Hartlepool Stage Society

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Hartlepool Stage Society NODA award-winning Hartlepool Stage Society has entertained the North East since 1953.

From G&S roots to modern hits like Shrek, we’ve brought quality musical theatre to our community for 70+ years.

Character Spotlight: General Wink 🎖️🛡️As one half of the command duo leading the notorious Winkie Army, General Wink has...
14/10/2026

Character Spotlight: General Wink 🎖️🛡️

As one half of the command duo leading the notorious Winkie Army, General Wink has a tough job on his hands! Fiercely loyal to the Wicked Witches—mostly out of utter terror of them and a desperate fear of losing his job—he tries his absolute best to keep his troop in line. Unfortunately for him, the Winkies are hopelessly incompetent, leaving this bumbling henchman constantly scrambling to keep order! Expect plenty of march-past madness, frantic commands, and top-tier comedic chaos as he tries to carry out the Witches' evil orders.

Bringing brilliant comedic timing and physical humor to General Wink is the hilarious Will Eddowes-Cahill!

Will made his Hartlepool Stage Society debut earlier this year in Shrek the Musical as the Duloc Greeter and memorable bouncing woodland deer, where his natural comedy skills and sharp characterisation were immediately apparent. An award-winning school performer at High Tunstall, Will’s past roles include taking on the title role of Shrek in "Shrek the Musical", Mr Wormwood in "Matilda", and pulling double duty as both Coach Bolton and Mrs Darbus in "High School Musical". His instinctive stage presence and fantastic comic energy make every moment on stage pure gold!

🎟️ Atten-shun! Don't miss Will and our incredible cast in The Wizard of Oz, 19th–21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Tap your heels together and book your tickets today!

👉 https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

Character Spotlight: Magic Elixir 🧪✨Need a little guidance through the enchanted realm of Oz? Just consult Magic Elixir!...
13/10/2026

Character Spotlight: Magic Elixir 🧪✨

Need a little guidance through the enchanted realm of Oz? Just consult Magic Elixir! Housed safely inside a potion bottle, this high-tech magical guide is on hand to offer answers, directions, and plenty of cheeky unsolicited advice to Dorothy and her friends. Between her frequent technological glitches and unexpected quips, she may even be able to tell you a thing or two about the mystery of Princess Ozmar! But pay close attention—there might just be far more to this bottled companion than meets the eye...

Bringing the voice and spark to Magic Elixir and Princess Ozmar is Hartlepool Stage Society royalty, Sarah Charlton!

Sarah’s long history with the society began back in 2006 as one of the Boylan Sisters in Annie. Since then, she has graced our stage in a fantastic variety of roles, including Bet in Oliver!, Julie Jordan in Carousel, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, Miss Berta in Acorn Antiques, Lily St Regis in Annie (for a second time!), Coach/Cowgirl Bobbie in Footloose, Grandma in The Addams Family, Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, and most recently as a Pig and the Bluebird in Shrek the Musical.

Offstage, Sarah has been inspiring the next generation as the Head of Hartlepool Junior Stage Society since 2012! Having danced ballroom, Latin, and disco as a child, she later found her true passion in music. Sarah holds a DipLCM in Musical Theatre alongside Grade 8 qualifications in Classical Singing, Rock School Vocals, and Musical Theatre Duet, and has been sharing her incredible expertise as a vocal teacher at the Kate Sirs School of Music for nearly five years.

🎟️ Unbottle the magic! Don't miss Sarah and our fantastic cast in The Wizard of Oz, 19th–21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Tap your heels together and book your tickets today!

👉 https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

Character Spotlight: Queenie, Queen of the Field Mice 🐭👑She may be tiny, but Queenie is big on attitude and utterly conv...
08/10/2026

Character Spotlight: Queenie, Queen of the Field Mice 🐭👑

She may be tiny, but Queenie is big on attitude and utterly convinced she runs all of Oz! As the bossy, brave leader of the Field Mice, she commands a tiny army that just might prove crucial when Dorothy and her friends find themselves in a bit of a sticky situation. Proof that small creatures can make a mighty impact, this pocket-sized ruler is always ready to save the day- if the price is right. 🧀

Taking on the regal role of Queenie is nine-year-old Leah Reed, making her official adult Hartlepool Stage Society debut!

Leah is no stranger to the spotlight, having shone in our Junior Stage Society summer school productions—including singing Elphaba’s part in Loathing (Wicked) and starring as Catherine Howard in Six. Her performing journey began while living in Qatar, where she loved taking part in the Matilda ensemble and studying drama through LAMDA.

Always looking to hone her skills, Leah takes singing lessons with Hannah Young and recently began dancing with Liv to Dance Studios. Her energy, confidence, and attitude make her the perfect pocket-sized queen!

🎟️ Small mice, big magic! Don't miss Leah and our brilliant cast in The Wizard of Oz, 19th–21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Book your tickets today before they get swept away!

👉 https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

Character Spotlight: Toto played by Zack ThomasGet ready to meet Dorothy's faithful four-legged companion as Zack Thomas...
07/10/2026

Character Spotlight: Toto played by Zack Thomas

Get ready to meet Dorothy's faithful four-legged companion as Zack Thomas steps into the paws of Toto.

Toto is cute, cheeky, and has a knack for popping up in the most unexpected places. When a powerful twister transports him to Oz, Toto undergoes a magical transformation into a fully pantofied character ready to sing, dance, and deliver plenty of jokes along the way.

Zack brings fantastic energy and versatility to the stage, having started his journey with the Junior Stage Society in leading roles like Peter Pan in "Peter Pan" and The Mad Hatter in "Alice in Wonderland". Moving into adult productions, he went on to play Bertram Bartram in "Young Frankenstein" and most recently Pinocchio in "Shrek the Musical". Currently studying acting at college alongside training in singing and dance, Zack is set to bring plenty of charm and mischief to Emerald City.

Will Toto escape the Witches' clever traps and return safely home with Dorothy? Find out this November.

Join us at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre from 19th–21st November for an unforgettable journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

Book your tickets now: https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

Character Spotlight: Professor Ozgood the WizardStep into Emerald City and meet the man behind the curtain—Shane Foster ...
06/10/2026

Character Spotlight: Professor Ozgood the Wizard

Step into Emerald City and meet the man behind the curtain—Shane Foster takes on the role of Professor Ozgood, the iconic Wizard himself.

Professor Ozgood is the ultimate showman: part larger-than-life spectacle, part master of smoke, mirrors, and elaborate excuses. Behind his grandiose facade lies a loveable coward who easily panics when things go off-script, though he somehow manages to help our heroes... in his own unique way.

Shane brings a wealth of musical experience to the role. Having grown up surrounded by music in church and school choirs, the Hartlepool Wind Band, and as a singer in local bands, he first stepped onto the HSS stage in 2022 as Mal Beineke in "The Addams Family". Since then, he has taken on key roles across several productions—including Marcel in "Beauty and the Enchanted Beast", Thelonious in "Shrek the Musical" , and The Monster in "Young Frankenstein"—alongside standout solo concert performances such as Joe Gillis (Sunset Boulevard) and Eddie (The Rocky Horror Show) in "Fresh Takes & Timeless Remakes".

Will Professor Ozgood's grand illusions be enough to grant Dorothy and her friends their heart's desires? Find out this November.

Join us at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre from 19th–21st November for an unforgettable journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

Book your tickets now: https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

🏆 WE WON! Celebrating Success at the NODA North Performance Awards 🏆What an unforgettable weekend for everyone at Hartle...
04/10/2026

🏆 WE WON! Celebrating Success at the NODA North Performance Awards 🏆

What an unforgettable weekend for everyone at Hartlepool Stage Society! Our Junior and Adult production teams had the absolute pleasure of attending the NODA North Performance Awards, and we could not be prouder of our incredible members.

At our very first NODA Youth Awards Ceremony, our Junior production ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’ walked away with the award for District 4 Best Concert! To top it off, the production was also nominated for the prestigious Regional Youth Coordinator’s Award for Best Youth Production—a special accolade announced on the night to recognise the best of the best across the entire North Region. 🌟

The celebrations didn't stop there. At the Adult Awards, we were thrilled to win District 8 Best Concert for ‘Fresh Takes & Timeless Remakes’! 🎭

We were also deeply honoured to receive a Special Commendation Award from District 4's Helen Abraham for the entire company of ‘Young Frankenstein’. This recognised the immense professionalism shown when facing every performer’s worst nightmare: a townwide blackout that plunged the stage into complete darkness mid-show (though our amazing cast didn't let that stop them from finishing a mammoth 9-minute tap number!), followed by the fire curtain descending mid-performance the very next night. Talk about the show going on! ⚡️👠

We always look forward to attending the NODA Awards, but walking away with three wins and such high recognition at our first Youth awards made this weekend truly extra special. Thank you to NODA North, our talented casts, crews, production teams, and our fantastic supporters!

✨ DON'T MISS OUR NEXT SHOW! ✨
Follow the yellow brick road with us this autumn! Tickets are now on sale for The Wizard of Oz.

📅 Dates: 19th–21st November

📍 Venue: Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

🎟️ Book Tickets: culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

🎭 IT’S NODA AWARDS WEEKEND! 🏆The wait is almost over! Our production teams will be hitting the red carpet representing H...
02/10/2026

🎭 IT’S NODA AWARDS WEEKEND! 🏆

The wait is almost over! Our production teams will be hitting the red carpet representing Hartlepool Stage Society and Hartlepool Junior Stage Society at the 2026 NODA North Awards!

We are so proud to have every single eligible show from our 2025–26 season nominated:
⚡ Young Frankenstein
🎶 Fresh Takes and Timeless Remakes
✨ Dare to Dream Jr.

Delegates from our production teams will be representing our youth society at Saturday afternoon’s ceremony, followed by the main awards gala on Saturday evening. 🥂✨

A huge thank you to NODA North and a massive good luck to all the incredible societies nominated across the region. Wish our teams luck as they fly the flag for Hartlepool! 🤞🖤

While we celebrate the successes of last season, we're already hard at work bringing our next spectacular show to life! Join us over the rainbow for The Wizard of Oz, running from 19th to 21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre.

Book your tickets today: https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/ 🌪️👠

Character Spotlight: Leo the Cowardly Lion 🦁👑Big, blustering, and absolutely terrified of his own shadow, Leo the Coward...
01/10/2026

Character Spotlight: Leo the Cowardly Lion 🦁👑

Big, blustering, and absolutely terrified of his own shadow, Leo the Cowardly Lion is Oz’s most reluctant king! Despite his impressive mane and mighty roar, Leo would much rather indulge in a quick nap or a tasty snack than face any danger. Known for his dramatic fainting spells at the slightest fright, this lovable feline joins Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road in the hope that the Great Wizard can grant him just a little bit of courage.

Taking on the role of Leo is Jack Rose, who is making his Hartlepool Stage Society debut!

After taking a seven-year hiatus from the stage, Jack is thrilled to step back into the spotlight. He brings serious theatrical chops to our production, having completed three years of intensive training in the Stanislavski Acting Method Conservatory at Montclair State University. Jack’s rich performance background and brilliant comic timing bring the perfect blend of dramatic flair and heart to our big, timid lion!

🎟️ Hear him roar (or squeal)! Come support Jack in his society debut in The Wizard of Oz from 19th-21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Book your tickets today before they sell out!

https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

Character Spotlight: The Tinman 🪓🤖Earnest, emotional, and delightfully melodramatic, Nick Chopper the Tinman is one of t...
30/09/2026

Character Spotlight: The Tinman 🪓🤖

Earnest, emotional, and delightfully melodramatic, Nick Chopper the Tinman is one of the ultimate comedic sidekicks on the road to Oz! He insists he has no heart, yet he cries at absolutely everything—which usually leads to him rusting solid at the worst possible moments. A loyal and steadfast friend to Dorothy from the moment they meet, this clanking hero is determined to march all the way to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard for a heart of his own.

Stepping into the shiny suit of the Tinman is Hartlepool Stage Society Chair, Peter Rowlands, celebrating his 10th year with the society!

Since his 2016 debut as Jack in "All the Fun of the Fair", Peter has taken on iconic roles including Gomez in "The Addams Family", Igor in "Young Frankenstein", the Beast in "Beauty and the Enchanted Beast", and Orin the Dentist in "Little Shop of Horrors"—a performance that earned him a NODA nomination for Best Individual Performance.

Peter is known for his incredible physical comedy, and with a Rock School Level 4 Diploma in Vocal Performance and a Grade 8 Distinction in Musical Theatre from the London College of Music, he brings incredible talent to every role. Most importantly, Peter is the creative mastermind behind this show, having written and directed this year's pantomime following the roaring success of his NODA award-winning script for "Beauty and the Enchanted Beast"!

🎟️ Oil can at the ready! Don't miss Peter and the rest of our marvelous cast down the Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz from 19th-21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Grab your tickets at https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

Character Spotlight: Strawman Jack 🌾🧠Floppy, charming, and endlessly optimistic, Strawman Jack takes on the classic Prin...
29/09/2026

Character Spotlight: Strawman Jack 🌾🧠

Floppy, charming, and endlessly optimistic, Strawman Jack takes on the classic Principal Boy role in our trip down the Yellow Brick Road! Convinced he doesn't have a brain in his straw-filled head, Jack is far cleverer than he gives himself credit for— you might notice he accidentally drops quite a few gems of wisdom! Completely loyal to Dorothy from the moment they meet, Jack is determined to join the quest to ask the Great Wizard for some proper grey matter.

Stepping into the boots of Strawman Jack is the multi-talented Elijah James!

Elijah made a huge splash in his Hartlepool Stage Society debut earlier this year, winning hearts as the hilarious Donkey in "Shrek the Musical". Having trained at both the Northern School of Art and The University for the Creative Arts, Elijah brings a wealth of performance experience to the stage.

His professional credits include Finn in "Down The Lines" at The Customs House, Jojo in the "Second Hand Rose" workshop, Melchior in "Spring Awakening" with Less is MORE, and Adam in "Chasing ACEs" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Local theatregoers may also recognise Elijah from his brilliant amateur roles, including Roger in "Rent", Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors", and Emmett in "Legally Blonde".

🎟️ Get ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road! Don't miss Elijah and the rest of our fantastic cast in The Wizard of Oz, 19th–21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Tap your heels together and book your tickets today!

👉 https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

Address

Glamorgan Grove
Hartlepool
TS260XR

Opening Hours

Tuesday 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sunday 2pm - 5pm

Telephone

07882576863

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