
AN exhibition celebrating 110 years of Frome Musical Theatre Company has been officially opened at the Frome Heritage Museum.
‘It’s Behind You’, an exhibition showcasing memorabilia including photographs, programmes and press cuttings, from when the theatre company first began in 1906 – known then as the Frome Amateur Operatic Society – will be on display at the museum until 20th May and is open to the public.
The archive was passed to Frome Museum in 2014, where it was warmly received and placed in a protected, temperature-controlled environment.
Curator of the exhibition and member of FMTC John Hedges said, “The FMTC archives are unique in amateur musical theatre in Britain. There can’t be many organisations with a longer, more complete record.
“The museum is so grateful to receive and pay homage to such a special collection.”
Items on show include high quality vintage photos, a few short video clips, the story of FAOS/FMTC, pre-FAOS, the early Gilbert & Sullivan years, between the wars – entertaining the troops, the centenary year, cabinet of FMTC personalities, dress up clothes, props and detail on the 229 shows.
Chairman of FMTC Joanne Plenty said, “It’s so lovely to see the complete history of the society on display for everyone to appreciate. We’d like to express our thanks to John and the museum for putting it together.”
Frome Musical Theatre Company are currently rehearsing for their spring production ‘Grease’, with 70% of tickets already being sold.
The show runs from Tuesday 9th to Saturday 13th May at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Saturday 13th at 2.30pm. Tickets are on sale from the box office on 01373 462795 or by booking online at www.fromememorialtheatre. org.uk