HOPs Musical Theatre Company, Harrogate’s long standing musical theatre society, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Harrogate musical theatre company celebrates 100th anniversary HOPs Musical Theatre Company, Harrogate’s long standing musical theatre society, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Formally known as Harrogate Operatic Players, the group are marking a centenary of singing and dancing. To celebrate, trustees are putting together events including a centenary Ball and an afternoon tea, providing a chance for members past and present to reminisce of their time with HOPs. President Christine Littlewood said:
“I joined Harrogate Operatic Players in 1975 and have been involved with productions every year since, as a playing member, director and choreographer, chairman of the executive committee and now president! “I have watched so many people come and go over the years all with the same love and enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby. “The friendships, support, camaraderie, and enjoyment never changes and continues with the present membership. I keep contact with so many friends made.”HOPs originally formed following a meeting held on 10th March 1924 and those attending made the decision to present ‘Trial By Jury’ at the Winter Gardens for 3 performances commencing on 24th May 1924. They then performed ‘A Rebel Maid’ from 2nd -7th February 1925 at Harrogate Theatre. In August 1925, the accounts showed a profit of £2 7s 3d, which was donated to the Harrogate Infirmary. Harrogate Operatic Players HOPs also accommodate playing members and friends and reward members who have been part for the society for several years. Jane Bradley moved over to Harrogate in 1963. She didn’t know anybody in the area at the time and made the decision to join Harrogate Operatic Players. She said:
“This was one of the best decisions I ever made! Over the next 40 year I made a lot of lovely lasting friendships. "In 1986 I was appointed Hon. Gen. Secretary which was a steep learning curve using a typewriter for the first time in my life and no ‘delete ‘button in those days, no emails or Facebook for communication to members, and carbon copies of all letters sent!’After a remarkable 34 years with the musical theatre group, in 1997 Jane retired and became a life member for HOPs. She continues to support the society and attends the annual book shows. Upcoming show After a successful two years of three sold-out runs of the productions ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, HOPs are putting away their ‘Toot Sweets’ and bamboo sticks and are officially going on strike! June 2024 will see ‘Made In Dagenham’ being produced and performed at Harrogate Theatre. Returning to HOPs is Jim Lunt (Musical Director) and Mike Kirkby (Director/Choreographer). Jim said:
“Made in Dagenham’ draws on rock, pop, and soul genres to create a wonderful musical score that brings 1960s Dagenham to life. “This show celebrates the power of the sisterhood and resonates today as we still strive to achieve gender equality. “I am delighted to be back musically directing my 3rd show with HOPS – a society that brings top quality Musical Theatre to Harrogate audiences. Blink and you would think you were in the West End!”Mike has also been a part of HOPs for numerous years. He added:
“HOPS will always have a special place in my heart and after twenty plus years, I am honoured to be back once again as director for this fabulous production of Made in Dagenham. “It would be impossible to count how many musical theatre shows I have either directed, choregraphed or played in (sometimes all three!) but I am truly proud to bring this gritty and poignant story, steeped in reality and drama, to the stage.”Made in Dagenham will be held from 11th-15th June at Harrogate Theatre. Get tickets here. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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