Hartlepool Stage Society

06/10/2026

Character Spotlight: Professor Ozgood the Wizard

Step into Emerald City and meet the man behind the curtain—Shane Foster takes on the role of Professor Ozgood, the iconic Wizard himself.

Professor Ozgood is the ultimate showman: part larger-than-life spectacle, part master of smoke, mirrors, and elaborate excuses. Behind his grandiose facade lies a loveable coward who easily panics when things go off-script, though he somehow manages to help our heroes... in his own unique way.

Shane brings a wealth of musical experience to the role. Having grown up surrounded by music in church and school choirs, the Hartlepool Wind Band, and as a singer in local bands, he first stepped onto the HSS stage in 2022 as Mal Beineke in "The Addams Family". Since then, he has taken on key roles across several productions—including Marcel in "Beauty and the Enchanted Beast", Thelonious in "Shrek the Musical" , and The Monster in "Young Frankenstein"—alongside standout solo concert performances such as Joe Gillis (Sunset Boulevard) and Eddie (The Rocky Horror Show) in "Fresh Takes & Timeless Remakes".

Will Professor Ozgood's grand illusions be enough to grant Dorothy and her friends their heart's desires? Find out this November.

Join us at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre from 19th–21st November for an unforgettable journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

Book your tickets now: https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

04/10/2026

🏆 WE WON! Celebrating Success at the NODA North Performance Awards 🏆

What an unforgettable weekend for everyone at Hartlepool Stage Society! Our Junior and Adult production teams had the absolute pleasure of attending the NODA North Performance Awards, and we could not be prouder of our incredible members.

At our very first NODA Youth Awards Ceremony, our Junior production ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’ walked away with the award for District 4 Best Concert! To top it off, the production was also nominated for the prestigious Regional Youth Coordinator’s Award for Best Youth Production—a special accolade announced on the night to recognise the best of the best across the entire North Region. 🌟

The celebrations didn't stop there. At the Adult Awards, we were thrilled to win District 8 Best Concert for ‘Fresh Takes & Timeless Remakes’! 🎭

We were also deeply honoured to receive a Special Commendation Award from District 4's Helen Abraham for the entire company of ‘Young Frankenstein’. This recognised the immense professionalism shown when facing every performer’s worst nightmare: a townwide blackout that plunged the stage into complete darkness mid-show (though our amazing cast didn't let that stop them from finishing a mammoth 9-minute tap number!), followed by the fire curtain descending mid-performance the very next night. Talk about the show going on! ⚡️👠

We always look forward to attending the NODA Awards, but walking away with three wins and such high recognition at our first Youth awards made this weekend truly extra special. Thank you to NODA North, our talented casts, crews, production teams, and our fantastic supporters!

✨ DON'T MISS OUR NEXT SHOW! ✨
Follow the yellow brick road with us this autumn! Tickets are now on sale for The Wizard of Oz.

📅 Dates: 19th–21st November

📍 Venue: Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

🎟️ Book Tickets: culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

02/10/2026

🎭 IT’S NODA AWARDS WEEKEND! 🏆

The wait is almost over! Our production teams will be hitting the red carpet representing Hartlepool Stage Society and Hartlepool Junior Stage Society at the 2026 NODA North Awards!

We are so proud to have every single eligible show from our 2025–26 season nominated:
⚡ Young Frankenstein
🎶 Fresh Takes and Timeless Remakes
✨ Dare to Dream Jr.

Delegates from our production teams will be representing our youth society at Saturday afternoon’s ceremony, followed by the main awards gala on Saturday evening. 🥂✨

A huge thank you to NODA North and a massive good luck to all the incredible societies nominated across the region. Wish our teams luck as they fly the flag for Hartlepool! 🤞🖤

While we celebrate the successes of last season, we're already hard at work bringing our next spectacular show to life! Join us over the rainbow for The Wizard of Oz, running from 19th to 21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre.

Book your tickets today: https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/ 🌪️👠

01/10/2026

Character Spotlight: Leo the Cowardly Lion 🦁👑

Big, blustering, and absolutely terrified of his own shadow, Leo the Cowardly Lion is Oz’s most reluctant king! Despite his impressive mane and mighty roar, Leo would much rather indulge in a quick nap or a tasty snack than face any danger. Known for his dramatic fainting spells at the slightest fright, this lovable feline joins Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road in the hope that the Great Wizard can grant him just a little bit of courage.

Taking on the role of Leo is Jack Rose, who is making his Hartlepool Stage Society debut!

After taking a seven-year hiatus from the stage, Jack is thrilled to step back into the spotlight. He brings serious theatrical chops to our production, having completed three years of intensive training in the Stanislavski Acting Method Conservatory at Montclair State University. Jack’s rich performance background and brilliant comic timing bring the perfect blend of dramatic flair and heart to our big, timid lion!

🎟️ Hear him roar (or squeal)! Come support Jack in his society debut in The Wizard of Oz from 19th-21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Book your tickets today before they sell out!

https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

30/09/2026

Character Spotlight: The Tinman 🪓🤖

Earnest, emotional, and delightfully melodramatic, Nick Chopper the Tinman is one of the ultimate comedic sidekicks on the road to Oz! He insists he has no heart, yet he cries at absolutely everything—which usually leads to him rusting solid at the worst possible moments. A loyal and steadfast friend to Dorothy from the moment they meet, this clanking hero is determined to march all the way to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard for a heart of his own.

Stepping into the shiny suit of the Tinman is Hartlepool Stage Society Chair, Peter Rowlands, celebrating his 10th year with the society!

Since his 2016 debut as Jack in "All the Fun of the Fair", Peter has taken on iconic roles including Gomez in "The Addams Family", Igor in "Young Frankenstein", the Beast in "Beauty and the Enchanted Beast", and Orin the Dentist in "Little Shop of Horrors"—a performance that earned him a NODA nomination for Best Individual Performance.

Peter is known for his incredible physical comedy, and with a Rock School Level 4 Diploma in Vocal Performance and a Grade 8 Distinction in Musical Theatre from the London College of Music, he brings incredible talent to every role. Most importantly, Peter is the creative mastermind behind this show, having written and directed this year's pantomime following the roaring success of his NODA award-winning script for "Beauty and the Enchanted Beast"!

🎟️ Oil can at the ready! Don't miss Peter and the rest of our marvelous cast down the Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz from 19th-21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Grab your tickets at https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

29/09/2026

Character Spotlight: Strawman Jack 🌾🧠

Floppy, charming, and endlessly optimistic, Strawman Jack takes on the classic Principal Boy role in our trip down the Yellow Brick Road! Convinced he doesn't have a brain in his straw-filled head, Jack is far cleverer than he gives himself credit for— you might notice he accidentally drops quite a few gems of wisdom! Completely loyal to Dorothy from the moment they meet, Jack is determined to join the quest to ask the Great Wizard for some proper grey matter.

Stepping into the boots of Strawman Jack is the multi-talented Elijah James!

Elijah made a huge splash in his Hartlepool Stage Society debut earlier this year, winning hearts as the hilarious Donkey in "Shrek the Musical". Having trained at both the Northern School of Art and The University for the Creative Arts, Elijah brings a wealth of performance experience to the stage.

His professional credits include Finn in "Down The Lines" at The Customs House, Jojo in the "Second Hand Rose" workshop, Melchior in "Spring Awakening" with Less is MORE, and Adam in "Chasing ACEs" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Local theatregoers may also recognise Elijah from his brilliant amateur roles, including Roger in "Rent", Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors", and Emmett in "Legally Blonde".

🎟️ Get ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road! Don't miss Elijah and the rest of our fantastic cast in The Wizard of Oz, 19th–21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Tap your heels together and book your tickets today!

👉 https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

29/09/2026

🎃👻 HALLOWEEN FUN IS COMING! 👻🎃

Our Junior Stage Society have got another fantastic holiday workshop planned — and this one looks like it’s going to be spook-tacular! 🕷️🎃

If you’re looking for something fun for the kids this Halloween half term, check out the original post below for all the details 👇

🧡 Don’t miss out on a space!

🎃👻 LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN FOR THE KIDS THIS HALLOWEEN HALF TERM? 👻🎃

Our popular holiday workshop is back, and this time we’re making it spook-tacular! 🕷️🧙‍♀️

Give your child a fun-filled day packed with singing, dancing, crafts and games, while they make new friends, get creative and enjoy plenty of Halloween-themed activities. 🧡

📅 10am–3pm
👧🧒 Ages 5–16
🎤 Singing
💃 Dancing
🎨 Halloween crafts
🎲 Games & activities
👻 A whole day of fun!

It’s the perfect opportunity for children to spend their holiday doing something creative, active and social - and they’re guaranteed to have a fang-tastic time! 🎃

⚠️ Spaces are limited and our workshops are always popular, so don’t leave it too late!

🎟️ Book your child’s place today:
👉 ticketsource.co.uk/hartlepool-stage-society

🦇 Secure your space and let the Halloween fun begin! 🦇

28/09/2026

Magic, smiles, and a touch of Ozian cheer at Burn Road McDonald’s! 🌈✨

Our characters had a brilliant time greeting so many wonderful families during the McHappy Day event this weekend. From Professor Ozgood, Dorothy, and Gloriana the Good Witch of the North to Leo the Cowardly Lion, the Tinman, and the Scarecrow, the whole gang was out in full force! (And don't worry—neither of the Wicked Witches were permitted near the Happy Meals, so they were safely left behind in Oz!)

We were blown away by the fantastic colouring-in skills on display, and it was lovely to see so many bright faces painted—all while raising vital funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. We even popped out to the drive-thru queue to hand out balloons and share some magical moments with drive-thru diners.

Check out the photos from our afternoon, and don't forget to catch the full magic live on stage!

🎟️ Get your tickets for The Wizard of Oz pantomime now:

19th – 21st November | Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

Book online: https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/

25/09/2026

Join us for a fantastic afternoon of family fun tomorrow, Saturday 26th September, from 11am to 3pm at McDonald's on Burn Road (TS25 1PN)!

We are thrilled to be teaming up with McDonald's tomorrow for their McHappy event! Bring the whole family along to step onto the yellow brick road and meet some of your favourite characters from our upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz! As well as cast meet and greets, there will be face painting, balloons, and plenty of fun to keep the little ones smiling all afternoon.

You can also pick up Croc charms for just 50p each, with all proceeds going directly to support families through RMHC UK.

We would love for you to drop by, say hello to the cast, and support a brilliant cause!

24/09/2026

Character Spotlight: Gloriana the Good Witch of the North ✨💖

After meeting the wicked green-faced Elpharivo and her icy sister Narcissi, it’s time to meet the third witch of Oz—and thankfully, this one is on our side! Warm, sparkly, and wonderfully whimsical, Gloriana the Good is the Pantomime Fairy every magical land needs to balance out all that villainy. Speaking entirely in rhyme (even when she occasionally forgets where she left her wand), this delightfully scatterbrained sorceress brings a trail of magic and cheer wherever she floats. A beloved friend to all Munchkins, Gloriana is on hand to guide Dorothy and Aunt Em as they land in Oz and set off down the Yellow Brick Road.

Stepping into the glittery shoes of Gloriana is the talented Lisa Surtees!

Lisa first appeared with Hartlepool Stage Society as Ronette in our NODA award-winning 2023 production of "Little Shop of Horrors" and took on the role of Eva Perón in our 2025 concert "Fresh Takes and Timeless Remakes". Pantomime fans will also remember her bringing the laughs as one half of the outrageous duo Merlot and Shiraz—Beauty’s hilarious ugly sisters in "Beauty and the Enchanted Beast".

Off the stage, Lisa works hard behind the scenes as the Society's Marketing Officer. On stage, she brings impressive vocal technique as a classically trained vocalist who studied under mezzo-soprano Barbara Bland of the Michigan Opera Theatre. Expect high-energy vocals, brilliant rhymes, and plenty of sparkle!

🎟️ Wand at the ready! Don't miss Lisa lighting up the stage in The Wizard of Oz, 19th–21st November at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Tap your heels together and book your tickets today!

👉 https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/wizard-of-oz/