Founded in 1962 as Cockett Church Gilbert and Sullivan Society by the incumbent, Fred Secombe, this group went on to complete the canon of 13 G & S operettas plus the Sullivan & Burnand "Cox and Box" by 1979. During this period, the Society competed successfully three times at the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera, winning the Mark Cannon Award for best G & S Production, the Swift Choral Shield and numerous pieces of crystal glass and certificates of merit.

In 1981, the Society ventured away from G & S with Offenbach's "La Belle Helene" and became Cockett Amateur Operatic Society (C.A.O.S). Since then, the repertory has become quite diverse, illustrating a remarkable degree of versatility.

In 1994, C.A.O.S. claimed the Welsh Premier of "Chess", following on from the Swansea City Premier of "Pickwick" the year before. The complete repertory is included in this website.

This year's presentation of "Oklahoma!" clocked up the 45th production over what has been a happy and rewarding period of years. C.A.O.S has the enviable reputation of being a most friendly organisation where associations tend to be long term. Several founding families have remained active into the second generation, but, of course, newcomers are always made very welcome.

Although the Society is now a registered charity, over the past forty odd years, total contributions to deserving causes from this group have run well into five figures.

The Society performs each year, usually in March, at the Taliesin Arts Centre, University of Wales, Swansea and tickets are always at a premium.

Key Posts (2009-10)

President - Menna Trussler

Chairman - Jonathan Williams

Vice Chairman - Linda Drew

General Secretary - Mary Isaac

Treasurer - Ray Isaac

Ticket Secretary - Ann Grinter

Fundraiser - Peter. L. Howard

Publicity Officer - Gareth Huxtable

Minute Secretary - Rhiannon Williams

Stage Manager - Paul Barnett

Committee Members (2009-10) - Beverley Harris, Peter. L. Howard, Nicola Thomas, Tim Drean, Carolyn Minns, Siân Huxtable.

Casting Committee (2009-10) - Menna Trussler, Kathryn Rice, Christopher Waring Davies, Jonathan Williams, Julie George, Gwyn Lewis, Gareth. P. Griffiths.

Society Historians - Jim Trussler, Julie George, Gwyn Lewis, Gaynor Williams.

Artistic Director

Musical Director