Our People
Hamilton Operatic Society wouldn't be what it is without the people who dedicate their time, knowledge and heart towards our vision of bringing the experience of musical theatre to the Waikato.
Richard O’Brien || Patron
Richard is known to most Hamiltonians as a figure in bronze standing on the site of the old Embassy Theatre building on Victoria Street.
Richard’s life in the world of entertainment began when he found work riding horses in movies in England in 1965. Since this unlikely beginning, he has acted in film, theatre, television and on the radio. Perhaps best known for writing the book, music and lyrics to the award-winning cult classic musical, 'The Rocky Horror Show', Richard is also known as the host of the incredibly successful UK Channel Four Television game show, 'The Crystal Maze'. His critically acclaimed solo album, 'Absolute O’Brien', was awarded five stars by the influential Q Magazine.
As the voice of Lawrence Fletcher, the father of Phineas and Ferb in the Disney cartoon series of the same name, Richard recently attracted a new and younger audience.
Richard has been the Patron of Hamilton Operatic Society since 2009.
Fiona Bradley || President
Fiona has had a long and happy association of more than 35 years with Hamilton Operatic Society, having played significant roles in productions such as 'Oliver!', 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'Les Misérables' and many, many more.
Fiona was Chairperson of the society for five years and executive producer of many wonderful shows such as 'Mary Poppins', 'Sister Act' and 'Les Misérables'. Working with dedicated and committed Board members and inspiring production teams was a privilege. When not on stage, Fiona has also been involved backstage and in Front of House.
As an ex-school principal, Fiona was passionate about providing a rich environment of theatre, music and dance to her students, many of whom have gone on to pursue a career in the Arts.
Hamilton Operatic Society Board Members
Victoria Munro
Chairperson
Victoria blends over 25 years in senior general management roles and human resource development with a love of theatre and over five years on the Hamilton Operatic Society’s Board. The principles of fiscal responsibility, strategic and people-focused organizational planning, and the development of strong business relationships form the basis of her contributions to the Society.
Whilst a staunch admirer of all those who tread the boards and all those who make the magic of musical theatre happen, you are much more likely to find Victoria backstage or Front of House during productions.
Hannah Doherty
Elected Board Member
Hannah started on her performing arts journey 20 years ago as a student of the Drury Dance studio for 12 years, where she went on to combine dance with her love of singing and acting in musical theatre productions such as HOS productions of Mamma Mia (2015), Evita (2015), and Rocky Horror show (2016).
Hannah’s diverse experience will form her contributions to the board with strategic acumen and meticulous attention to detail alongside her creative skill set, where she has gained a holistic understanding of what makes a production genuinely exceptional.
Julia Booth
Deputy Chairperson
Within six months of moving back to New Zealand from Canada in 2003, Julia was cast in her first role with Hamilton Operatic Society (Patty Simcox in 'Grease'). The connections made in that particular showed have developed into lifelong friendships, and the performance relationship with HOS continued through shows such as 'The Secret Garden', 'The Full Monty', 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Les Misérables'. As a lecturer of Music and Performing Arts at Wintec - Te Pūkenga, Julia is passionate about the development of young performers in Kirikiriroa and musical theatre across Aotearoa.
Astrid Shouler
Treasurer
Hamilton Operatic Society Personnel
Philippa Chesham
Operations Manager & Production Hire
Philippa has been an integral part of HOS for many years, contributing as a cast member, production manager, crew member, orchestra player, and board member. Now serving as Operations Manager, she’s passionate about cultivating and maintaining strong business and corporate relationships, all while championing youth development initiatives within the Society. Her enthusiasm for engaging with HOS members fuels her drive to discover new opportunities that can enhance the organization’s impact and outreach.
In addition to her role in operations, Philippa is also the interim manager for the wardrobe and production hire departments.
Life Members
Bobbie Alderton QSM, Ron Braithwaite, Judy Braithwaite, Shirley Buchanan, Aaron Chesham, Dave Gibbs, Noel Gleeson, Francie Gray, Sandra Herbert, John Keenan, Elaine Lucas, Brian Linehan, Sonja McGirr-Garrett, Paul Mitchell, Sabrina O’Brien, Richard O’Brien, John Pak, Russ Rimmington, Christine Sidwell, David Sidwell, Dave Smith, Colin Smith QSM, Jean Turk, Cheryl Turner, Tracey Wilson, Kathie Young.
Advisors
Honorary Solicitor: Henry Stokes - Perpetual Guardian
Accountant: KPMG
Auditor: Gener8 Solutions
HR Consultant: Chris Sidwell
Contact Details
Hireage
07 839 3082
Hamilton Operatic Society
07 839 3082
admin@hamiltonoperatic.co.nz
marketing@hamiltonoperatic.co.nz
59 Clarence Street (upstairs from the offices at Clarence St Theatre)
PO Box 463 Hamilton 3240
