Henley Children’s Theatre Group Celebrates 45 years
Founded in 1969 by Flavia Pickworth, the group is still run today by the same family. Mike Hurst, of 60’s Springfields fame, took over from his mother in 1981, and in 1989 Mike’s daughter, Muffin Hurst took up the mantel.
What a great cause for celebration, with the Henley Children’s Theatre reaching it’s 45th Anniversary, and a Silver Anniversary to celebrate the 25 years that Muffin has been at the helm. All quite overwhelming!!
To cement the occasion, Henley’s original musical theatre school has undergone some re-branding with a new logo, new website and a slight modification to the name. Henley Children’s Theatre may have received a facelift, but the original ethos remains the same and even though the years are adding up, it is still young at heart. There is still the same energy and vibrancy that Muffin is proud to maintain, and with a cast of over 100 enthusiastic children the rehearsals and productions remain full of fun.
And it is a remarkable coincidence that this year the annual Pantomime to be performed at the Kenton Theatre is Snow White, and in December 1989, 25 years ago, the first solo Pantomime that Muffin produced and directed was…. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! Although you’ll be pleased to hear, the script is bang up to date.
HCT would very much like all old pupils or families who were involved backstage or as regular supporters in the audience to please get in touch via the website www.henleychildrenstheatre.co.uk, or the Henley Children’s Theatre page on Facebook. There are competitions for youngsters to take part in on promotional leaflets for Snow White, a Hunt the Apple course around Henley’s shop windows, and an evening of Pantomime songs to be performed at a charity fund raiser.
HCT provides a fabulous activity for all local children aged 4 to 16 who are interested in performing on stage or developing self-confidence. Speech, projection, singing, tap dancing and humour are all enjoyed in the weekly classes. This year the cast features children who attend over 30 different local schools. This makes it a unique group involving such a wide variety of youngsters, who all come together, make great friendships and learn to be supportive of each other as one big performing family!
For more information on Snow White, please visit the HCT website. And to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of this prestigious group, the 45th person to book their Pantomime seats will receive them FREE!
For any further information please contact Muffin Hurst at Muffin6000@btinternet.com or telephone 07740 042552
