Humble Beginnings

Founded in 1923 - the same year as the likes of Disney, Time Magazine and Warner Brothers - Ruislip Operatic Society has been at the heart of musical theatre in Ruislip ever since, creating over 130 productions to date.

The idea for a musical society in Ruislip was proposed by Reverend E. Bewlay (seconded by Mr R Howland) at public meeting held by the Ruislip Association on 17th December 1923. After much discussion, Ruislip Musical Society was born. Although the idea came from the Ruislip Association, it was decided that the brand new Society should operate as a separate entity. 
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They soon began building the structure of the Society, laying the foundations for what it would eventually become. Over this time, the group concentrated on rehearsals, building up their collective repertoire and enlisting volunteers to join their growing list of members. At a General Meeting of the Ruislip Musical Society on 16th October 1924, almost a year after its creation, it was decided to change the name to The Ruislip & District Musical & Dramatic Society. 
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April 1925 marked a momentous occasion, as the society made its first ever public performance. It was a concert version of Merrie England, performed in the Wesleyan Church Hall on Ickenham Road, Ruislip. The handbills advertising the show stated that the Society "had spared no pains to do justice to the Opera and hopes it will be the first of many successes." 

With original member Mr R E Humphriss at the reins of production and musical direction, the show was an absolute success. Pre-box office demand strong from the beginning and the show sold well - the Society's presence in the local community was firmly established. Mr R E Humphriss is an important person in our story, eventually becoming the President of the Society alongside holding various other committee roles and production credits until his death in 1964. ​Continue reading below.