There are lots of ways to get involved at the Hippodrome
Drama at the Hippodrome
Our society puts on at least three plays each season. We tackle all kinds of drama – from classic family productions like Tom's Midnight Garden to the thought-provoking Accrington Pals, stopping off at high-energy comedies like The 39 Steps, classics such as Brassed Off and murder-mysteries such as Dangerous Obsession. In any one season we aim to show a variety of genres of plays and we like to challenge ourselves from time to time by presenting something altogether out of our 'usual' range.
When do things happen?
Plays are generally presented in September/October, February/March and June. We usually rehearse twice a week for approximately 10 weeks, with a busy weekend of dress rehearsals and technicals just before the play opens. We also present smaller scale productions such as one act plays or monologues. They are slotted into the season for many reasons and are performed either on a reduced stage or in the foyer. If you are unsure about learning those lines, we also perform radio-plays which allow you to read from a script in hand.
How Do I Get Involved?
To be in a play at the Hippodrome you need to come along to a casting read-through and workshop. These are held in the theatre foyer. It’s a fairly informal event; the bar is open for the read-through and some of our members come along just to hear the play and to socialise!
Readthrough dates are announced on the website and through our social media platforms.
Musicals at the Hippodrome
Our society always perform at least one full scale adult musical a year. We always try and vary our productions to cater for a wide range of tastes. Over the last few years we have performed shows as diverse as The Addams Family and Rent and from My Fair Lady to The Witches of Eastwick. Our doors are always open to anybody, first-timers or old-pros alike. We do not always audition for chorus places but we do expect a genuine commitment from our cast members.
When do things happen?
Our main musical commands the biggest budget for all adult productions and is normally presented in April each year with auditions and an informal get-together held the previous autumn. Due to the cast size and technical complexities of a full musical, we normally start rehearsals after Christmas and rehearse up to 3 times a week. These will often involve separate dancing and chorus rehearsals. Occasionally we also do other events such as cabarets and our popular Sing and Supper evenings.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in coming along, just keep an eye out for announcements both on the Hippodrome website and our social media channels. The get-togethers are very informal occasions, where you can find out about the shows, meet people and have a drink at the very reasonably priced bar!