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Sadly, Doreen Harbron, our President and a founder member of BOP, passed away on 29th January 2019 at the age of 94. Along with her husband, Bill, she was among the first members of BOP in 1953 and took the lead role in our very first production, Waltz Time. Doreen went on to play many roles in our productions over the years until her retirement from the stage. She was then invited to take on the role of our President and continued to be an active influence in BOP’s development right up to her death.
John Chesters
Marian Chesters
Our President
Life members - these lovely people have been made life members due to their long & faithful service to the cause!
Blackpool Operatic Players (BOP) have been presenting musical theatre productions in Blackpool and the surrounding areas for over 60 years.
We are self-supporting, a registered charity and dedicated to providing professional-quality performances to our growing audiences.
Formed in 1953, for many years BOP has presented its flagship annual presentation of leading Broadway and West End productions at Blackpool’s iconic Grand Theatre, the UK’s National Theatre of Variety. Some of our recent blockbuster shows have included Guys and Dolls, Titanic the Musical, The Producers, Made in Dagenham, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. A full list of our productions since 1953 is included in our ‘Past Shows’ page.
Our production for 2019, Hello Dolly!, was a critical success and, looking ahead, our 2020 show has recently gone on sale at the Grand Theatre box office and will be the Fylde Coast première of Shrek The Musical.
ABOUT US
Meet the BOP Committee
Stephen Hagan
Stephen is our Treasurer, managing our finances to ensure BOP remains cost-efficient, financially
stable and resourced to deliver our annual programme of shows. Stephen's finance experience means
he can also provide leadership and input across all our Commercial activities
Charity Registration No: 500663
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Rob Baldock
Rob is a regular performer in BOP shows and took one of the lead roles in 2018’s Priscilla Queen of
the Desert production. Rob co-ordinates regular updates and modifications to our website. His
knowledge of the local entertainment scene adds value to our promotional and marketing activity.
Nigel Taylor
Nigel is an award-winning performer with BOP and our Vice-Chairman. He is currently acting as
Interim Chairman until BOP appoint a new Chairman to succeed John Chesters. Nigel’s extensive
experience means he can offer valuable input across all our activities.
Marian Chesters
Marian is a BOP stalwart with many years’ involvement as a member, committee member and
performer in many of our productions. Marian is BOP’s Secretary managing our Committee Meetings
and liaising with our key suppliers and partners.
Karen Gray-Thornton
Karen is another long-term BOP member and performer. She manages BOP’s Publicity and Media
activities, is involved in many of our other marketing activities, and is responsible for the design and
production of the souvenir programme for our annual Grand Theatre show.
John Chesters
John is a long-term member of BOP in both performing and committee roles. John operated in the
role of Chairman of BOP for 10 years until his retirement from the role in 2017. He remains on the
committee managing our Sponsorship Programme and applying his experience to many other areas.
Danny Hickes
Danny is our Front of House Manager leading a hard-working team ensuring that all aspects of BOP’s
Grand Theatre presentation is professional quality. Danny also has a very important role as co-
ordinator of a programme of social activities for BOP members throughout the year.
Gillian Lee
Gillian performs a key role as Production Co-ordinator supporting the Production Team, liaising
across the BOP company for the show, and managing resources to ensure that the annual
production cycle, from auditions to performance, runs smoothly and on schedule.
Chris Thornton
Chris joined the committee in 2017. Invited originally to develop an enhanced Marketing
Strategy for BOP covering traditional and digital channels, he now leads a BOP team implementing
that strategy. Chris also inputs to Commercial and Legal aspects of BOP’s operations.
Nigel Taylor
Pam Youles
Doreen Harbron
Sheila Harris
Sheila Beverley