Meet our President - Ripley Steele
The President is the figurehead of
Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatic Society.
This high office is given to a member of the Society for their lifetime and is chosen for the persons exceptional service, dedication, and many years of loyalty. Being an honorary title the presidents function is to promote the interests of the Society, and to inspire others by their example.
Ripley joined the Society in 1968 in the chorus of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Patience' staged at Rosehill Theatre. He than took a short break and rejoined us in 1973.
He has appeared in Productions not only for Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatic Society but also with Whitehaven Theatre Group. Ripley performed in his first play, again at Rosehill with Whitehaven Theatre group in 1976. He played a hen-pecked husband in their production of 'Rookery Nook'. In 2023 Ripley was awarded with his 50 year service medal from NODA.
Ripley is arguably the most experienced member not only of Wadaos its self but in the entire area and its many groups and societies. As one can see from his Noda medal and its four bars he is battle hardened in the world of acting and music theatre.
The original home of Wadaos was in Whitehaven's long lost Theatre called the Theatre Royal. the Theatre was located on scotch street and has long since closed. it was used for secular purposes before finally being demolished as the building became unsafe. Ripley is 'the' authority on the Theatre Royal and has after many years of tireless research recently completed a definitive history of the theatre So look out for that.
You will still see Ripley treading the boards to this day always giving it his all and leading the society and its members by his outstanding example. He is always happy to chat especially on the history of the society.
Gallery
