About Hinchley Manor Operatic Society

Hinchley Manor Operatic Society (HMOS) was founded in 1949 by a small group of employees from the Milk Marketing Board in Thames Ditton. Former members of the Board’s Theatrical Group — disbanded due to post-war austerity — they were determined that their passion for theatre should not come to an end.

Two of the founding members, Peter and Joyce Tatlow, led the way in forming the new society. Following months of rehearsal, HMOS presented its inaugural production, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, on 14th March 1950 at Thames Ditton Village Hall — now the Vera Fletcher Hall.

More than 75 years later, HMOS continues to go from strength to strength. From its early roots in traditional Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, the Society has evolved to embrace the very best of modern musical theatre. Recent productions have included Rent, Our House, Kinky Boots, Little Shop of Horrors, We Will Rock You, Calendar Girls, Fiddler on the Roof, Sister Act, Legally Blonde and The Sound of Music.

Over the years, performances have taken place at a number of local venues, including the Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Epsom Playhouse, Hampton Hill Theatre, the Vera Fletcher Hall and the Adrian Mann Theatre.

Based in Surbiton, HMOS prides itself on being a welcoming, inclusive society with a mixed-age membership. The full company rehearses on Monday and Friday evenings and presents two full-scale musicals each year, continuing a proud tradition of bringing high-quality musical theatre to the local community.