In 1866 a group of Spalding Gentlemen formed an Amateur Society for the performance of plays, some of which must have been musical plays as accounts show charges of £5. 5s 0d for an orchestra.

In 1928 an Operatic Society was formed to present musical plays and the happy union of this Society with the older Society created SADOS as it is known today.  In 1969 an urgent need for new scenery flats for the Dramatic Section led to the suggestion of a pantomime performance to raise funds.  We now enjoy a happy relationship with Polka Dot Arts to bring the pantomime to Spalding and the surrounding community.

We are now a Registered Charity, and as the Society continues to grow, we constantly look for fresh ideas and approaches to the many facets of Theatre, but we pride ourselves on also retaining certain traditions which we have acquired over our long history.  We hope that Spalding is proud of its Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, which is the oldest such Society in England, and we look forward to bringing enjoyment to the local community.

The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) was founded in 1899 and has a membership of over 2,300 amateur societies and 3000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK, staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing venues, ranging from the country's leading professional theatres to tiny village halls.

NODA is divided into eleven Areas, each headed by an Area Councillor who sits on the National Council (the ruling body of the Association), supported by a network of Regional Representatives.

These 180 volunteers are the vital link to the grass roots of the Association, the amateur theatre companies.
The Association is administered from its Headquarters, with knowledgeable and friendly staff able to deal with virtually any enquiry relating to amateur theatre.

There is a broad spectrum of ages involved in amateur theatre nationwide, from a burgeoning number of youth groups to adult companies which meet the needs of all levels of both performers, whether dramatic or musical, and enthusiasts involved backstage, front of house or in administration.  Each production created is a genuine community event.

NODA aims:

• To give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector
• To help amateur societies and individuals achieve the highest standards of best practice and performance.
• To provide leadership and advice to enable amateur theatre to tackle the challenges and opportunities
  of the 21st Century