Knaphill and St Johns Operatic Group celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year with a double bill of Gilbert & Sullivan: Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore.
The group was established in 1968 by Mrs Margaret Hennessey-Brown, then Director of Music at The Winston Churchill School, who wanted to offer the members of her choir who were leaving, the opportunity of staying together. The group’s first show was Trial by Jury and thereafter, as an Adult Education Class, began staging an annual G & S production in the school hall. Members mucked in with painting backcloths and constructing sets and it became a valuable training ground for local operatic enthusiasts.
In 1994 KASJOG separated from Adult Education, became a charity, and moved its productions to The Rhoda McGaw Theatre. At this time it was decided to broaden the repertoire to include other operettas, the first one being The Merry Widow.
Over the last 50 years KASJOG has added to its activities by hosting workshops, performing for themed events, staging concerts and has been known to appear in a local shopping centre as a flash mob! It has justifiably gained a reputation for colourful, traditional productions and an excellent vocal sound. Its productions have also won several awards from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA).
This year’s show promises to be as entertaining and vibrant as ever – testimony to the hard work, friendship and enthusiasm that has made KASJOG what it is today! We look forward to entertaining you for many more years to come!

We are extremely grateful for the support of our very generous sponsors of this year’s show, Mackrell Turner Garrett Solicitors.

http://www.mackrell.com/contact-us/surrey/