Theatre Company

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The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company came about as a collaboration between the John O'Gaunt School and the Hungerford Theatre Club.

In 1980 Don Bolton and the Theatre Club invited local people to take part in the first "Town Show" - the pantomime Cinderella. There had been several variety over the previous few years. Don Bolton's direction, along with the enthusiasm of local performers, made the show a great success, and further pantomimes were staged each year, including "Dick Whittington" in 1982, and "Aladdin in 1983 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 as Producer. Since then musicals have been presented every year with the exception of 2000 when Cinderella was performed to celebrate the 20 year anniversary.

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 Carousel, The King and I, 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 then later, when John O' Gaunt School was no longer allowed to take a direct part in the group's operations, to "The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company" (an independent organisation).

Other developments include "The Children's Theatre" in 2002 (for those aged 8 to 13), "The Youth Theatre" in 2002(ages 14 to 21), and "The Young Performers" in 2003 (ages 6 to 8). Young Performers stage their show at Easter, the Children's Theatre and Youth Theatre in June / July.

In 2004 "The Players" (adult drama section) was created. The first presentation was "Spot The Lady" at the HADCAF One Act Play evening.

The February 2011 production was "The Likes of Us", the first production in Berkshire of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

David Clayton, producer since 2000, sadly died in February 2022.

There is much more about CHTC on their own excellent The Community of Hungerford Theatre company website.