Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company has reason to celebrate this month. Last year’s summer musical, Sister Act, won the Kathleen Oyler Award for Chorus Work at the NODA District Awards and is now nominated for the regional award. HHTC members Brian Doran (Lifetime Achievement) and Elena Gow (Unsung Hero) have also received nominations, with results to be announced in June.
HHTC Chairman Katie Lovell said she was delighted. “These awards reflect the dedication, talent and community spirit at the heart of HHTC. I’m very proud of this recognition which highlights the high standards people have come to expect from us.”
At the end of June, locals will get a chance to experience the next major production: Come From Away. And fittingly, one of the nominees, Brian Doran, is just one of the local talents at the centre of it. Brian, whose long history with HHTC includes a standout performance in Twelve Angry Men and directing an acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof, now takes on multiple roles in Come From Away. Among them are Derm, the mayor of Appleton, who helps welcome stranded passengers with warmth and humour. His versatility and experience make him a natural fit for this ensemble driven show.
Brian said: “This show feels like a completely new challenge. The pace and the constant character shifts demand a different kind of focus, and it’s energising to be part of an ensemble working at this level.”
That thrilling midpoint in rehearsals has arrived – the moment when the movement and music are set, and the company begins to dig into the extraordinary people at the centre of this story.
Director Karina Bygate says this stage is where the magic truly begins. “Every character in Come From Away is based on a real person, and discovering the detail – their humanity, humour, fear and inner thoughts is what makes directing so compelling”
“The cast are constantly weaving between perspectives – from the pilots and passengers to the townsfolk who suddenly found themselves hosting the world. The flow of the narrative depends on how seamlessly they pass the story between them.”
Come From Away is shaping up to be another success for HHTC. The cast gain from the challenge, the crew from the creativity, and audiences from a story that celebrates kindness, resilience and community – the very qualities that have defined HHTC’s work and contributed to its award winning reputation. This is a show where everyone will win.
Book your tickets for Come From Away and show your support for local theatre in Hemel Hempstead.
www.hhtheatreco.com
