THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH OPERATIC FUND

Registered Charity No 261564

We are very proud of our Trust Fund! Since being established by the Society in 1970, it has awarded many grants to people embarking on a career in professional theatre. Over the years it has helped local young talented people to realise their dreams!

Donations to the fund are always very welcome. For information on how to donate to the fund or obtain a grant please write to Linda Campbell, 128 Newmarket Road, Norwich, NR4 6SB.

Some success stories

Gavin Woods lives in Dereham and became a member of Dereham Operatic Youth Theatre Company.

When 19 years old, he realised his ambition to attend a Theatre School and successfully auditioned for a one year intensive training course with the Londaon School of Musical theatre and, during this time, the Norfolk and Norwich trust Fund helped him on his way.

Immediately after leaving college, Gavin travelled Europe with the English Shakespeare Company playing Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Pantomime in Horsham followed, and then came an amazing break for him – the opportunity of an audition with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber himself for a part in his touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Gavin admits to this being a nerve-racking experience, but one which turned out to be very rewarding, as he was offered the part of Reuben in the production.

He toured with Joseph for over a year, and a highlight was his appearance at the Theatre Royal in October 2004 in front of all his family and friends. Congratulations Gavin!

Philip Barley was a member of the Norfolk and Norwich operatic Society, playing leading roles in several of our productions, before deciding at 24 years old to give up his working life to return to full time education and the world of professional live theatre.

The Trust Fund granted Phil an award in 1999 when he was offered a place on a performing arts degree course at Middlesex University. He went on to study Jazz and Acting at the State University of New York. His professional work has included playing Don Lockwood in Singing in the Rain, and understudying and playing the part of Dean Martin both in the west end and in the recent UK tour of The Rat Pack, appearing at the Theatre Royal in front of his family and friends in July 2005.

Philip says, “The Norfolk and Norwich Operatic fund helped me get through my drama degree and the experience I gained through performing with the N&N helped make my decision to follow this silly career!”

We wish him all the best for the future.