Carole Cable, F.T.C.L., G.T.C.L. was Musical Director for at
least 25 major productions of Barking Operatic Society, ranging from
rarely performed works such as Dick Turpin to multiple
productions of The Mikado and Pirates of Penzance and
classics such as Half A Sixpence, Annie Get Your Gun, Carousel,
Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly and The King and I. Some
songs such as Oklahoma! and The Black Hills of Dakota
and The Christmas Happiness Show, the music for which she wrote
herself with Steve Eales, became perennial favourites with audiences,
requiring Carole to overcome groans of familiarity in the chorus with
her usual encouragement and enthusiasm.
Carole was not merely a popular music teacher at St
Margaret's Church of England School and elsewhere. She had graduated
and became a fellow of Trinity College London, with a fine soprano
voice which she could have exploited professionally. Instead, she chose
to sing the part of Ruth for BOS in The Pirates of Penzance, to
perform solos at most BOS concerts and even to give occasional
black-tie soirees in Barking at which she dislpayed her wide repertoire
while accompanying herself at the piano.
Before most local musical events, Carole was to be found
giving shy, young soloists free private tuition, example and
encouragement at her home. Rehearsals are often hard work and
emotional, and Carole always acted as a source of restraint during
disputes, of professionalism during over-enthusiasm, and of musical
leadership, which was most noticeable when she was for some reason
absent.
New members always wanted to join the
Society when they attended rehearsals. Everyone received expert help
with auditions. Standing in for her BOS rehearsal pianists on many
occasions, at almost all performances over the last ten years of her
life she stood inspiringly before the cast and audience to produce
wonderful music.
An Evening with Irving Berlin,
Spotlight on Broadway, Music for Christmas, A Musical Mystery Tour,
Show Stoppers - BOS had many producers and
choreographers, but for all these and more, we have to thank Carole
Cable alone for all the music she wanted the whole community to enjoy.
