History of HLOS

Following an advertisement in the Harpenden Free Press on 24 June 1950, and given that Harpenden's population was about 14,000 at the time (it is now over 30,000), a packed hall of enthusiasts increased membership to 132 and Harpenden Light Operatic Society was born.

The first production in April 1951, was a resounding success. It was Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance and since then, almost without exception HLOS have produced 2 shows a year. To date we have presented 115 shows (to Oct 2012).

HLOS' success is down to the support of the Harpenden community, local businesses and the dedicated team of volunteers who work together and put in an enormous amount of time in order to produce each and every show. It really is a local and family affair, as there are several members who can boast 3 generations of commitment and audiences who have suported us through 6 decades.

As a voluntary organisation, it really is a labour of love for the membership. Harpenden is in commuter-belt territory, so in our midst people there are people who have high profile City jobs during the day, but are happy to come along to sing and act or make the tea or paint scenery in their spare time.

What HLOS are essentially doing is carrying on a truly British tradition. From the time Richard D'Oyly Carte licensed Gilbert and Sullivan operas in the late 1800s, amateur societies across the UK have thrived on making live theatre accessible to the general public. People love to come along and experience a top-quality show, with a live orchestra and really feel a part of the production.

At the society's Annual General Meeting in July 2017, it was agreed to change the name to 'Harpenden Musical Theatre Society', to reflect the wider variety of Musical Theatre available and to appeal to the modern day audience.