Rob Gray - Fred/Petruchio

Rob first joined BOS in 1969 and has since performed in over 50 shows in local groups as well as singing in concerts, operas and oratorios from small cabaret groups to a 1000 plus choir to celebrate the works of Sullivan. Rob has appeared in all 13 Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and played many of the characters. His favourite role is the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance. He has also played, Earl of Essex in Merrie England, Pluto in Orpheus In The Underworld, Zuniga in Carmen, Bumble in Oliver, Lord Oakleigh in Anything Goes and Sid & Prez in The Pajama Game. – though not in the same show! He has appeared as guest soloist in The Crucifixion and Olivet To Calvary. Rob sang with TOADS (Thundersley) for nine years and The Choristers for 20 plus years and each summer tours in concert with Rug Opera a popular charity fundraising group.

Jackie Newman - Lilli/Kate

I am delighted to be playing Lilli/Kate in this production. Cole Porter’s songs are a joy to sing and best of all Lilli is not required to be in the first flush of youth but is a woman of some experience (just as well I hear you say). As Lilli, I am "So in Love" and as Kate "I hate Men" and end up "Ashamed that Women are so Simple" , very un-P.C. I would just like to add that no leading actors were actually harmed during the making of this show.

Emma Mitchell - Lois Lane/Bianca

Lois/Bianca is the sort of character that most women would love to hate and most men love to love. Hey, it’s great to get up on stage, put on some different clothes, a bit of make-up and a wig and become someone else for a short while. Or it is just that in the words of my 2 ½ year old son "Mummy bit silly". Still it’s all in the name of show business.

Despite playing leads in many Benfleet Operatic Society shows previously, I am still looking forward to playing the part of Bill Calhoun. It will give me the opportunity to show off my dancing skills and for me to play opposite my wife once again, although I am not quite sure which one will make me the more nervous!!!

Mick Roberts - Paul

Mick followed his parents and brother into BOS at the age of 11. He has taken part in the chorus as well as a variety of principal parts ever since. His first part was Simkins in Merrie England but favourites were Pooh Bah, Private Willis and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. His most recent role was Sir Joseph Porter in our production of HMS Pinafore earlier this year. He also produced G&S's Trial by Jury. Mick said " I enjoyed the challenge of production but I think I'll stick to being on stage."

Melisa Green -  Hattie

Melissa joined BOS in 1990 at the age of 7 through her sister, but developed a love for the musical theatre at a young age. She has enjoyed singing in the chorus & working with producers such as Keith & Steve Mitchell, however enjoyed her first principal part of Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof in 1997. After 1998 Mel took several years out for her Professional/College studies before returning for the production of HMS Pinafore in Spring 2005. She has enjoyed rehearsals of Kiss Me Kate and has said "Its a fun show with excellent songs and a modern concept which people can still relate to today". She has had really good fun in rehearsals working with Mick & Jackie. She hopes everyone enjoys the performance and see you next year for the 50th Anniversary of BOS.

Dave Roberts - Harry/Baptista

Dave has been with Benfleet Operatic longer than he cares to remember and has been grateful for the opportunity to play a variety of principal roles over that time. He remembers his very first role - Cox in Burnand and Sullivan’s short operetta Cox and Box Amongst favourite roles played are Jack Point in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeoman of the Guard, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, Mr. Snow in Carousel and Scrooge in Scrooge the Musical. He is  currently chairman of the society and is hoping for an influx of younger and older members this year leading up to 2006 which will be the Society’s 50th Anniversary.

Peter Robinson - Peter/Gremio

Kiss Me Kate comes at the end of a busy year for Peter, one which will have seen him appear in six shows spread across four different societies. Although he is a little unsure about the Shakespearian costumes, he knows that the chance to sing "Too Darn Hot" was just too good an opportunity to miss! Peter has thoroughly enjoyed rehearsing for Kiss Me Kate and hopes that you enjoy watching the show just as much. 

This Shakespearian lark’s a terrible curse, 

For it leads me to think I shall write this in verse. 

In this bio I’ll tell you (in strict rhyming couplet) 

How worried I am about tights and a doublet. 

In auditions they gave one and all such a shot 

That I ended up singing its just Too Darn Hot. 

I’m glad that they did (for perhaps it was fate?) 

As I’ve thoroughly loved this ‘ere show "Kiss Me Kate"

Our Gangsters

Barry Newman

Barry has played a long succession of gentle idiots for more years than anyone cares to remember. This time - a gun toting menacing idiot. What Joy!

Geoff Mingail  

Geoff joined BOS in early 2003 in time for The Pirates of Penzance and played in the chorus. He had so much fun, it remains his favourite to date. He struck fear in peoples hearts when he played the part of Bill Sykes in Oliver later that year. He says he is really looking forward to appearing alongside Barry Newman as one of the gangsters, who has quite a reputation for bringing comedy to the shows. I would recommend joining the society to anyone showing the slightest interest, I guarantee you would enjoy it.

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