Welcome to the Southend - On - Sea Operatic and Dramatic Society Web - Site. Having been founded in 1890, we arethe sixth oldest Society in the country and, we like to think, one of the very best in the business!
We are known (affectionately, we believe!) as the SODS and we have established a reputation for presenting stylish shows, always endeavouring to produce performances of the highest possible quality, with a meticulous eye for detail.
We are a large Society by any standards. We have about 250 members, more than half of whom are Acting Members: we perform in the largest theatre in Essex, the 1,600-seater Cliffs Pavilion: its auditorium is the largest in the whole of East Anglia.
We also attach great importance to the social aspect of the Society and I firmly believe that, as in sport, team spirit is an essential ingredient in bringing about good performances. Our members are the Society’s most cherished asset and we always endeavour to put their welfare above all else.
Our motto, “We take what we do seriously, but never ourselves” sums up our approach. Rehearsals can be challenging but we make sure that they are also fun. The SODS have two paramount and parallel responsibilities: we have to provide our audiences with productions which are consistently of the highest possible standard and at the same time provide all the members with a hobby which is both rewarding and enjoyable. Having existed for 118 years, the Society owes its forbears an enormous debt of gratitude which can only be repaid by constantly striving to present the best possible productions while still maintaining that indispensable element of fun in doing so.
I take great pride in being Chairman of Southend - On - Sea Operatic and Dramatic Society for not only does the Society present excellent productions but the members are a great bunch of people to be with.
Enjoy the website and do email us any suggestions. It's always great to hear from you.
Dick Davies Chairman
We take what we do seriously, but never ourselves!