The Music Hall has existed for the past 52 years.

It was felt, by the founder and ex-president, Mr Eric Wain, that the origins of the society might be of interest to future Presidents and newer members.

This potted history gives an outline of the formation of the Society.

It is fitting, at this point, to pay tribute to all the members who over the years have contributed their talents to make the Society professional, enjoyable and so successful.

In 1970 the St Neots Round Table asked Eric Wain to put on a show, in order to raise funds for their respective charities. With the co-operation of family and light operatic friends, an evening of Old Time Music Hall was produced at Buckden Towers, Buckden. The same show was also put on in 1971 at the St Neots Youth Centre, for the Rotary Club of St Neots, in aid of their charities.

Following the success of these shows, it was decided to form a Music Hall Society with the expressed object of producing an Annual Show. An inaugural meeting was convened and the Society was formed with Eric Wain being elected as Chairman. Mr Roy Hudd was approached and agreed to be the Society’s first President.

Along with the other performances, the 1972 production was the first from the Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon, which was the permanent home of the Society until 2016.

It was attended by Mr Edward Taylor, on behalf of Roy Hudd, who was otherwise engaged.

In 1976 Edward Taylor was invited to become the second President and duly accepted. Edward resigned in 1981 due to health reasons, after attending every show from 1971 to 1981.

In 1977 following retirement from business, Eric Wain resigned as Chairman, Reg Highet then being elected to the post. On the resignation of Edward Taylor in 1981, Eric Wain was invited to be the new President and duly accepted. Eric Wain remained as President until 1984 when he was forced to resign for health reasons. In 1985 the Society invited Ruth Madoc to be the President, and were delighted when she accepted. She attended eight performances, whilst President, as and when her work commitments allowed.

Everyone was saddened at the loss of our Founder, Eric Wain in 1996. The Society purchased a candelabra in his memory, and it resides on the 'Chairman’s Box’ at the shows.

Over the 52 years the show has been produced by only ten producers, and there have been many casts, but more importantly, the audiences have totalled over 22,000 people, who have enjoyed Music Hall. Many still attend our shows.

The Commemoration Hall in Huntingdon is being refurbished, so the new show for 2017, was held in a new venue -  Papworth Village Hall.

Good Old Music Hall!