Tony Checketts

My interest in drama in general and Ombersley Dramatic Society in particular began when my children, Clare, Giles and Stephen, were recruited at a very young age to take part in ODS Pantomimes. This led to me becoming a keen supporter of the Society and in due course a Vice President.

Due to the untimely death of Margaret Sanders in 1996 I became President. In this role I became more deeply involved in the Society and in March 1998 undertook to take charge of Front of House for the four night run of 'Camelot'. After the opening night Arthur Turner who was Stage Manager and also playing two small walk on parts told me he was struggling to do both and could I help by doing the two bit parts – hence my début as a knight and a priest.

In the year 2000 I remarried and my wife Iris having met the 'Drama' crowd and quite liking them, encouraged me to take a more active part in the group. We both helped with the Junior productions of two one act plays and then took parts in the Nutcracker. More parts followed – mainly small character parts for me. My favourites were 'Sid the Plumber' in 'Will you Still Love Me in the Morning' (2002), Filthy Frank (the dirtiest, smelliest gold prospector in the West) in Bad Day at Black Frog Creek (2001) and M. Claude Dufresne in Gigi which was performed in the round and quite our most ambitious production to date.

I have also performed with other groups , namely The Lavender Players (2002 – 2012) playing Frederick Preedy, the architect, and Fr Ford an early 20 th Century Vicar of St Stephens and Pat Gale's Murder Mystery Plays.

My other interests are Church bell ringing, Samba Band drumming, Crown Green bowling and gardening.

Over the years I have tried to take my turn in doing all the jobs required to put on a show but I have yet to produce and of course I am still waiting to be offered the male romantic lead! Getting back to reality, I am quite content just to be involved and perfectly happy making the tea!

January 2013