Show is a success but two are still sacked

TWO people who have had close associations with the productions of the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society during the past two years, Mr Michael Millington, of Hinckley and Mr Alec Stanley, a Hinckley schoolmaster, who lives in Wigston, have been told that their services will not be required for this year’s production of “South Pacific”.

Mr Millington, who lives in Ashby Road, was the producer of last year’s highly successful show “King’s Rhapsody” which was a financial success and acclaimed by many as a brilliant production and Mr Stanley was the musical director.

The decision to dispense with their services follows decisions taken at an extraordinary general meeting of the society and at the annual meeting when criticism was levelled at the production of “King’s Rhapsody”.

Mr Stanley stated afterwards that the letter he had received said it was felt it would be better for all concerned if he left the society now.

He believed that action was taken because he defended the producer at the annual meeting. He added that he was very distressed. This was the first job he had been sacked from and for which no reason had been given.

Mr Millington commented that after the undisputed success of “King’s Rhapsody” for which he could claim, as producer, some credit and after the acclaim it received from the public, press and members of the committee, he was disgusted with the attitude of the society.

He found it strange after this success that the producer and musical director should have been dismissed.

Both Mr Millington and Mr Stanley have previously been identified with amateur productions in Hinckley. Mr Millington is producer to Derby and Mansfield Amateur Operatic Societies and has dozens of successful productions to his credit.