View source for The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society

The '''Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society''' ('''FHODS''') is one of the oldest amateur theatre societies in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1902, it is based at [[The Tower Theatre]] in Folkestone, Kent, which the society has owned since 2001.

== History ==

=== Founding: the Folkestone Dramatic & Music Club (1902) ===

The society was founded in 1902 as the '''Folkestone Dramatic & Music Club''', performing at the [[Woodward Institute]] in Folkestone. In 1913 it was renamed the '''Folkestone Operatic Society''', with operatic productions moving to the [[Pleasure Gardens Theatre]] — a venue that had first opened in 1851 and became the society's home for large-scale work.

The society closed for the duration of World War I (1914–1918), then resumed productions until the outbreak of World War II (1939–1945), when it closed once more.

=== Post-war expansion (1947) ===

The society resumed after the war and in 1947 added "Hythe" to its name, becoming the '''Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society''', reflecting its growing regional membership. Productions in this period were spread across several venues: operatic work continued at the Pleasure Gardens Theatre, while dramatic productions were staged at the [[Leas Pavilion Theatre]], [[Folkestone Town Hall]], and [[Chichester Hall]] in Sandgate.

=== Ham Yard Theatre (1952–1963) ===

In 1952 FHODS acquired part of the Queen's Hotel annexe in Church Street, Folkestone, and developed it into the 57-seat [[Ham Yard Theatre]] — the society's first dedicated home for dramatic productions. Over the following years FHODS staged 114 productions there.

The closure and eventual demolition of the Pleasure Gardens Theatre in the 1960s brought an end to that chapter of the society's operatic history. Large-scale productions subsequently moved to other venues, including the [[Odeon]] and the [[Ritz Cinema|Ritz]] in Hythe.

=== The Little Theatre, Sandgate (1963–2001) ===

In 1963 FHODS acquired a former church in Sandgate and converted it into the 104-seat Little Theatre, Sandgate, which became the society's primary home through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The pantomime tradition, established in 1975, was initially performed at the Leas Pavilion Theatre before transferring to the Leas Cliff Hall, where it ran for over two decades. Having outgrown the Sandgate site, FHODS began looking for larger premises.

=== The Tower Theatre (2001–present) ===

In 2001 FHODS purchased [[The Tower Theatre]] — a former garrison church on North Road, Folkestone, originally built in 1941. The building had closed in 1998, and FHODS undertook an extensive programme of restoration and development to transform it into a working theatre capable of hosting the full range of the society's productions.

In 2007 FHODS staged [[Oliver! (2007)|''Oliver!'']] as the inaugural production on the newly developed main stage. The Tower Theatre is a Grade II listed building and is registered as a charity (no. 1180504). FHODS is one of the very few amateur theatre societies in the UK to own its own venue outright.

== Productions ==

FHODS stages a full programme of productions each year, typically including musicals, plays, comedies, and pantomimes. A complete list of productions can be found in [[:Category:Productions|the productions archive]].

== Youth Section ==

The FHODS [[Youth Section]] is a dedicated programme for young people aged 12–18, staging full productions on the Tower Theatre's main stage. It has developed a reputation for ambitious work and has helped a number of young members progress to drama school and professional theatre careers.

== Membership ==

FHODS is open to new members of all backgrounds and experience levels, both as performers and as volunteers in backstage, technical, and front of house roles. Further information is available on the [https://towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk/fhods/membership/ FHODS membership page].

== External links ==

* [https://towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk/fhods/ FHODS on The Tower Theatre website]
* [https://fhods-archive.co.uk FHODS Archive]

[[Category:FHODS]]