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
Caroline Gill
Chairperson
Caroline is delighted to be in a governance role for Hamilton Operatic Society. It was here she began her performing arts journey as a performer in roles such as Liesl in 'The Sound of Music' and Rumpleteazer in 'Cats'. She gained a Bachelor of Sports and Leisure studies majoring in Dance and Theatre Studies, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching from Waikato University. So it was then a natural progression into governance roles, firstly as president of 'Tauranga Dance Incorporated', regional representative of the 'Dance Subject Association of New Zealand' and, until recently, chairperson of 'Creative Bay of Plenty'.
Caroline, who has been a secondary school dance and drama teacher for nearly 20 years, is now the deputy principal at Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton. As a strong advocate of arts and culture, and believes we should never underestimate its importance to the vibrancy, economic growth and empowerment of a community.
Julia Booth
Elected Board Member
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.
Victoria Munro
Deputy Chairperson
Victoria brings a different perspective to Hamilton Operatic Society as it continues its creative drive across the Waikato and beyond. She blends a love of theatre with over 25 years experience in senior general management roles and human resource development. Victoria’s specific interests and skills are in education, sales strategy and communication and her strengths lie in attention to detail, critical thinking and organisational planning.
Victoria can usually be found backstage during productions supporting the performers with their wardrobe and dressing and practicing her needle-threading skills.
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.
Astrid Shouler
Treasurer
Henry Stokes
Co-opted Board Member
Hamilton Operatic Society Management
Philippa Chesham
Operations Manager & Production Hire
Philippa has been involved with HOS for many years as a member of the cast, crew, orchestram and the board.
Now as Operations Manager, she enjoys developing and maintaining business and corporate relationships, encouraging youth development, working with HOS members and finding new opportunities for the Society.
Philippa is also the interim manager of 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
