Edwardian Operetta Exhibition at Leatherhead Theatre

As part of their first co-operative project for many years, Leatherhead Museum and Leatherhead Theatre are hosting a fascinating new exhibition at the theatre covering the town's historic amateur operatic society and its remarkable productions more than a century ago.

The operatic society was founded in 1906 by Charles Grantham, a North Street carpenter and builder, and  its productions were of a very high standard  - mainly Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. They had a good orchestra of around 20 members and were directed by Cornelius Hooker, the parish church organist and choirmaster, and for many years later by his son Bernard. The operatic society would sometimes employ a professional producer from the D’Oly Carte Company. The sets were designed and painted by the multi-talented Charles Grantham, who was also the stage manager, singer and actor.

The show is based on a unique album of photographs, cuttings and other memorabilia donated by a direct descendant of the Hooker family. It also covers the involvement of the Neates, an especially musical local family with Percy, Reginald, Beatrice, Kate and Ella all featured. Beatrice and Ella in particular were also involved with the church choir as well as the operatic society.

The Museum closes on Saturday, 9 December and will reopen on Thursday, 5 April 2018 with the official opening on 7 April. A social evening for all stewards and Museum workers will be held  from 7 for 7.30pm on Monday, 4 December in Room G6 at the Letherhead Institute.