Huddersfield Musical Theatre Company

Formerly the Huddersfield Amateur Operatic Society. This archive contains a large number of varied materials associated with the Huddersfield Amateur Operatic Society. Historical primary sources include newspaper articles concerning the founding of the association and its members, and photographs of cast members in costumes (mainly found in MTC/2). There is a series of video cassettesof performances for reference and many 'unusual' items such as dolls, badges and ribbons.

As well as primary materials there is a wide selection of financial and administrative documents to be found in MTC/1 and many secondary materials such as script books and general theatre books in MTC/2 and MTC/6.

The HAOS was founded in 1896 and is the oldest society of its kind in the district. It has worked closely with the Laurence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield since its opening, where annual HAOS productions were hosted. It is also associated with the National Operatic and Dramatic association (as can be seen within the archive materials). Over the years several actors within the society have moved on to professional acting roles, such as 'Thelma Barlow' of the television show Coronation Street.

Huddersfield Theatre Royal closed after the death of ? Maynard and was re-opened by HAOS and others (including Tony Colette) to perform "Brigadoon" and "the King and I" in 1954/5 - information provided verbally by Nona Cromack 15/4/15

Original available for consultation by appointment

There are 4 boxes of video tapes in this collection, which comprises:

HOAS/1 Box 1:

19 VHS

HOAS/1 Box 2:

11 U-Matic tapes

HOAS/1 Box 3:

10 U-Matic tapes

HOAS/1 Box 4:

8 U-Matic tapes

2 smaller U-Matic tapes (KCS-20)

4 audio cassettes

In Feb 2015 the Huddersfield Amateur Operatic Society changed its name to the Huddersfield Musical Theatre Company.