WAOS is a community-based amateur musical theatre group, affiliated to NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. The society produces two shows a year in Witham Public Hall, each using full staging and orchestra, having been rehearsed over the preceding 6 months.

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WAOS are committed to treating all members of the Community with fairness and respect regardless of their ethnic background, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or their socio-economic background. WAOS and WOW aim to ensure as far as possible that no child or adult shall be unfairly treated, discriminated against or disadvantaged.

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The Society originated as a musical society in the early 1900s supported by the locally-based families of Luard, Croxall and Richards. It has existed in its current guise since 1921 when it staged its first full musical performance – Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore in April 1922. Over the years it has staged over 130 successful productions with a repertoire ranging from Gilbert & Sullivan and light operetta through to West End/Broadway blockbuster musicals and Rock Opera.

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When staging Oliver! in 1995 the Society was inundated with young hopefuls auditioning for the show. It was then that the Society decided to launch its very successful junior section WOW!. Membership is open to all young people aged 11-21 and since 1995 has staged a show each February growing from strength to strength.

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WAOS is a Registered Charity No. 265029 and has been self-funding since its inauguration. It currently has over 50 members and is also supported by approximately 40 Friends.