Club History

Hamilton Operatic and Dramatic Club

The Hamilton select choir, the original name of the present club was founded in 1894 by Fredrick Pugh Musc.Bac.(OXON), F.R.C.O, a prominent musician in the town. He formed a double quartet, which developed into St. Celia's Choir, and later became Hamilton Select Choir.

Frederick Pugh (1855 - 1931) studied harmony and organs at Owen's College, Manchester from 1872 to 1875, and in 1876 was appointed organist and choirmaster at the newly built Parish Church of St Chrysotom's Victoria Park, Manchester. In 1890, he left to take up a new appointment at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Hamilton and thereafter was appointed organist of the town. Little did the people of Hamilton know at the time the influence this appointment would have upon the musical life of the district.

For a number of years, the Select Choir studied choral works and gave a public performance annually in the old Town Hall, with a seating capacity of just over 400. The Choir was called upon to sing at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in the town in 1897, and again four years later at the banquet for the local volunteer forces on their return from the South African War. A venture into comic opera was made in February 1904, with a production of 'HMS Pinafore' by Gilbert and Sullivan. This was the first occasion local

amateurs had tackled comic opera and it was deemed a great success. Mr Pugh was presented with a drawing room clock for his efforts. For many years the choir continued in production of Gilbert and Sullivan and light musical comedy.

In February 1914, 'The Mikado' was performed which was to be the last production until after the war. However, later that year on the 4th of December, a concert was performed at the old Town Hall in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund. The choir then recessed for the years of the war and interest was finally rekindled with a reunion dance held in the Town Hall on the 22nd of November 1919. Rehearsals then reconvened and a production of 'Patience' was staged from the 9th of February 1920, for six nights. Ticket sales were good and a favourable report appeared in the Hamilton Advertiser on the 21st of February. Records also show Fredrick Pugh was still in the driving seat in 1926, but it is not known for how much longer he led the choir but it is clear he maintained a life long interest.

The choir continued productions of the work of Gilbert and Sullivan until 1936 with the exception of 1925 and 1930. When the new Town Hall opened on the 29th October 1928,
the choir's 25th year, they were favoured with an opening production of 'The Gondoliers' commencing 12th November for five nights with ticket prices 3/6d and 2/4d. Since then, the Town Hall has played host to all main productions until 2002, with the last show being 'Copacabana', before the hall closed for major refurbishment. Consequently, productions moved to the Motherwell Concert Hall until 2004 and now spring shows are in Motherwell Concert Hall and Autumn shows are in the newly refurbished Hamilton Town House.

In 1934 the Select Choir changed it's name to Hamilton and District Operatic Society and as such gave it's first performance with 'Yeoman of the Guard' from 13th to 17th February. 'The Desert Song' in 1939 was the last production before work was disturbed with the advent of the Second World War and further productions were held over until 1947. During the War years, a concert party was formed and did a lot of sterling work entertaining troops and raising money for the war effort. The society, renamed Hamilton Operatic and Dramatic Club, opened with a repeat performance of their pre-war show 'The Desert Song' from 7th to 11th October 1947.

The club continued successfully in production of musical theatre for many years. During
1953, the Jubilee year was celebrated with 'Victoria and her Husaar' playing from 23rd to 31st October. This was reported a great success in 31st October edition of the Hamilton Advertiser. Musical Theatre over the years has kept changing and following the war, the
club introduced American musicals interspersed with old favourites. In the 75th Anniversary year, the club celebrated with a production of 'The Great Waltz' and a special gala performance was followed by dinner. It was in this year, 1978, the President's Jewel or badge of office was introduced. It was struck in silver by John Gilchrist of Bothwell and

...with permission, is based on the Burgh of Hamilton Coat of Arms. It is a splendid example with ribbon naming each President
.. from the club's inception.

In October 1993, during a successful week with 'Brigadoon', the club celebrated it's 90th year with a dinner immediately following one of the performances. Since then, the club have continued to bring many popular lavish Broadway shows and revues to the people of Lanarkshire. The successful history of the club pays tribute to outstanding production teams not least to mention the current team, Irene McMillan (Director/ Choreographer), Elizabeth Pearson (Musical Director), Derek McGlone (Assistant Musical Director)and Suzanne McMillan (Assistant

Choreographer). Between them, they have taken the club forward with their creative work and the development of two shows per year in recent years. Their dedication is to be much admired as is the staying power of the club members.

Hamilton Operatic and Dramatic Club has also been fortunate enough to have interest maintained by families of former members. We have known two and three generations of playing members. A number of members have given service to the club in excess of 20, and increasing to 50 years, in many forms too numerous to mention. Many lasting friendships have also been forged over the years but no tribute would be complete without mentioning the efforts of those who help stage production both on, back stage and also front of house. Support is given freely and willingly from a positive army of volunteers, some with specialised talents. As a result of the tremendous effort, thousands of pounds has been gifted to local charities over the years. This has indeed left the club with a great sense of pride and achievement.

	In the clubs Centenary year, 2003, a Service of Thanksgiving was held in St Mary's Episcopal Church on 26th March. This was followed with the highly successful Lanarkshire premier of Jesus Christ Superstar from 20th to 24th May. With an extremely talented cast, the club received excellent reviews and met the challenge with ease and enthusiasm. Thereafter, on 19th June, club members. past and present, along with dignitaries and invited guests attended a Civic reception as guests of the Provost and Councillors of South Lanarkshire Council in the town's Banqueting Hall. To mark the centenary of the club, gifts were exchanged between the Council and the Club. Centenary celebrations were brought to a close with a lavish Gala Ball , held on the 29th of November in the Dalziell Country Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Motherwell, when honours were conferred to members for their outstanding services to the Club.

103 Glorious Years

The Club is affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) who celebrated their centenary in 1999. NODA was established to further the work of amateur theatre and to provide advice and guidance as required. Former club president and current life member, Mr Alex Muir, served as Region 5 area Representative (Lanarkshire) for 17 years.

Return to home page