members of the cast, it uses the talent of people like electricians and joiners and then you're sharing it with the community.

"It's been on the go for so many years now. Feelings are as strong as ever."

Last year, the society put on its centenary performance.

The alterations at Vermuyden will create a bigger hall, which the ERYC have said will be more flexible. New social, external and drama spaces will also be created.

A spokesperson said yesterday: "Work on the school is on schedule. Work on phase two, which will include the new hall facilities, is due to begin next summer."

The council has also said that the proposals were made only after consultation with user groups, students and staff, and following a public open day.