Who are EMCo?

Formerly known as Exmouth Amateur Operatic Society, EMCo have a long history of exciting and charismatic performances within the South West. EMCo pride themselves on being a fun-loving and friendly group, who enjoy the challenges and rewards of working together to the highest standards we can achieve.

Exmouth Musical Theatre Company, and beyond... (a history of our society)

This year, Exmouth's own musical theatre group, EMCo, celebrate their one hundred year anniversary. The company, formerly known as 'Exmouth Operatic Society', have many events and performances to planned, to mark this amazing milestone in the continued evolution of the group. Still going strong, with over 100 members and life members, Exmouth Musical Theatre Company has worked hard to evolve and grow, to continue to appeal both to new generations of both members and audiences.

A Fine Start

In 1910 the society began performing shows to local audiences, with 'The Mikado' being their first performance. They have already relived this event, when under the baton of Lynne Caygill they last month performed a 'scratch' version of The Mikado at Holy Trinity Church, Exmouth to an enthusiastic audience. This was the sixth time in their hundred years that EMCo had performed the Gilbert and Sullivan musical. Their third production, in 1912, 'The Pirates of Penzance' continued the company's love affair with Gilbert and Sullivan, and gave birth to the company's anthem (Which will no doubt be heard many times this year), 'Hail Poetry'.

What's In a Name?

Changing their name in November 2007 to move with the times, the company continues to challenge themselves, and look for new ways to mature. Last summer they took on their most ambitious project to date; 'CHESS The Musical' at Exmouth Pavilion, which was a runaway success, and ensured the company's continued reputation for close-nit harmonies, powerful vocal solos and heart-felt performances. This revisiting of past successes has continued through their hundred years, as they have often revisited past successes they have previously performed from Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Steven Sondheim, Gilbert and Sullivan and Rodgers and Hammerstein' to ABBA and The Beatles.

In recent years they have kept definite variety to their repertoire, with such productions as 'Me and My Girl', 'The Full Monty', 'No Song Unsung!', 'South Pacific' and 'Sounds of the Sixties'.

This year, their celebrations include performance runs of two great shows; 'Hello, Dolly!' in June and 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in November. Both are at the Pavilion, Exmouth and can be booked via their box office on 01395 222 477 or online, at www.ledtickets.co.uk. 'Hello, Dolly!' runs from 1^st to 5^th June, with a Saturday matinee on the 5^th. The captivating show promises to be a musical delight not to be missed. EMCo are performing the hit family musical, filled with unforgettable songs, energetic dancing and captivating (and often comical) characters and would love to see you there.

The company pride themselves on their welcoming and familial ethos, having many families with at least three generations within the society. They are also a very social group, and meet regularly for social occasions and to visit other society's performances.

They continue to welcome new members and fans, so if you would like to find out more about membership, or the centenary celebrations and performances, please explore our website and get in touch.