A Brief History Musical Theatre Company...

'bmos is one of the great success stories of amateur theatre'
(Centre Stage Magazine)

The Birmingham Operatic Society was founded in 1886 and the Midland Operatic Society was founded in 1916. In 1923, the two companies merged to become the Birmingham and Midland Operatic Society (BMOS). Through the 1920's and 1930's, we performed at the Midland Institute Theatre in Paradise Street, the Alexandra Theatre, The Prince of Wales Theatre and the Theatre Royal.

During the War Years, 1939 to 1947, the Society ceased performing musical shows but those who were not called up for war duties formed a Concert Party and entertained the people of Birmingham in venues all around the City. In 1948, the Society re-formed to perform musical shows at the Midland Institute Theatre, however, a dedicated number of Members, led by Phyl Grove and Denis Patrick, decided to raise money to enable them to perform at the Theatre Royal in New Street but it was not until 1955 that their dream was fulfilled.
In 1957, the Society moved to the Birmingham Hippodrome, which at that time seated over 2000 people and it was not unusual for them to sell-out their two week run! In 1963, they performed Gays the Word and The Vagabond King one week after the other, using two different groups of principals. In 1975 the Society decided to cut one of the weeks, due to the decline in audience numbers.

In 1985, we performed a newly released show for amateurs, Hans Andersen, using the original Tommy Steele London Palladium Sets and, for the first time radio mikes! 1986 was the Centenary Year of the Society and was recognised by Birmingham City Council with a Civic Reception at the Council House and by the Birmingham Evening Mail, who awarded BMOS a Special Achievement Award. A Gala Dinner and Dance was held at the Grand Hotel and was attended by over 400 guests, many from operatic societies from all over the City and the West Midlands. Following the success of our Centenary Production, The King and I, the BMOS Youtheatre was formed in 1987, using some 25 of the children who had appeared in that production. The Youtheatre usually perform two shows a year at the Old Rep Theatre in Station Street and its members are aged between 9 and 18 years. Once they turn 16, they are actively encouraged to perform with BMOS adult company. You can learn more about our wonderfully talented Youtheatre and its history by clicking HERE.

In 1994, we staged the Midlands premier of 42nd Street and sold out five weeks before we opened, with up to 50 people queuing for return tickets before each performance. On the production, Gerald Smith writing for the Express and Star newspaper said, 'For the first time in my reviewing career, I can honestly say that this show would not have been bettered by many professional productions'. In 1999 the Hippodrome celebrated it's Centenary with a sell out Gala Evening with many celebrated artists who had appeared at the Theatre. BMOS, along with the Youtheatre, were invited to perform a twenty minute selection of shows that they had played at the Theatre. A never to be forgotten evening by all those who took part.
From 2000 to 2003, whilst the Hippodrome was closed for it's £29 million refurbishment, BMOS moved to the Crescent Theatre, performing two shows a year and changed its title to the bmos Musical Theatre Company, to bring it more up to date. In 2004, we moved back to the Hippodrome, our 'spiritual home' with a successful production of West Side Story. Since then, we have also been back to re-perform 42nd Street in 2005 and had a great production in 2007 of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Following Millie, the company was sad to see two of its most valued life members step down from the committee, Chairman Alan Hackett and Past Chairman Russell Taylor. The same year also saw the departure of our choreographer Madeline Hackett (who has been a member of bmos since she was 16!), Dave Smith and Debbie Jones. However, with a new committee and Chairman, bmos re-launched itself with zeal and had an extremely successful 2008 with Fame the Musical at The Old Rep.

bmos Musical Theatre Company has survived in some form or another for over 100 years due to the talent, passion and dedication of its members and committee. It’s them that make us Birmingham’s premier amateur theatre company. If you think you could be one of these people, them why not come and join us.

Here’s to another 100 years of success!

Our story continues.......