Our 15 Year Love Affair with Musical Theatre
Harrogate Theatre Choir was established in 2010, after a small group of local singers had been performing with a theatre company called LipService. After the performance, nine of the singers decided they would like to keep the choir going, and were helped by Harrogate Theatre to find a Musical Director and Accompanist. The choir is celebrating its 15 year anniversary in 2025. You can follow our story below….
2010 – 2014
THE OPENING NUMBER
- Founded in 2010 by nine passionate singers performing at Harrogate Theatre
- The Theatre helps recruit a Musical Director, Margaret Padwell and an accompanist, Judy Martin
- Early rehearsals are held in the Stage Bar, later moving to the Grammar School and the Conservative Club
- Key roles filled by Marcel Boughton, Chris Hines and Allison Richardson
2015 – 2017
A MAJOR KEY CHANGE
- Catherine Field-Leather joins as Musical Director, bringing fresh energy and vision
- The repertoire rapidly expands
- Rehearsals relocate to The Wesley Centre
- Performs with Daniel O’Donnell at Harrogate Convention Centre
2018 – 2019
A CHORUS OF SUCCESS
- An ambitious ‘PAGE to STAGE’ programme performed in Harrogate Theatre Studio
- Collaboration in the production of ‘THE ARMED MAN’ to commemorate the WW1 Centenary
- Stage a challenging theatrical programme ‘BINGE’
- Participate in the UCI Road World Cycling Championships Opening Ceremony
2020 – 2021
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
- Record debut album ‘BINGE’
- Pandemic challenge fails to stop singing – ‘SOCIAL DISTANSING‘ virtual rehearsals become the norm
- Lockdown videos and recordings provide fun and a sense of togetherness
- Reunite with live audiences with a joyful open-air concert
2022 – 2024
HITTING THE HIGH NOTES
- Celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee with ‘SEVENTY GLORIOUS YEARS’
- Stage a ‘BENEFIT CONCERT FOR UKRAINE’, raising over £1000
- Perform as part of Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards held at the Royal Hall
- Collaborate on ‘YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS’ concert for Harrogate’s CENOTAPH 100 EVENT
- Embark on ‘THE SOUND OF MUSICALS’ tour, raising over £1800 for local charities
- Membership reaches 52
2025…..
A MELODIOUS ROAD AHEAD
- Further expansion of our growing reputation
- Entertaining larger audiences
- Performing in more prominent venues
- A commitment to spreading the Love of Musicals even further afield…
