About Us
Founded in 1902 and
having over 400 members and patrons Hitchin
Thespians is one of the oldest and largest amateur
operatic societies in the country.
Our thriving,
award-winning society, offers members a wide number
of opportunities to participate in shows and
concerts.
Musical Theatre
Each year we
present two fully staged musicals in Hitchin. We thrive on challenge
and have presented some shows that many other
societies are wary of. Our bravery has paid off with
La Cage Aux Follies and Seven Brides for Seven
Brothers, both very challenging shows, winning
regional awards.
In addition there
are occasionally smaller scale productions of
musicals which are performed at our purpose built
rehearsal suite, Woodside Hall, or at the Queen
Mother Theatre,
Hitchin.
Sometimes groups of
members get together and perform concerts and shows
with a smaller cast and the society is always happy
to offer support to such initiatives.
Concerts and
Choral Works
In addition to our
musical theatre activities we have a thriving choir.
The variety of music performed by this group is
staggering, as one member put it – "from Bach to
Bernstein!"
There are typically
three concerts each year, often performed at
Woodside Hall, but sometimes in more surroundings
that might suit the performance better such as the
lovely parish church of St. Mary's in Hitchin.
Workshops and
Sponsorships
We are proud to
fulfil our educational aims and ambitions through
workshops and sponsorships. In recent years we have
sponsored members to attend voice and performance
training at the Little Benslow Music School in
Hitchin. Workshops have also been arranged for
members to participate in vocal masterclasses with
professional singers and voice coaches.
One of our Musical
directors has also led a fascinating series of
lectures on wide-ranging aspects of music.
Young Thespians
Our youth group is
fairly new. It has quickly proved to be another very
successful feature of Thespians. Please take a look at their page.
Social Events
Rehearsals,
concerts and shows are all social events in
themselves. In addition to that a member of
Thespians can also attend the numerous social events
through the year - quiz nights, barbeques, treasure
hunts, barn dances… to name but a few.
Woodside Hall
Walsworth Road
Hitchin
SG4 9SP
Despite being very
busy with Thespian events alone our rehearsal venue,
Woodside Hall, is available for bookings. There are
a number of clubs and societies that meet in our
hall on a regular basis. In addition the hall can be
hired for parties and weddings. We regret that the
hall is not available for 18th birthday parties.
The photographs
below show what the hall is like when it is
decorated for a function - click on the pictures to
see larger ones. For further
information see our contacts
page.
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