ACT Hall of Fame

MARY and NEVILLE MADEN This induction is for a partnership, not only in marriage, but also in their joint love and support for the amateur theatre movement, and that couple is Mary and Neville Maden. Mary and Neville are a true partnership both in life, and as members of Ashton Operatic Society. Neville came to the society in the 1960s, playing a number of supporting roles before graduating to be leading man. During this time Mary joined the society, though she had been dancing, tap and ballet, from the age of three and joining Bridge Street Methodist society and performing in their shows previously. As one can guess, Mary joined Ashton's dancers and chorus. The life partnership ensued with their marriage. A newspaper report at the time had the headline "A Bride for 7 Brothers", a reference to Neville's numerous siblings, however, Mary only married Neville - just to make that clear. Mary was one of the first female members on Ashton's Management Committee, as it had been regarded previously an ALL male affair. In the 1990s she was elected Society Chairman. Her leadership brought new ideas and her enthusiasm was an inspiration. This was evident in the society's centenary celebrations in 1999. Neville has had many leading roles for Ashton and many other societies in the area. One of his most memorable was when he played Hajj in Kismet. Neville's favourite show, however, is "Man of La Mancha" - topic that can't shut him up when he has the opportunity to talk about it. Whilst playing all these parts Mary was an able helper and supporter with private rehearsals at their home. The partnership continues to this day with Neville as President and Mary as Chairman, a title she insists on retaining.

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