The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society (FHODS) is one of the oldest amateur theatre societies in the United Kingdom, founded in 1902 and based at The Tower Theatre in Folkestone, Kent.
History
Founding and early years
FHODS was founded in 1902 by a group of local theatre enthusiasts in Folkestone. In its early decades the society performed in various venues around the town, building a reputation for ambitious productions and a committed membership.
Ham Yard Theatre (1952–1964)
In 1952 FHODS acquired the Ham Yard Theatre in Folkestone, which gave the society its first dedicated home. Over the following twelve years the society staged 114 productions there — a remarkable output that reflected both the energy of the membership and the appetite for live theatre in post-war Folkestone.
The Little Theatre, Sandgate (1965)
When the Ham Yard Theatre closed, FHODS moved to the Little Theatre in Sandgate, where it continued to produce a full programme of work.
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 was at risk of being lost, but FHODS secured it and set about transforming it into a working theatre. After several years of restoration and development work, the venue opened properly for productions.
In 2007 FHODS staged Oliver! as the premiere production on the newly developed main stage — a landmark moment in the society's history.
The society has owned and operated the Tower Theatre ever since, making FHODS one of the very few amateur theatre societies in the UK to own its own venue outright. The Tower Theatre is a Grade II listed building and registered charity (no. 1180504).
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 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 FHODS membership page.