The Full History of the Brighton & Hove Operatic Society: From Victorian Beginnings to Modern Revival
The Brighton & Hove Operatic Society (BHOS) holds an illustrious place in Brighton’s cultural history. Since its founding in 1886, BHOS has weathered world wars, societal changes, and the evolving tastes of its audiences, while always remaining true to its mission of bringing musical theatre and community together.
Victorian Beginnings: 1886 & Early Success
The story of BHOS began when Fred Trussell, a local music professor, established the Society to create an outlet for amateur performers. Trussell's passion for preparing “Ladies and Gentlemen for the stage” spurred the Society’s first production in 1887—Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore at Hove Town Hall. Despite bad weather, which saw audiences arrive in carriages through pouring rain, the performance was a success. This cemented the Society's place in Brighton's cultural landscape, and HMS Pinafore would become a recurring part of BHOS's repertoire over the decades.
By the late 19th century, BHOS had expanded its productions with shows like Carmen (1888), Fra Diavolo (1888), and The Pirates of Penzance (1890). These early years established the Society's reputation for high-quality amateur performances and drew in prominent supporters, including distinguished Vice-Presidents whose financial backing helped BHOS thrive.
The Edwardian Era and the World Wars: 1900–1945
As the new century dawned, BHOS grew even more ambitious. Productions like La Mascotte (1891) and The Yeoman of the Guard (1895) at Hove Town Hall became sell-out successes. But with the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the Society’s activities were temporarily halted. Yet, members of BHOS kept the spirit of the company alive through concert performances for local troops.
After the war, BHOS staged its comeback with Merrie England at the West Pier Theatre in 1920. Under the leadership of Harry Drury (Jnr), the Society produced a steady stream of shows throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including popular operas like The Gondoliers (1923) and Iolanthe (1924). However, World War II once again forced BHOS to pause major productions, though the Society continued to support the war effort by entertaining local troops and raising funds for charities.
Post-War Resurgence: 1945–1980s
The post-war years were a golden age for BHOS. Productions such as The Vagabond King (1946), Showboat (1948), and The New Moon (1949) at the Brighton Hippodrome showcased the Society’s resilience and growing talent base. In 1947, BHOS celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a grand ball at the Royal Pavilion, marking 60 years of continuous operation despite the challenges of two world wars.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Society continued to expand its repertoire. Shows like Oklahoma! (1956), Carousel (1958), and The King and I (1964) demonstrated the Society's ability to tackle more modern musicals. During this time, BHOS became a permanent fixture at The Theatre Royal, Brighton, staging a string of successful productions that filled the theatre’s seats.
The Financial Crisis and a Triumphant Return: The 1980s
By the early 1980s, BHOS faced financial difficulties. The rise of television and cinema, coupled with increasing production costs, left the Society struggling to fund major shows. This period saw fewer large-scale productions and more experimental works, such as Oh What a Lovely War (1976) and Lock Up Your Daughters (1981). However, BHOS found its feet again in the mid-1980s with hit productions like Mack & Mabel (1984) and Annie (1985), which helped restore the Society’s financial stability.
Perhaps the most significant moment of this era came in March 1990 with BHOS’s production of La Cage aux Folles. Directed by long-time BHOS stalwart Judi Campbell, this production marked the Amateur Premiere of the musical and was an extraordinary success. After an initial sold-out run of one week at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, BHOS was invited back for a further week of performances just three months later. The success didn’t stop there: La Cage aux Folles was so well-received that BHOS returned for a third sell-out week 15 months after the premiere, solidifying the show’s place as one of the Society’s all-time great achievements.
Judi Campbell reflected on the success of La Cage aux Folles in her message to the audience, stating, “Bon Soir, good evening and welcome to La Cage aux Folles — Well here we are again at the pride of St. Tropez... Since March 1990, this musical has been performed by amateur societies all over the country, receiving the same response as you, the Brighton audiences, gave to us... This amazing musical has all the ingredients a modern-day audience requires from a musical — a powerful story, well-known music, comedy, pathos and glamour.”
For BHOS, La Cage aux Folles was not only a triumph but an affirmation that their commitment to high-quality amateur theatre resonated far and wide.
A New Century, A New Name: 2000– 2017
The early 2000s brought new challenges for BHOS. By 2007, it became clear that the “Operatic” in the Society's name was holding it back. It no longer reflected the modern musicals the Society was producing. And so, with a heavy heart, BHOS was rebranded as City Theatre Company. Under this new name, the Society staged a variety of successful shows, but many felt that something of the original BHOS spirit had been lost.
Despite the rebranding, BHOS remained committed to its heritage and, in 2017, the decision was made to return to the Society’s original name—though with a modern twist. Rebranded as BHOS, the Society focused its marketing on its acronym and embarked on a new era of growth. One of the most significant developments was the creation of the BHOS Musical Theatre Choir, led by choirmistress Laura Redmond. This new venture attracted a wide range of members and grew into a vibrant 80-strong choir.
The BHOS Musical Theatre Choir welcomes all abilities, with no audition required to join. The choir is a testament to the inclusive nature of the Society, with members ranging from West End performers to those who have never sung in front of anyone before. Whether you are a seasoned professional or simply someone who loves to sing, the BHOS choir offers a welcoming, supportive environment for all. If you are interested in joining this vibrant community, you can email choir@bhos.org for more information.
Modern Triumphs and the BHOS Community Arts Hub
The rebranded BHOS enjoyed a resurgence of success with shows like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2018) and Calendar Girls: The Musical (2022). These productions not only entertained audiences but also helped the Society raise thousands of pounds for local charities such as The Martlets and The Clocktower Sanctuary. BHOS’s commitment to its charitable mission grew alongside its artistic success, with the Society offering free tickets to local volunteers and engaging the community in its work.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, but BHOS emerged from lockdown on a sound financial footing. One of its most significant achievements in recent years has been the establishment of the BHOS Community Arts Hub in Hollingbury. This new space, located in Carden Primary School, offers a permanent rehearsal space for both the Musical Theatre Choir and the theatre company. It also provides a hub for the local arts community, with the venue’s two studios available for hire.
The crown jewel of the Arts Hub is the newly built Campbell Studio Theatre, a 70-seat performance venue named in honour of long-time BHOS director Judi Campbell. The Campbell Studio Theatre will officially open in October 2024 with a production of John Godber’s Teechers, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in BHOS’s history.
A Legacy of Community and Creativity
Looking back over more than 130 years of history, the Brighton & Hove Operatic Society has been defined by its resilience, creativity, and deep connection to the Brighton community. From its Victorian beginnings under Fred Trussell to its modern-day revival, BHOS has remained a vital part of the city's cultural fabric. As it continues to evolve and grow, the Society’s commitment to producing high-quality theatre and fostering a vibrant community of performers and volunteers ensures that its legacy will continue for generations to come.
If you would like to get involved with the BHOS community—whether in singing, behind the scenes, or helping with the community hub—please contact info@bhos.org. BHOS is always excited to welcome new members and volunteers to help carry on its legacy.
