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Rod Ashman

by Liz Cheetham with contributions from Dorothy Ashman, Edna Lawson and Glenn Fildes

Rod Ashman joined South Manchester Amateur Operatic Society (SMAOS) in 1961, a few years after the society was formed, for Princess Ida after meeting Moira Nixon who taught in the same school and subsequently invited him to the world of Amateur Operatics. There followed 50 years of shows, two a year, usually with Dolly, his wife, who joined in 1963 for The Merry Widow when Rod had his first principal part.

Rod has played many principal roles, a favourite being Brazil in La Vie Parisienne. Other parts he played were Mr Bumble, Lazar Wolf, Big Julie, Vandergelder, Mercury, Buffalo Bill, Giuseppe, Colonel Pickering, and many more.

A founder member of SMAOS, Edna Lawson added ““Rod was soon very at home amongst us all – full of fun. I played opposite Rod in one or two of these shows. My happiest memory was singing the duet “Lips to Lips, Cheek to Cheek” from The Count of Luxembourg. Rod has always worked hard for SMAOS.

He has been a chorus member , a principal, producer/director, worker backstage, front of house, Programme Secretary, Committee member, Vice Chairman, Chairman, NODA Rep and social committee member. He has hosted and called at many Barn Dances, held Coffee mornings and Carol singing at Christmas. He has organised and taken many concert groups to different organisations such as Alder Hey Children’s Hospital until quite recently- sometimes raising money for funds, sometimes as a PR job! …. The list is endless. “Rod has always worked so hard for the society.

Whilst on the committee his work was tireless. He used to compère all our concerts. It was a joy to listen to him between acts, especially when we did the “Old-Time Music Halls”. He gave a really professional performance. Rod has been one of my dearest friends and I am hoping he will have many more years of interest in SMAOS after completing 50 years with the society. He is a true gentleman.“ Over 50 years, he has given service and support to SMAOS and made so many friends and met so many people. What a great experience it has been.