The History of HLOC

Harrow Light Opera Company has performed over 110 full scale musical shows, 7 major concerts plus a number of smaller concert parties and cabaret events and still offers at least two shows every year.

Founded in 1944, HLOC started life at the Coliseum Theatre in Harrow until its closure. The company then moved to the Dominion and Granada cinemas, still in Harrow until practical difficulties at both venues meant that Harrow Light finally had to leave Harrow and seek an alternative home. This was to be the Gaumont State Theatre in Kilburn, which is claimed to have the largest theatre auditorium in Europe.

In the autumn of 1976 HLOC moved to the recently purpose built Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth, and remained there for 28 happy years until it closed at the end of 2004.

2005 saw two productions at a temporary home at The Hatch End High School Theatre, Harrow, but 2006 brought a happy return to Watersmeet.

To coincide with the company's 60th anniversary in 2004, long standing member, the then President, former Chairman, former Treasurer and life member Maurice Ray published the book Memories Are Made of This (a celebration of 60 years of first class entertainment),

being a history of the Harrow Light Opera Company since its formation in October 1944 until its October 2004 presentation.

The text of this book can be found here.