It’s a bit breathtaking to think that our history goes back as far as 1925, when Britain was still recovering from World War I and World War 2 was not even on the horizon. Our programme was different then – lots of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas (the first production was The Mikado) and various musicals, most of which have not stood the test of time.
The society, known for many years as Hemel Hempstead Operatic and Dramatic Society, closed down during the Second World War but has been flourishing ever since. We now own the Boxmoor Playhouse, which is wonderful but a big responsibility too and since COVID we have been really welcoming outside bookings. We raise money in order to pay the bills, of course, but it’s also a lovely way of becoming more involved with the local community.
We haven’t made too much fuss about the Centenary so far, but with Bedroom Farce having been a big success and Sister Act on the horizon with tickets selling fast, we are starting to look forward to our official Centenary Celebration, which is scheduled for October 10 and 11.
It will be mostly musical, with solo and chorus numbers from shows we have done, but also some dramatic content, probably an extract from one of our Shakespeare productions plus something a bit more modern. There will be two Hosts to link the items together and as director Ciaran Connors says: ‘It is a cabaret celebration of the best HHTC has produced over the last hundred years. It’s a chance for our our performers to celebrate our history while showcasing the talents of our wonderful company.
‘It is going to to have big songs and dances full of performers on stage. There will be comedy and drama, a celebration of pantomime and some of the British TV classics we have done. It’s a chance for our performers to celebrate our history while showcasing the talents of our wonderful company.’ Ciaran, who has been very active on stage in roles ranging from pantomime dames (he was one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella) to the villain Don John in Much Ado About Nothing is already very busy putting the programme together. ‘I feel honoured to be trusted to do this,’ he says.
‘I hope it’s going to be all glitz, glamour, song, dance and joy – so come along and join us’.
