Who's Who

President: Iain StJohn

Iain is a retired teacher, an ex-parish councillor for Anston, and a former governor at two local schools. Iain was Mayor of Rotherham for 2000, an important and prestigious position in our community. Iain was honoured to become President of Dinnington Operatic Society in 1997 following Allan Harvey, who had been involved in the Society since before the war.

Ian first appeared on stage at the age of 11 in the 'girls' chorus in Iolanthe, Mikado and other Gilbert & Sullivan shows until being allowed to join the 'men's' chorus in The Gondoliers. As an adult, Iain has played lead roles as Lancelot in Camelot, Lady Jane in Patience, Jack Point in Yeoman of the Guard, The Mikado (Title Role), Billy Biggelow in Carousel and Fagin in Oliver. From 1970 until 2000 Iain played the cello in many theatres in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire for numerous operatic societies, including Dinnington. He's now happy to be in the back row of the Men's Chorus, supporting the next generation of enthusiasts on the stage.

Chair: Mark Wareing

Mark was voted in as our Chair in July 2022.

Vice-Chair: Samantha Smedley

Samantha fist appeared on stage with DOS as part of a local dance school in 1990. She has been a member of the society for 18 years and loved every minute she spends with her DOS family. Over the past 18 years Sam has taken on many comedy roles in pantomimes and has spent many shows as part of the all important rowdy chorus! She has also directed 2 student shows 'our day out' and 'Bugsy Malone' as well as 'Summer Holiday' for the full society. She loves being part of the production team and enjoys being assistant to the director. She may even consider directing again in the future. In the few minutes of spare time she has between being a teacher, a mummy and a member of DOS, Sam is also joint social secretary with Tracey Jones and loves to organise fun social events for the society. Sam is delighted to have been elected as Vice Chairperson of DOS.

Secretary: Tracey Jones

Tracey first became involved with DOS at the tender age of 6 when she joined The Pat Andrews School of Dance and participated in the Society’s Pantomimes. Her first Pantomime was Robinson Crusoe and if you keep an eye out on the site, you may just see how cute she was back then!

After taking a break from performing to go to Bedford University, Tracey returned home to North Anston and became joint Social Secretary with Samantha Smedley.

A year ago, she took on the demanding role of Society Secretary when Ann Jones decided to hang up her notebook and pen although she says that she would not make a very good Stenographer so won't be training the girls for the scene in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

As well as all the above, Tracey runs the sweet shop at every show – how much of this is down to her dedication to the Society or the very sweet tooth she has, we will never know!

Treasurer: Gail Cobb

Gail stepped in to become DOS Treasurer again after after we suddenly lost Viv, our previous Treasurer, to illness early in 2020

Committee Members:

L-R; Ashley Booker, Lousie Seldon, Fiona Saunders & Jo Thornewell

Others not pictured; Courtney Smith, Alan Walker & Scott Walker

Other Roles Not On Committee

Jacqui Thornton, Membership Secretary

Russ Thornton, Ticket Secretary:

Tracey Jones and Samantha Smedley, Social Members: