Musical theatre group set to close after nearly 70 years

A musical theatre group is set to close after 68 years in Market Harborough.

Market Harborough Musical Theatre (MHMT) group says a lack of keen members could mean their next production is their last one.

The group’s publicity officer Chris Prior told the Mail that membership has slumped from 140 to just 40 in the last decade.

“There are just so many other things for people to do” she explained. “We urgently need new management, new ideas and new enthusiasm.”

She said the big musical productions at Kilworth House could also have affected sales.

The group’s trustees have agreed that, following the AGM in June when the present committee will step down, the society - which is also a charity - will become dormant until May 2019.

In a statment the group explained: “It is hoped that within that time scale new talent with fresh ideas, the passion and managerial skills may come forward to inject new life into this beloved group so that it can continue contributing to the feelgood factor of our wonderful town.”

The statement continues: “Should the final curtain fall on this valuable asset to the artistic life of the area? Could you provide sponsorship? Have you managerial skills to help? Have you the will to help to keep the smiles on the faces of Market Harborough?

“If so please get in touch with Gillian Bindley Chairman of the Trustees [email protected]

Chris said she hoped the news would act as a“clarion call” to interested local people who value the contribution MHMT has made to the town.

She added that full houses for Anything Goes will ensure that there is a possibility of handing over funds for the continuation of the group.

Anything Goes is at Welland Park Academy from Wednesday, April 5 to Saturday, April 8.

Tickets from mhmt.ticketsource.co.uk or, after February 21, from Ideology on St Mary’s Road.