BP News

‘The night I forgot to come on’

Richard is after your favourite am-dram story for the 25th anniversary of the QMT

To those BPs involved in building our theatre it must seem incredible that, in 2008, we shall be celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the QMT. Where have all those years gone? Yet it was on Saturday 9th July 1983 that Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother came to Hitchin to give her name to the building that has been our home for the past 25 years.

Richard Whitmore, who was our President at the time the theatre was built, is already at work on a book modestly described as ‘a slim volume’ that will be published to commemorate this first major milestone in the theatre’s history. Appealing for contributions from members in all sections of the theatre he says:

‘I want to make it an entertaining celebration of people’s experiences in this demanding and unpredictable hobby of ours; from the most senior member to the most junior. A book of anecdotes, rather than a predictable list of past productions. For this I would like to gather the recollections and views of as many members and supporters as possible; and I want it to be enjoyed as much by our audiences as by ourselves. The stories do not have to be restricted to the past 25 years. Any anecdotes about your triumphs and traumas in the world of local amateur theatre will be welcome.’

So, if you have an idea or a story to tell, Richard will be pleased to hear from you. Leave a note in his pigeonhole or e-mail him and he will get in touch with you. Be warned, anonymous contributions will not qualify – unless, of course, they’re very, very funny!

The Queen Mother bids farewell to President Richard Whitmore after opening the QMT in July 1983