Since 1951
About SALOS
SALOS Musical Theatre Company has played an important role within Swindon's Arts scene since it was formed in 1951. We present an annual show at Swindon's modern, yet intimate, Wyvern Theatre, as well as other concerts throughout the year.
Our story
The history of SALOS
2022 marked the 70th Anniversary of SALOS Musical Theatre Company. Here's our story.
The Beginning — 1951
The establishment of a musical theatre company was the fulfilment of an idea born in the minds of a small number of enthusiasts to revive 'light operatics' in Swindon. The society's first production in 1952, for which auditions were held at 79 Bath Road, was The Arcadians. One of our current Vice Presidents, Byron Carron, recalls that his job that day was to greet the would-be, hopeful singers for the production.
Early Success
Such was The Arcadians' success, that it justified the belief that Swindon would welcome the return of amateur light opera, with financial success, and SALOS was established as a high quality, society which would stage 70 of the best loved light operatic and musical theatre shows over the next 70 years. Indeed, the society was invited to sing with the BBC West of England Light Orchestra, broadcast on the West Home Service at 5.00pm on 14 July 1953.
The Empire Theatre Era
Unfortunately, when The Empire Theatre closed its doors in 1954, SALOS was without a home until they moved to the Regal Ballroom of the Playhouse. With a reduced audience capacity, the number of performances was increased to nine and shows were staged in this venue for the next 16 years. Heavy scenery and lighting equipment was lifted into the first-floor scenery dock by 'chain block and tackle', backstage crew designed and built a raked floor, which had to be removed and stored between productions, and chairs were obtained by lorry from various council locations, fixed securely in rows before also being returned to storage at the end of the run.
The Wyvern Theatre Opens — 1971
On 7 September 1971, The Wyvern Theatre was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, for whom SALOS was honoured and delighted to sing, after meeting them on stage. That first show was, quite appropriately, a classic light opera, The Gypsy Princess, and, as the first major production in the new Wyvern Theatre, it proved to be a revelation about the society's future.
Growing the Society
Our shows at the Wyvern have covered a broad range of styles and are indicative of the many discussions around show selection. With the resources to produce only one show per year, and the often contrasting wishes of singers, dancers, actors and audience, show selection has always been difficult. They have ranged from Wedding in Paris, which straddled the genres of light opera and musical theatre and included very difficult chorus work, to American blockbusters such as Brigadoon, Hello Dolly and Kiss Me Kate.
Into the Modern Era
With improved transport and easier access to West End shows, audience expectations about technical content grew over the years and competition from other new companies in the town increased. South Pacific in 1987 presented us with the opportunity to use radio microphones for the first time, which was popular with both audience and leading singers. Since then, SALOS has continued to innovate, reinventing earlier shows with specially designed minimalist sets, and taking on increasingly ambitious productions such as Beauty & The Beast.
Today
Since then, the challenge for Russell and the SALOS team has been to ensure that amateur musical theatre stays relevant, attracts new audiences, tackles new shows and embraces the opportunities that technical advances in professional theatre provide. SALOS is delighted to continue staging high quality musical theatre at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Find out more