The Arts In Berwick -- Theatre
Early Operatics

A significant creative force in Berwick for the last 80 years has been the Berwick and District Amateur Operatic Society.

Founded by local music teacher George Ballantyne it staged its first production, HMS Pinafore in 1921. Thereafter, for the first seven years of its existence the Operatic produced exclusively Gilbert and Sullivan. The change came in 1928 with "Veronique", followed by a few works which are now very obscure like "Katinka". But by the mid-30s the society was well equipped to tackle a string of high profile modern musicals. This continued after the Second War.

Based for many years at the Theatre in Hide Hill, the group have also appeared at the Playhouse and now perform at The Maltings.

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