About Us
HEOS is one of the premiere amateur musical societies in West London, and probably the oldest, having been founded in 1911. We strive to produce shows to the highest standard, and are known for beautifully costumed productions.
Our first show, The Merry Wives of Windsor in 1911, was performed at the Park Hall in Greenford Avenue on a small stage with gas lighting. Apart from the war years, we have performed at least one show every year.
Type of shows
We perform 3 or 4 shows a year:
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a large-scale musical at Questors Theatre, Ealing
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a traditional Christmas pantomime at the Greenford Hall
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a summer revue, typically songs from musical theatre, in a local church hall
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a Christmas concert performed at Northolt Methodist Church
Membership and how to join
Membership is open to anyone from senior school-age upwards. No previous experience is necessary, and there are no auditions to join – we just ask that you sing in tune.
For further information please contact info@heos.org.uk
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are in Northolt Methodist Church hall, Church Road, Northolt, UB5 5DB (see map).
There is a car park behind the church, and the venue is served
by buses 90, 120, 140, 282 and E10, and Northolt station on the
Central Line, ½ mile away.
Rehearsal days are:
• Mondays: chorus (main, Christmas and summer shows)
• Tuesdays: occasional rehearsals for pantomime
• Thursdays: principals (main & summer shows)
• Sundays: everyone (main or summer show – for the last
few weeks before performance)
• Sundays: chorus, dancers and principals (panto).
How is the society organised and run?
HEOS is managed by a committee elected from the
membership at the annual AGM. We are a registered charity and affiliated to NODA – The National Operatic and Dramatic Association, and Ealing Arts and Leisure.
Production teams
We sometimes use professional directors and musical directors, or we may use our in-house talent. In recent years our choreography has been done by our own extremely talented pool of choreographers.
Show Auditions
Auditions are held for principal parts in a show. Any member is welcome to audition.
Social
Our varied social calendar, with events throughout the year includes quiz nights, murder mysteries, barbecues, Christmas dinners.
Awards
HEOS has won a number of awards over the years from NODA (The National Operatic and Dramatic Association).
Our principals and choruses are frequently nominated for best actor/actress/chorus in a musical; our chief choreographer, Dawn Wightman, was awarded a prestigious Flame Award. The society has won numerous programme awards, including the National RTH Perkins trophy for programme design. Most recently in April 2018 our production of Crazy For You won three area awards; Best Male in a Musical, Best Cameo in a Musical and Best Musical.
Several members hold NODA Long Service Medals in recognition of their years treading the boards.
Newsletter
Members and Friends receive our very informative newsletter four times a year. It contains details of our recent and forthcoming shows, social events, members’ news and achievements, and varied articles of interest.
Mailing List
If you would like to be informed of future HEOS shows, please email memsec@heos.org.uk and sign up below