A local actress reflects on her years at a Berkshire theatre company celebrating their Platinum anniversary.

After 34 years with the society, she will be returning to the same stage with the 1920's inspired musical, 'The Boyfriend' that was first performed at the Wilde Theatre in 1993.

In May 2022, East Berkshire Operatic Society will be marking their 70th birthday with a production of the musical at the same theatre in South Hill Park.

Following several production delays due to the pandemic, EBOS is looking forward to putting on a high energy celebration of music.

Anna McCormack, a retired school theatre, joined the company in 1988 immediately after her move from Dundee.

She performed on stage as the character of Maisie in The Boyfriend, and almost 30 years later the Dundee born actress will be returning in the role off Lady Brockhurst.

Anna said: “I’ve been a part of nearly every show since I joined the company in 1988. It has been a huge part of my life, and throughout the years I have acted as Chair, director, choreographer and actor.

Bracknell News:

“I feel so lucky to have been able to perform in an amateur way. A lot of people find it hard to find a balance when performing, either choosing to do it professionally or not at all, but the fact that I’ve been able to perform with the company for all these years has been amazing.

The Society was formed in 1952 by a group of local enthusiasts, who felt that the Bracknell area lacked the facility of an amateur musical society to perform light operettas.

Over the years it has grown and developed into one of Berkshire’s most renowned amateur theatre companies.

Anna explains how EBOS has changed throughout the years. She said: “The main difference from when I started in 1988 is that the standard of talent has continued to improve.

“There is so much local talent in Berkshire, and we have often been compared to the west end. We work hard, and we expect to be good.”

“EBOS has always been my home and I feel so lucky to be able to say that. I have performed with Reading Operatic Society in one of their shows but I will always come back to EBOS.”