A long, long time ago, a group of enthusiasts started a society known then as Chinnor Amateur Operatic Society. Over the years, we changed our name a few times — first to Chinnor Operatic Society, then to Chinnor Musical Theatre, and finally to Chiltern Musical Theatre.

We always tried to provide a variety of shows that our members and audiences could enjoy, across many genres but always within the framework of Musical Theatre. In later years, we ventured further afield and performed in places like Bledlow Ridge, Cuddington, and Watlington, and we were excited to take our work to the wider Chilterns. Our last shows were staged to be staged at the lovely Thame Players Theatre, in the beautiful Oxfordshire market town of Thame.

For many years, we rehearsed on Tuesday evenings in Chinnor Village Hall, and latterly at Bledlow Village Hall. After lockdown, it was a tough road to recovery, but we started small with Singalong Nights — learning songs, dances, and acting techniques together — before building up to our first full production again: a home-grown show called Christmas with the Starrs! Our audiences were wonderfully supportive, and we were proud of what we achieved.

But as time went on, it became harder and harder to find enough performers and committee members. Modern life is busy, and although our committee worked tirelessly, the burden fell on just a few people, making it difficult to keep going. While we remained passionate and full of ideas, the challenges of dwindling audiences, high costs, and casting difficulties meant that our plans for the future became increasingly out of reach.

For us, theatre was always about bringing people together — whether on stage, backstage, or in the audience. Every person had something unique to offer, and whether you were singing, acting, helping with lights, selling raffle tickets, or simply cheering us on, you were part of what made the society so special.

Sadly, with so many challenges mounting, we had to make the difficult decision to close the society. It wasn’t a choice we made lightly, but we knew it was time to take our final bow. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us over the years, and we will always look back with pride on the shows we created, the friendships we made, and the joy we shared.

So now, the curtain has come down — not with a standing ovation, but with our heartfelt thanks to all of you who joined us on this journey.