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About...ShowCo BedfordShowCo Bedford is the new name adopted by the Bedford Amateur Operatic Society in 2004. The new name better reflects our work and our aspirations.ShowCo Bedford NowIn December 2002 THE PLACE opened - an exciting new venue - and we have started to use it for our productions and for rehearsal rooms. Our first production in the intimate theatre space at The Place was Jack The Ripper in 2003, which was nominated for Best Show for the Region by NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association). We strive for high quality productions. Putting on a show demands talent both on-stage and off.
We usually present two musicals a year plus occasional specials. We are always looking for new talent on-stage and off. If you can sing, dance, act, direct, design posters, make sets, make costumes, help backstage, help front-of-house or just make tea, please come along to meet us ! Call any member of the committee for more information. Some HistoryThe present ShowCo Bedford traces its origins back to the "Old Society" which came into being in 1919. The Old Society was formed primarily to undertake productions of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas but like the present society extended its repertoire to other productions. In 1935 this society handed over to the St. Martins Society which had formed in 1925. The St.Martins Society flourished until 1939 when productions ceased. The Bedford Amateur Operatic Society was formed in 1951 and the initial funds were generously provided by the former St. Martin's Operatic Society. In the early years the Society produced only one show per year but in 1964 the society produced two shows; The Pirates of Penzance and The Merry Widow. In 1969 the society decided to produce two shows per year on a regular basis. In 1970 BAOS presented "My Fair Lady" after its resounding world wide success on stage and screen. This production was an outstanding artistic success acclaimed as "The Finest Amateur Production ever seen". ShowCo Bedford has always aimed
at providing the best artistic environment for the production of shows.
When The Players Place was destroyed by fire, the Society moved to Woodside School, Goldington for rehearsal rooms. We are now happily established at The Place, Bradgate Road, which provides rehearsal rooms and an attractive theatre space. Our first production at The Place was Jack the Ripper.
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We design and construct our own sets and design and produce our own lighting.
We also provide our own stage management, backstage and front of house activities. We cooperate with other theatre groups in and around Bedford and the sharing of resources in terms of equipment and talent has proven successful.
To this end we work closely with other theatre groups in the area. In conjunction with three other
groups we formed The Bedford Players with "The Players
Place" at Kimbolton Road providing rehearsal and production facilities as well as a
social centre for like-minded people. Bedford Players started the Bedford Young Players, a
group to help nurture the talent of the youth and provide potential members of the other
theatre societies. In 1988 we sponsored a Young Players production "Tin Pan
Alley" and in 1990 "Salad Days". 
In conjunction with the Bedford Players we provide entertainment at
the Bedford River Festival and members of the society take part in local music festivals
and events also providing entertainment for local groups on request. We are the Radio
Bedfordshire's "Music Score" 1991,1992 & 1994 Champions.