HAODS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS WITH ERAS SHOW

Horsham Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (HAODS) presented Eras at Christ’s Hospital Theatre in April 2026.  

The performance featured numbers from a wide range of musicals, from Guys & Dolls to Chicago, as the Society celebrated its 70th anniversary. With The Capitol closed for refurbishment, HAODS are entertaining audiences elsewhere, with April’s visit to Christ’s Hospital followed by The Tempest in Barns Green in May.

Louise Wright, Production Manager for Eras, said: ‘We wanted to present a concert to mark 70 years of HAODS, but these are challenging times, as we are searching for a rehearsal space. We have been meeting at the former Ambulance Station on Hurst Road, but need to vacate the premises by October. Also, with The Capitol closed, we are having to perform at venues outside of town and therefore cannot stage costly productions that require new costumes and props. 

‘So, we decided to produce Eras to ensure that we can still come together and let others know we’re still here and are always open to new members of all ages, whether their interest lies on stage or backstage.

HOME SEARCH

The society has been unable to find a permanent home since the closure of the old Broadbridge Heath Sports Centre in 2018, when there was no room for HAODS House – which included rehearsal space and storage for costumes and props – in the replacement leisure centre at The Bridge. Although it didn’t offer quite the same comforts, the Ambulance Station has sufficed, but now HAODS is searching for a new home once more.

Louise said: ‘These are challenging times and many amateur dramatics societies are struggling. We’re all counting the pennies and people will naturally prioritise paying for petrol or bills over going to the theatre. We’re fortunate in that we have a loyal following to help maintain momentum, but for older generations, it’s difficult to travel out of town to venues like Christ’s Hospital. 

‘Now we face losing our home, but hopefully we can find somewhere soon. We have a wonderful society that offers opportunities to people of all ages, including young people through Junior HAODS. So, hopefully we can secure our future so the next generation can enjoy amateur theatre too.’

STAR PRESIDENTS

Eras included a range of songs spanning the Society’s long history. The group was founded by amateur actors who had met at an evening class at the old Oxford Road School in Horsham, where they performed Gilbert and Sullivan plays. Several members wanted to perform a wider range of plays and musicals, so formed Horsham Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (HAODS). 

After performing Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, The Desert Song was its first musical in 1954. Leo Genn, Oscar-nominated for his role in Quo Vadis, was the Society’s first President and sent his wishes to the cast while filming Moby Dick. He was succeeded by Oliver Reed, while Norman Wisdom and Sir Michael Checkland also served as President, prior to current incumbent Mags Fisher. 

Having initially rented rehearsal space at the Station Hotel, HAODS moved into a Nissen hut on a former Army Bomb Disposal site at Broadbridge Heath in 1973. When Tesco redeveloped the site in the 1980s, the group moved into HAODS House, within the new sports centre. Shows were performed at the old Capitol Theatre (where M&S is located today), before moving to The Ritz Cinema in North Street, which was later re-named, firstly as Horsham Arts Centre and then The Capitol in 2003. Only during times of development have HAODS performed shows elsewhere, including Christ’s Hospital and The Drill Hall. 

Yvonne Chadwell has been a member for 40 years, directing countless productions, while Howard Collis joined over 50 years ago. He said: ‘I first appeared in the 1976 production of Fiddler on the Roof and I’m still here 50 years later. It really does feel like a family, with a welcoming environment. That’s why HAODS continues to be so popular.’

SISTERS ACT

Eras told the story of HAODS through music, with Act One featuring classic songs by the likes of Gilbert and Sullivan, Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hammerstein. Act Two’s highlights came from 20th and early 21st century musicals, such as Chess, Hairspray and Sister Act. As well as classic songs from The Sound of Music and a Lloyd-Webber medley, sisters Becca, Alice, Jess and Ellie (née Attfield) performed together for the first time at a HAODS show.

Alice Rowell said: ‘I remember we watched a HAODS production of Calamity Jane together in 2007 and thought it was fantastic. Becca auditioned for the next show, The King and I, while I joined the junior cast. I’ve been involved ever since, landing my first lead role last year, as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. We all have strengths and weaknesses. I feel I’m quite a good singer and dancer, but have had to work on my acting. HAODS has given me the opportunity to do that and I was so grateful for the chance to take on a lead role, as performing is what I love to do. 

‘All of my closest friends are here and, of course, being able to perform Sisters, from Irving Berlin’s musical White Christmas, alongside all of my sisters, is wonderful. Amazingly, this is the first time that all four of us have performed on stage at the same time. I must confess that the first time we rehearsed, we had to try very hard not laugh!’

YOUNG TALENT

Sisters had an extra special meaning for the oldest of the sisters, Becca. In 2015, Martin Bracewell interrupted HAODS’ production of White Christmas for an on-stage proposal. The couple now have two children, with their son expressing an interest in learning the ropes backstage, while their three-year-old daughter is itching to tread the boards. 

While some HAODS’ productions require young cast members (such as Annie), there is also a HAODS’ Juniors group for children aged 7 – 15. They rehearse every week, focusing on singing, acting and dancing, with a show held every summer.

Martin said: ‘HAODS’ Juniors is rewarding, with adult members helping to run the group. Last year, they performed Out of the Woods at The Capitol. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate to our young members the full scope of a large production, both on stage and backstage. It is costly, but gives them the chance to develop skills in a unique environment. They gain confidence too, as they engage with people of all ages. Children that come to us as shy and nervous now perform lead roles on stage, and it’s lovely to see them develop confidence and social skills. Some first joined as children for adult productions of shows like Annie, and have grown up to become important members of the Society.’

FAMILY FEEL

Becky Munden was pregnant with son Elliot when she played the lead in Hello, Dolly! in 2014. In Eras, they shared the stage once again, with Elliot appearing in numbers including Tradition (from Fiddler on the Roof) and Good Morning Baltimore (Hairspray).

Becky said: ‘Elliot joined the cast of our 2025 production of Scrooge and has since become a member of HAODS’ Juniors. I wasn’t sure if he would like performing on stage, but he loves it and it is wonderful for his confidence. I would encourage more boys to join, especially if they’ve not yet found a social outlet outside of school. It sounds like a cliché, but there really is a family feel to HAODS. Elliot’s godparents are in the company and I’m a godmother to other cast members’ children, so this is like my second family!’ 

Mithu Lucraft joined the cast of Little Shop of Horrors shortly after moving to Horsham, having previously been involved in amateur dramatics in Redhill. Her daughters Tara and Monica are now members too, appearing alongside their mum on Dirty Laundry (The Witches of Eastwick) and also singing classics from The Sound of Music alongside their “HAODS mum” Roz Hall. 

Mithu said: ‘After moving to Horsham in 2024, we saw the incredible HAODS production of The Addams Family. We decided to get involved and it has been a great way of meeting new people with a shared passion. The girls also attend Ariel Company Theatre, but HAODS is a lovely thing for us to do as a family.’

Not everyone joins as a youngster. Jonathan Wharton first attended at the age of 45 and in now a key member, as like many amateur dramatics societies, HAODS has fewer leading men than leading ladies. 

He said: ‘I did drama at school and university and always loved it, but work commitments meant I didn’t continue. Having loved watching my daughter perform on the stage for a number of years, I decided to get back involved in amateur dramatics. I watched Scrooge and was sure that HAODS would be a good fit. I was nervous, as I hadn’t performed in over 20 years and turned up for the first time only two weeks before auditions for the next show! But everyone was very welcoming. HAODS has had a huge impact on my life and now – as well as mid-week rehearsals – I attend the extra Sunday sessions too, as I enjoy the company and want to perform to the best of my abilities.’

Further information: www.haods.co.uk

Originally published in the May 2026 edition of AAH Magazine. Photos: Alan Wright Photography; Words: Ben Morris