 Jill Curd
- Calamity Jane
Jill came along to a BOS rehearsal in 1994 and has been taking part in shows and concerts ever since. She also undertook the role of society Chair for several years.Roles have included: Carrie in Carousel, Pam in Tarot, the ghostly Frumah Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof, title role in Iolanthe, Counsel for the Defence in Trial By Jury, Ruth in Pirates of Penzance, Mrs Sowerberry in Oliver!, Lady Sangazure in The Sorcerer and her favourite role to date: Adelaide in Guys and Dolls - given a brief reprise in the BOS 50th Anniversary concert last year. Jill was also immensely proud to be the contralto soloist in last December 8th’sanniversary performance of the Messiah; the date would have been her late father’s 90th birthday and the oratorio was his favourite. Jill has also taken part in Basildon Theatre Company projects (where she met her husband Tony) including the community musical premiere of Jack in the Box, Chairs – a series of performed monologues, and played one of only four characters in a new and powerful play Voices in the Dark written by a local Basildon playwrite. Often required to take part in some strange, even dangerous activities within productions, the stage antics of the hard-bitten, gun-toting ‘Calam’ somewhat continues the tradition! Jill says: “Playing Calamity Jane is challenging physically and vocally but above all she is such great character to play!” But Calam should have the last word: “Goshamighty - every danged thing about this plum crazy show with its fancy dressed galoots should charm y’all hog-eyed. If you don’t go home happy you’ll hafta do some tall explainin’ to me and Wild Bill!” |
 Rob Gray
- Wild Bill Hickock
Rob first sang with BOS in 1969 and has since performed in over 50 shows with local groups as well as singing in concerts, operas and oratorios. Rob particularly enjoys Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and has played many of the characters. His favourite role is The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, but he also enjoys the challenge of singing solos in oratorios. Rob has taken an active role in setting up and supporting BOSCATS who just happen to be performing The Junior Broadway version of Pirates next January! Rob also sings with The Choristers, Little Theatre Club and Rug Opera who will soon be starting rehearsals for Die Fledermaus to be staged at The Palace Theatre next November. Rob is Head of Volunteering at Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services and regularly plays badminton with Colin our stage manager. |
 Rob Mitchell -Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin Having been involved in BOS for approximately 30 years, I still enjoy each show that we perform. Show week is always a good laugh for the cast, hopefully Calamity Jane will be no different! |
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 Anita Gray -
Katie Brown
Anita has been a member of Benfleet Operatic Society for seven years. She had her first lead as Babe in The Pajama Game and played Aline last year in The Sorcerer (Her finest hour, though she does say so herself!) Being Katie Brown has been a great experience for Anita, for a start she had to learn to dance! It’s completely different to any of the parts she’s done before and she loved every minute of it. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she will. |
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Peter Robinson - Francis Fryer Although Peter has been involved in BOS, and other societies, for many years he is convinced that this is his most challenging part to date. The role of Francis Fryer has required Peter to address the way he makes-up a character but feels that the audience reaction will make it all worth while! Peter is loath to publicly admit that he has enjoyed rehearsing the part...but he has, and so hopes that everyone else involved with the show enjoys it as much, or more, than he intends to. |
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Barry Newman - Henry Miller Underneath the whiskers it is Barry. At last a part that suits his voice - every time the chorus sings Henry Miller leaves the stage. Hopefully tonight Barry might even remember a line or two. Listen carefully, he will say this only once. Barry’s days are numbered. You might be watching his final performance. Good Luck and Good night! |
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Emma Jeffery - Susan Miller This is Emma’s second principal role in a BOS Production. After playing Constance in The Sorcerer last year, she is relieved to be marrying someone of her own age! Emma has been a member of the society for four years and has enjoyed the range of shows she has taken part in, like Kiss Me Kate, HMS Pinafore and The Pajama Game. |
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Sue Kelly - Adelaide Adams Sue Kelly is pleased to use her consummate acting skills to portray a blousy, over the top theatrical diva who is approaching her sell-by date - she hopes she was required to act! |
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