The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company History

The Company came about as a collaboration between the John O'Gaunt School and the Hungerford Theatre Club who invited all persons within Hungerford and surrounding areas to take part in the first Town Show in 1980, when the pantomime Cinderella was performed. The idea had originated out of earlier, themed variety shows that had been staged a few years before.  The performers for these were drawn from various groups in the town, and the shows produced under the watchful eyes of Scout Leaders Cecil Hawkes and John Miles.

Cinderella was directed by Don Bolton (Pictured Right with pantomime dames) from the Hungerford Theatre Club and was such a success that a pantomime was staged each year until 1991 when it was decided the time was ripe to try a musical. Oliver! was chosen but sadly Don died in the Autumn of 1990 and David Clayton was asked to take over the production reins. Since then musicals have been presented every year with the exception of 2000 when we returned to the original show Cinderella.   (Click picture to enlarge).  In recent years a full pit orchestra and banked seating have been added to produce a full theatrical experience.  Successful shows have continued annually, most recently with Blitz!, Hello, Dolly!, Flower Drum Song, and Annie Get Your Gun.

The name of the company changed to 'The Community of Hungerford' in 1991 and subsequently, at the time when John O' Gaunt were no longer allowed to take a direct part in the group’s operations, to 'The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company' (an independent organisation) and sadly the partnership came to an end.

In 2002 The Children's Theatre (ages 9 to 13) and Youth Theatre (ages 14 to 21) sections were born and in 2003 The Young Performers (ages 6 to 8) started under the leadership of Lynette Gridley.  Roushka Munt has now taken over with the Young Performers, her first production being Beowulf in March 2008.

Young Performers stage their show at Easter, the Children's Theatre and Youth Theatre in July.

In 2004 The Players (adult drama section) were created. The first presentation was Spot The Lady at the HADCAF One Act Play evening.  Most recently, in June 2008 we performed an hilarious farce called Love Begins at Fifty written by Raymond Hopkins.