In April 1948, less than 3 years after the end of the war there had been very little change in lifestyle from that during the war. Although the war was over, there was still clothing and food rationing.

There was no live theatre in South Shields. On the amateur front there was no activity. South Shields Amateur Operatic Society which had been formed during the 1st world war to raise funds for charity had ceased to function on the outbreak of war in 1939.

After the war the Amateurs found it difficult to resume readily with their musicals because the Queens Theatre which had been its regular production venue for many years had been destroyed in the war.

It was then that a man called George Parker, a wonderful character, a great thespian and an expert on the life and works of Gilbert and Sullivan, suggested that an effort should be made to resume amateur theatre in the town.

A meeting was arranged with some of the old members of the Amateur Society to enquire of their intentions and encourage a revival. They declared that wihtout a proper theatre they could not resume, and without further ado the first step was taken to form a new Society. At a public meeting held in the Dorset Cafe, Ocean road which was attended by 70 or 80 people, it was decided that the new society should be called the "South Shields Gilbert and Sullivan Society" - and so it remains!!

Taken from H Low's 50 Year History of South Shields
G & S Society  " This World of Music"