Celebrating 125 years of musical theatre in Rochdale

If you're a Rochdalian, chances are you've witnessed at least one of Rochdale Musical Theatre Company's spectacular productions. Founded in 1898, and originally named Rochdale Amateur Operatic Society (RAOS), they are one of the most longstanding amateur theatre groups in the UK.

The society has a virtually unbroken history of performances since its inception except for a short break at the end of World War I and a longer break during 1941 - 45 when many of their members were actively involved in World War II. They originally performed Light Operettas and Gilbert & Sullivan.

Having played for many years at the Theatre Royal and then the Hippodrome in Rochdale, the society moved to a temporary home at the ABC cinema before moving to The Gracie Fields Theatre in 1977.

In 2015 the society changed its name to Rochdale Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) as, in more modern times, productions have been musical theatre rather than of an operatic nature.

In October 2021, RMTC found their new home at the iconic town centre venue Champness Hall and brought theatre back to the heart of Rochdale, with their hugely successful production of Legally Blonde.

This was followed in May 2022 with Broadway musical comedy The Producers and then a sell-out run of Grease the Musical in May 2023.

Secretary Kath Meredith, who has been a part of the society for over 50 years, commented: “It’s incredible to think how far the society has come over the past 125 years and that it has continued to evolve and thrive. RAOS, as it was then known, staged very different productions to what RMTC produce these days! It used to be more Pirates of Penzance than Grease and Legally Blonde!! But the aim remains the same - to bring quality, affordable live theatre to the people of Rochdale, to nurture local talent both on stage and behind the scenes and to raise money for charity in the process!

“We are very much looking forward to our next production of Beauty & the Beast the musical in May 2024 - this will be the first time we have produced a Disney musical and it’s set to be a huge all singing all dancing production with fantastic scenery, costumes and unforgettable music from our live band. Please bring the whole family along and help us to celebrate 125 years of musical theatre in Rochdale!”

Beauty & the Beast runs from 10 - 18th May 2024 at Champness Hall, Rochdale. Tickets are £16, available from 1st December at rochdalemtc.co.uk.