The Wizard of Oz
2026
Community Theatre Across the Vale of Aylesbury
Vale Musical Society is a friendly, inclusive and lively local amateur dramatics society which aims to provide great family musical entertainment, along with social activities throughout the year.
We are proud to be affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) and have won many NODA awards over recent years.
2
Annual productions
10
NODA awards won
150
Active members
Award-winning, for all ages
Opportunities on stage and behind the scenes, plus a welcoming community.
Engaging Performances
Explore our captivating musical theatre productions that bring stories to life. Our talented casts are dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences.
Community Focused
As a local society, we thrive on building community connections through theatre. Join us for social events and activities beyond the stage.
Award Winning
Our affiliation with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) speaks to our commitment to excellence and creativity in every production.
For All Ages
We cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that our performances are enjoyable for everyone, whether young or young at heart.
Social Events
Vale Musical Society regularly host a fantastic programme of social events throughout the year, bringing members, supporters and the local community together for fun, friendship and fundraising. From lively barn dances and relaxed summer picnics to competitive quiz nights and thrilling race nights, there is always something to look forward to. We also enjoy organised theatre trips and round off the year in style with our much loved annual Christmas dinner. Whether you are a long standing member or new to VMS, our social events are a wonderful way to get involved, make memories and be part of the society beyond the stage.
Engaging performances
Captivating musical theatre productions that bring stories to life.
Community focused
Connect through theatre, rehearsals, and social events year-round.
Quality, inclusive, fun
Roles and opportunities for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Our Story
Previously known as The Vale Gilbert and Sullivan Society we staged our first production, ‘Trial by Jury’, in 1969 in the Victoria Hall, Tring. Some of the founder members who appeared in that performance nearly 50 years ago are still taking part in our shows.
In recent years we’ve moved away from a focus on Gilbert and Sullivan and have staged well-known musicals from the West End and Broadway. Wherever possible we choose productions that will involve a wide range of ages and roles that appeal to all abilities.
We stage two productions a year. In November we present a three night “fundraiser” at the Long Marston Village Hall. This will typically be a light-hearted musical, based on a theme, written by a member of our group.
In May each year we present our major musical at the DEMBE (was Court Theatre) in Tring. Recent productions have included ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘High Society’, ‘Sound of Music’, ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘Me & My Girl’. Rehearsals will usually be on Tuesday evenings although extra rehearsals are added in the weeks leading up to the show.
Our Patron
Vale Musical Society is absolutely thrilled that local resident and West-End star, Gary Wilmot MBE, is our Honorary Patron.
Gary has been well known to the British public for over forty years as a singer, actor, comedian, writer and television presenter. He is a regular on stage in the West-End appearing in shows such as “Me and My Girl”, “Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang”, “Half a Sixpence”, “The Wind in the Willows”, “The Prince of Egypt” and “Wicked”.
Gary was nominated for a 2022 Olivier award for his highly acclaimed performance, as Elisha Whitney, in “Anything Goes” at the London Barbican Centre. In the 2023 Olivier awards “Jack and the Beanstalk”, in which Gary starred, is nominated for the best entertainment award.
From July 2023 Gary took on the role of The Wizard in “The Wizard of Oz” at the Palladium
We were particularly proud to perform his new show, Vote For Father Christmas, brought to life under the direction of our President Neil Gurney.
Get Involved
Whether you want to perform, help behind the scenes, or simply enjoy our shows, we welcome you with open arms! Experience the joy of theatre and connect with a community passionate about the performing arts.
How you can help
- Perform, sing, dance
- Backstage, props, costumes, sets
- Front of house and event support
Our Shows
Recent production posters, click or press Enter/Space to enlarge.
Vote for Father Christmas
2025
The Drowsy Chaperone
2025
Me and My Girl
2024
Just a Song at Twighlight Towers
2024
Scroo Christmas
2023
Calamity Jane
2023
Sound of Music
2022
O Twisted Liver
2022
The Tip of the Iceberg
2021
High Society
2019
Expectations not Great
2019
My Fair Lady
2018
Give Us a Clue Do
2018
Aspects of Love
2017
Are You Being Myrred
2017
Casual Tea
2016
Anything Goes
2016
Westenders Meets Eastenders
2015
Carousel
2015
2026 The Wizard of Oz
2025 Vote for Father Christmas
2025 The Drowsy Chaperone
2024 Just a Song at Twilight Towers
2024 Me and My Girl
2023 Scroo Christmas
2023 Calamity Jane
2022 O Twisted Liver
2022 Sound of Music
2021 Tip of the Iceberg
2019 Expectations not Great
2019 High Society
2018 Give us a clue, do
2018 My Fair Lady
2017 Are you being myrrhed?
2017 Aspects of Love
2016 Anything Goes
2016 Casual Tea
2015 Carousel
2015 Westenders meet Eastenders
2014 Fiddler On The Roof
2014 Blue Moon
2013 Dr Doolittle
2012 Half a Sixpence
2012 Ruddigore
2011 HMS Pinafore
2010 The Pirates of Penzance
2009 The Grand Victorian Music Hall
2009 The Music Man
2008 Oh What a Lovely War
2008 The Very Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
2007 Kiss Me Kate
2007 The Sorcerer
2006 Oklahoma
2006 William & Arthur
2005 South Pacific
2005 The Mikado
2004 Westenders meets Eastenders
2004 The Merry Widow
2003 The Yeomen of the Guard
2003 Fiddler on the Roof
2002 Happy Talk
2002 The Gondoliers
2001 Calamity Jane
2001 Broadway Pirates
2000 Show Exerpts & Review
1999 Trial by Jury & Arcadians
1999 Iolanthe
1998 Bits & Bridle
1998 Utopia Ltd
1997 G&S for all Concert
1997 HMS Pinafore
1996 Ruddigore
1995 The Merry Widow
1995 The Yeomen of the Guard
1994 Song of the Sea
1994 The Mikado
1993 Octoberfest
1993 September Sounds
1993 Patience
1992 Trial by Jury
1992 The Gondoliers
1991 Beaujolais Nuveau Sheau
1991 The Pirates of Penzance
1990 The Sorcerer
1989 Gigi
1989 Princess Ida
1988 Tantara Tarantara
1988 Iolanthe
1987 Ruddigore
1986 HMS Pinafore
1985 The Grand Duke
1984 The Yeomen of the Guard
1983 The Mikado
1982 Patience
1981 The Gondoliers
1980 The Pirates of Penzance
1979 The Sorcerer
1978 Iolanthe
1977 Princess Ida
1976 The Yeomen of the Guard
1975 Ruddigore
1974 The Gondoliers
1973 HMS Pinafore
1972 The Pirates of Penzance
1971 Iolanthe
1970 The Mikado
1969 Trial by Jury
Our Events
Auditions announced
Guys and Dolls
October 3rd 2026 Long Marston Village Hall
Set in New York City, this timeless story follows gambler Nathan Detroit as he tries to find a spot for his illegal craps game while dealing with his long-suffering fiancée Adelaide, nightclub singer of “The Hot Box.” Meanwhile, high-roller Sky Masterson takes on a bet that he can make the pious Sarah Brown fall for him, leading to a whirlwind of romance, comedy, and misadventure in the city that never sleeps.
Calling all performers
Ifs, Buts & Babies
Tuesday 11th August 2026
Vale Musical Society invites you to an evening with the writers of Ifs, Buts & Babies, an original musical revue celebrating the trials, tribulations and triumphs of parenthood.
Hear the success story of IBB – from 2-woman show to brand new ensemble version.
Learn about the variety of roles & characters in this show … ahead of auditions! There are roles and ensemble parts for women & men, from age 18 to 98!
An interactive evening – join in a few songs/scenes on the night – bring your feather boa, sparkly bow-tie or whatever makes you feel “Worth a Million”
Q&A: Btw, you don’t need to be a parent to be a part of this … as long as you have been within 5 miles of a child at some point in your life, this show is for you!
Show
Blue Moon
November 19-21 2026 Long Marston Village Hall
Our next show is a Neil Gurney original; a 1930s jukebox musical set in the glamorous Blue Moon Cabaret Club, where a daring diamond heist turns things upside down. Big songs from the era, glamour, intrigue & drama await those who enter The Blue Moon.
Contact us
Get involved
- Join the cast or chorus
- Help backstage, props, costumes, sets
- Front of house and event support
- Bring friends and family to performances
Policies and Procedures
This page provides public access to key policy and procedure documents for the society. These documents outline our governance, safeguarding, operational standards, and member responsibilities.