Three generations on stage

THREE generations of the same family are playing key roles in this week's Retford Amateur Operatic Society show.

Octogenarian Betty Teanby, the group's president, is anchoring the production of Hello Dolly! at the town's Majestic Theatre this week.

She is choreographer and takes on the role of Mrs Rose in the classic West End musical.

Daughter Elizabeth Williams, this year's operatic society chairman, has the female lead of Dolly Levi.

And Elizabeth's youngest daughter Gabriella, a 15-year-old Retford Oaks pupil, steps into the shoes of Minnie Fay.

Dedicated to the performing arts, Retford Amateur Operatic Society has been staging musicals, pantomimes and concerts in the town for 40 years.

It has a junior branch, Mini Operatic Bunch – known as MOB – chaired by Mrs Williams' husband Tony.

Open to youngsters from the age of eight, it is supplying a contingent to the senior performance – and is currently in rehearsals for its own show West Side Story.

"Mum is marvellous and started out as a dance teacher at only 14 in Nottingham," said Mrs Williams.

"I joined the Retford society 20 years ago and have also directed shows over the last decade.

"My eldest daughter Lucy now lives and teaches in Singapore and was in MOB.

"And on Saturday Gabriella will have to miss our final performance – because she's flying out to Singapore to do her work experience at her sister's school."

Hello Dolly! is the delightful story of Dolly Levi, a loveable woman who has her sights set on businessman and half-millionaire Mr Horace Vandergelder.

As Dolly plots and schemes to get her man she becomes a matchmaker, helping others find true love.

The story is filled with exuberant characters, glittering costumes, hilarious scenes and memorable songs.

There's a cast of almost 40 people including children from the MOB and members of the adult society

Martin Yates is musical director and Paul Caputa is the stage director.

And the troupe is always on the lookout for people to help behind the scenes with a range of roles from make-up to scenery preparation.

The show is running at the theatre in Coronation Street, Retford, all this week until Saturday.

Tickets priced £9.50 are available from the box office (01777) 706866.