Ellis C Pike accepts Honorary Life Membership

What a delight it was on the occasion of a somewhat significant birthday just recently, to be taken on one side by David Phipps-Davis and given the news that I had been awarded the honour of being made a Life Member of Imperial Productions (Opera as was). In fact I slightly surprised myself by how moved and grateful I was.

Imperial Opera/Productions is extremely important to me, it has been a major part of my life since I helped found it 29 years ago, and remains a very important to me, notably in the friends I have made through the society. It all began in January 1979; a bunch of friends who were rehearsing for the ICOS production of 'The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein' were sitting in the upstairs lounge of the 'Southside Bar' at Imperial College, musing, over copious amounts of well earned alcohol, as to what part they would play in the society when the production was over. Eventually the intake of white wine had the predictable effect on Jane Turner and Debbie Johnson and I was roused from whatever stupor I had sunken into so that Debbie could squeeze out and go down to the Ladies with Jane. It was there, as is told in legend, that Imperial Opera was conceived over the cubicle wall in those hallowed toilets. To think, if I had not budged very slightly to the left in order to let Debbie depart all of this may never have happened!

I was therefore 'in at the birth' (a slightly better image than the 'conception') of the society, though I must point out I was probably its youngest inaugural member. Subsequently I went on to perform in more Imperial productions than I can recall. I have served on the committee on a number of occasions, notably in the early days as the publicity manager, designing the posters and programmes for most of the shows in the first ten years of the society's existence. In the 90's I went on to write and direct a few shows for Imperial whilst using the experience which Imperial had given me to further my career on the professional stage. In the early part of this decade I was delighted to play some wonderful roles in productions during what was one of Imperial's most ambitious and memorable periods, and it has only been in the last couple of years that pressures of work have made it impossible for me to play such an active role in the society's shows.

So why have I put so much time and effort into Imperial throughout nearly three decades? There is only one real answer and that is because of the wonderful fun and lifelong friendships that the society has given me. Imperial has regularly served another role in the lives of many of its members - that of an introduction agency. It has generated numerous weddings, some divorces and a few remarriages. Having, of course, eschewed any romantic entanglements with ladies of the chorus myself, I at last succumbed when last year I married Claire, who I had first met during the production of Cheryomushki in 2002. I can honestly say (without modesty or sentimentality) that Imperial, and those friends I have made, have given me much more than I could ever hope to give to the society, and it is therefore particularly touching when your friends recognise the efforts you have made for a group such as Imperial.

I certainly hope and intend to remain involved with Imperial Productions. It is going through another very exciting and forward looking period under a hardworking and dedicated committee. It is therefore with pleasure and expectation that I wish all in the society the very best for the future and thank you once again for the honour you have conferred upon me.

Ellis