Hatton Musical Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1945.  By the time the group celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1995, more than 80 productions had been staged. In 2025, Hatton proudly marked its 80th year, celebrating the milestone with a production of School of Rock at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre.

Hatton is an area in the historic county of Middlesex, now perhaps best known for Hatton Cross station on the Heathrow extension of the Piccadilly Line. The Society’s origins lie in a street party held to celebrate VJ Day in 1945. The event was directed by Ken Newell, with piano accompaniment by Joan Venton, and they were soon joined by Musical Director Reginald Curtis. All three went on to give many years of dedicated service in the Society’s early days.

The first performances were staged under the name Hatton Choral & Operatic Society, soon shortened to Hatton Operatic Society. From 1946 until 1992, the majority of productions were presented in Feltham, Middlesex, with a wide-ranging repertoire that included operetta, Gilbert & Sullivan, musicals, and pantomime. During the 1990s, the Society also performed in Slough and Bracknell. In 2015, the name was changed to Hatton Musical Theatre to better reflect the Society’s evolving repertoire.

Families have always played an important part in Hatton, often with two or even three generations being involved. A typical such family was the Robinsons. Herbert Robinson was one of the leading performers in the early shows and his son Peter, daughter Janet, son in law Geoff and grandchildren Catherine and Richard carried on the tradition.

The 60th anniversary year in 2005 also marked the retirement from the stage of one of Hatton’s longest-standing members, Elizabeth Connor. Elizabeth had served as Society Treasurer since 1966 and was President until April 2020. Alongside her husband John, she became the Society’s matriarch, helping to guide Hatton for over three decades. Between them they had clocked up over 105 years of association with Hatton and the society will always remember them with such fondness.

In 2009, Hatton made the decision to stage two productions each year: a full “book” musical in the autumn and a compilation show in the spring. These compilation shows are designed to nurture emerging talent and give all members the opportunity to perform, while offering audiences a diverse selection of material. Over the years, themes have included Rodgers & Hammerstein, MGM musicals, Olde Tyme Music Hall, Keep the Home Fires Burning (commemorating the centenary of WWI), West End highlights, and Hatton Celebrates 70, performed as part of the Society’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Shows such as Give My Regards to Broadway and Jet Set (2017) brought an influx of younger members and new talent. Many of these performers have since gone on to professional training at prestigious performing arts schools, with several returning to Hatton in creative and production roles. A number of performers have also gone on to have successful careers in the performing arts industry.

After an enforced hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hatton Musical Theatre bounced back with Elf The Musical in October 2021. This time at a new venue, the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking, where the cast played to sell out audiences once again. In April 2022 our cabaret show , Movies, Musicals & More, was performed at a more intimate brand new venue Buzz, Woking. 

Looking ahead, plans for 2026 include our next junior production, Disney’s High School Musical JR., alongside Stagelights and Showstoppers, a cabaret performance by our adult cast at BUZZ, Woking. This will be followed by Rent in late May and in October, Rock of Ages, once again at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre.

Please contact us here if you want to come and meet us at a rehearsal. We hope to see you soon!