In January 1962 “Simon and Laura” by Alan Melville was the play which began our connection with the Harrogate Theatre.
The Old Swan had become a thriving hotel open to conferences and exhibitions and therefore was no longer available for use so regularly.
So we turned our attention to the Harrogate Theatre (then known as The Opera House) and arrangements were made to perform there twice a year as well as still performing at the Little Theatre.
The HDS has always and will continue to support and work with Harrogate Theatre. HDS members ran the gallery for three seasons, manning it on Saturday nights as well as helping actors and assisting with wardrobe and properties. Since 1962 we have raised money for the theatre by putting on shows, and several members have served on the theatre board.
1964 First open air production in the Valley Gardens – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. This was a great success and half the proceeds were given to local charities.