Historical information

Mrs Constance Clucas, a talented musician in the Holy Trinity choir, started 'The Surrey Hills Operatic Society' in 1931. She trained members of the Society to concert standard. Mrs Clucas produced operettas for some ten years. Titles included 'The Arcadian', 'Princess Ju Ju', 'The Quaker Girl', and 'Miss Hook of Holland'.
Local musicians formed the orchestra which was extended for the concert presentation by a few guest artists among whom were locals Marion de Saxe, a flautist, and Fred McBeath.
Rehearsals were held in the Surrey Hall and a small Canterbury Road Lodge Hall with final staging in the Surrey Hall and Camberwell Town Hall. Scores and costumes were hired from J. C. Williamson.

Significance

The photo is reflective of the cultural life of Surrey Hills in the 1930s.

Physical description

A sepia coloured photograph of a lady standing in a garden dressed in a peasant looking outfit and holding a (?) feather duster. She is wearing a hat in traditional Dutch-style.