2023 was a busy year for Hitchin Thespians & Young Thespians.
Honk!
The big event for 2023 was Hitchin Thespians’ first full-scale production since the pandemic. The show ‘Honk!’ was chosen as a joint venture between Young Thespians and the main society, one which would attract an audience of all ages, with the added bonus of it being written by a pair of composers whose work we had not performed before – the British duo Stiles & Drewe. We were fortunate to return to our neighbours at the Queen Mother Theatre, to benefit from their large backstage area – essential, with all those children to chaperone! The heart-warming ‘poultry tale’ was well-received all round, and we were delighted to welcome a new MD, local conductor and teacher Laura McHugh.
Gloria
Beginning with a series of Spring workshops entitled ‘Let the People Sing’, this concert was a challenge for choir and soloists, but a delight to perform in. A specially-selected orchestra accompanied the singers to make it a most memorable evening – and not just because of the heat! As well as Vivaldi’s Gloria, the audience was treated to Mozart’s Ave Verum and Pergolesi’s Magnificat, all under the sympathetic direction of John Edwards. Singing with a live orchestra is a rare privilege, and one which Hitchin Thespians would love to do more often, given the right circumstances.
Summer workshops
As well as entertaining the public, we like to improve our skills, and our indefatigable Social and Fundraising Manager Melanie arranged the following workshops over the summer, open to both members and non-members. Clive Dancey – Type and Casting John Edwards – Swinging with Gershwin David Woods – Unaccompanied Choral Singing Hannah Long – Popular Choruses Katie Milward – Dance and Drama Laura McHugh – Acting Through Song Masterclass and Choral Acting Through Song. These workshops proved to be a fascinating insight into a wide range of performing skills, and also a great way to get to know new people.
Frozen Jr
Young Thespians carried out their own week-long workshop during the summer holidays, culminating in a fully-staged production of the Disney hit, Frozen Jr. Over 30 youngsters took part in an action-packed week and were all off book after just 4 days! They looked and sounded confident and were clearly having a fabulous time! This has set them up for their next full show, Shrek Jr, to be performed in February 2024.
Unlimited
Can you put on a fully staged, costumed and choreographed performance in just 6 weeks? Sure you can! Sarah Bailes and Wes Strahan-Hughes curated a revue with a 20-plus strong cast featuring songs and dances from shows as-yet unperformed by Hitchin Thespians as diverse as Come From Away, Waitress, Sunday in the Park with George, Side Show and Annie. What they all had in common was that they all featured amazing music with the power to move, enchant, thrill and entertain!
Christmas at Woodside 2023
Hitchin Thespians ended the year with a traditional concert of music and readings, including carols for the audience, directed by John Edwards and accompanied by Robert Day. Both audiences and choir thoroughly enjoyed the musical and spoken choices which were spiritedly delivered and made for a heart-warming beginning to the annual festivities for many.
