Chichester Amateur Operatic Society (CAOS) was formed as a Gilbert and Sullivan society at a meeting of the Chichester Lay Preachers and local businessmen on 6th May 1910.

The first performance by the society was the Pirates of Penzance at the Corn Exchange in East Street, Chichester (now occupied by Next) on the 18th and 19th January 1911. Proceeds from the first show were donated to the local infirmary.

Although still performing the occasional Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, the society became more ambitious turning to Pantomime, Old Tyme Music Hall and musicals such as Waltz's from Vienna, Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun, The Boyfriend and Underneath the Arches.

With this more ambitious programme, it was decided to rename the society in 2003 CAOS Musical Productions.

Our rehearsal evening is on Fridays at St Wilfrid's Church Hall. Depending upon the show we are rehearsing for, the evening could comprise of singing, setting a scene, some choreographed movements or any combination.

Generally speaking we have separate Musical Directors and Producers for each show that we stage and at least one of our shows each year tends to be staged at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester.

We endeavour to cater for all ages and our current memberships spans over 60 years.

We are always on the look out for new members whether they can sing, act, help us backstage at our various performances or just come along and make the tea at rehearsals.

So remember if you can sing (and we don't expect everyone to be as good as Russell Watson or Lesley Garrett) :
Or whether you can help back stage, perhaps building the set :
Or perhaps you can help with show publicity in some way :-
Or just come along, meet some new friends while making the refreshments at rehearsals

WE WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU !!

So why not come along on a Friday evening to see one of our rehearsals. We meet at St Wilfrid's Church hall, Sherbourne Road, Chichester from 7:30 pm.

Alternatively, have a chat over the phone with our Chairman, Elizabeth Peacock who can be reached on 02392 492960.