Our dedicated team of talented actors, musicians, directors, producers, choreographers and support teams work tirelessly to bring you a diverse range of productions that cater to all tastes and interests. From plays to contemporary musicals, we curate a lineup that promises to leave you awe-inspired and wanting more.
Hereford Amateur Operatic Society (H.A.O.S) was formed in 1898, a year after Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, by a group of Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts who staged a performance of The Sorcerer at the Drill Hall on Friar Street. The show was such a success that it was repeated in 1899, but further productions were delayed until 1904, possibly due to the Boer War and financial difficulties. From then until the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, popular Savoy Operas were staged at the Kemble Theatre, but with many men away fighting, only gala fundraising concerts were held until the Society revived in 1919.
The fortunes of the Society in the 1920s and 30s were mixed, with productions not staged every year, though audiences were entertained with light operas and a good number of Gilbert and Sullivan works across Hereford’s theatres. Once again, war halted activities in 1939, and productions ceased for the duration. A revival came in 1947 with The Belle of New York, and the post-war years saw a move away from light operas towards modern musicals of the time, including The Maid of the Mountain, Rose Marie, Desert Song, The Quaker Girl, Rio Rita and White Horse Inn, mostly at the Kemble Theatre.
The 1960s marked a new era with the arrival of popular American musicals such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Boyfriend, The Music Man and No, No Nanette. Following the demolition of the Kemble and closure of the Regal, many shows were performed at the Garrison Theatre, Bradbury Lines, with audiences enjoying Carousel, Show Boat, Hello Dolly and Calamity Jane.
By 1972, security restrictions forced the Society to move again, with Countess Maritza staged at Belmont Abbey School Theatre. The nomadic existence of the 1970s, with constant searches for rehearsal and performance spaces, encouraged the Society to strengthen its finances in pursuit of permanent roots.
In 1979 the Nell Gwynne Theatre opened. Members had been instrumental in transforming the old swimming baths in Edgar Street into the Theatre, contributing both physical labour and fundraising through shows to create a functional theatre space for Hereford. The Nell Gwynne Theatre became the Society’s performance venue for its main productions each year. During that period it underwent several name changes, becoming the New Hereford Theatre and later the Hereford Theatre and Arts Centre, before eventually being demolished to make way for a new theatre. In 1998, H.A.O.S. celebrated its Centenary with Me and My Girl at the newly opened Courtyard Theatre. From then on, the Society continued to stage a mixture of well-loved and more adventurous musicals, including La Cage Aux Folles in 2000 (with original West End costumes), The Full Monty in 2009, Avenue Q in 2015, and Sister Act in 2017.
In the meantime in 1980, the Society purchased most of the Holy Trinity Church hall in Whitecross Road. This was a turning point after 82 years, finally providing premises suitable for rehearsals, small shows and concerts. Later renamed the Tomkins Theatre, after stalwart member, chairman and president, Mike Tomkins, the venue was a vital base for the Society and remains it’s rehearsal space and theatre for smaller more intimate productions and concerts.
That opportunity arrived in 1980, when the Society purchased most of the Holy Trinity Church hall in Whitecross Road. This was a turning point after 82 years, finally providing premises suitable for rehearsals, small shows and concerts. Later renamed the Tomkins Theatre, after stalwart member Mike Tomkins, the venue was a vital base for the Society.
Around the same time, members were also instrumental in transforming the old swimming baths in Edgar Street into the Nell Gwynne Theatre, contributing both physical labour and fundraising through shows to create a functional theatre space.
The Nell Gwynne Theatre, which opened in 1979, became the Society’s home for sixteen years. During that period it underwent several name changes, becoming the New Hereford Theatre and later the Hereford Theatre and Arts Centre, before eventually being demolished to make way for a new theatre. In 1998, H.A.O.S. celebrated its Centenary with Me and My Girl at the newly opened Courtyard Theatre. From then on, the Society continued to stage a mixture of well-loved and more adventurous musicals, including La Cage Aux Folles in 2000 (with original West End costumes), The Full Monty in 2009, Avenue Q in 2015, and Sister Act in 2017.
Today, HMTC looks back with pride on a rich history of resilience, creativity and adaptation, from its Gilbert and Sullivan beginnings through to modern-day productions at The Courtyard Theatre. The Company’s legacy has been shaped by world events, shifting venues, and the dedication of its members, leaving a lasting mark on the cultural life of Hereford for well over a century.
After almost 110 years of being known as Hereford Amateur Operatic Society, 2007 saw us take the momentous decision to change our name and modernise our image. The name 'Hereford Musical Theatre Company' was chosen by our members, which was felt to better represent ourselves and our style of shows.
We are proud to be able to present to our audiences a balanced mix of old favourites, like 'Carousel' (2010), 'Annie' (2012), 'The Sound of Music' (2012), "42nd Street' (2013), Wizard of Oz (2014); "Oliver' (2016), and 'Kipps-Half a Sixpence' (2019) to more modern musicals such as 'Little Shop of Horrors' (2013), The Witches of Eastwick' (2015), 'Girls Night' (2016), 'The Producers' (2018), 'Calendar Girls' (2022), 'The Full Monty' (2024), and 'Sunset Boulevard' (2025).
Email: Herefordmusicaltheatrecompany@gmail.com to find out more!
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