Incredible 20,000 views for Harrogate theatrical group's video

A Harrogate art group's promo video for their next show has become a social media hit, winning an incredible 20,000 views.
Film stars - Part of the cast of HOPs' video take a break from the film shoot at the Royal Hall.Film stars - Part of the cast of HOPs' video take a break from the film shoot at the Royal Hall.
Film stars - Part of the cast of HOPs' video take a break from the film shoot at the Royal Hall.

Harrogate Operatic Players' stylish promotional film for their forthcoming production of Irving Berlin's Top Hat was made by two of the group's friends on a small budget - and a lot of help from Harrogate businesses and the venue.It's not the first cinematic trailers HOPS have made for their shows - but each year the team like to raise the bar on their previous production!HOPs marketing manager Melanie Jones said: "‘We really must thank everyone for coming on board with the idea."From the team at the Royal Hall, who really went above and beyond for us, the shops and restaurants and also the press office at the Harrogate Borough Council "‘Yorkshire Air Ambulance is our chosen charity of the year and so Andy and Jo came up with the genius idea of using them in the film too. It was a surprise to many!"The concept of the short film to promote the feel-good romantic musical comedy which celebrates 1930s song, style and romance, sees the HOPs cast in Harrogate in their ‘civvy clothes’ in cafes, restaurants and even in the Welcome to Harrogate sign by Bettys to really capture the flavour of Harrogate.The end result can be seen on YouTube where sheer professionalism and invention has won thouands of fans.Andy and Jo have plenty of experience, not just of working with HOPs but of working as first and second assistant directors in top productions in TV and film for many years. Their CVs include Emmerdale, Heartbeat and The Royal and then focusing in most recent years on BBC comedy shows like Miranda, Harry and Paul, Absolutely Fabulous, Still Open All Hours and also children’s TV shows on CBeebies and CBBC like Gigglebiz, Old Jack’s Boat and 4 O’clock Club.Jo said: 'It was an absolute pleasure to work with Harrogate Operatic Players again."As director and producer, Andy and I were keen to portray the local aspect within the trailer’s concept and to show Harrogate Operatic Players returning to the Royal Hall. "We were also extremely fortunate to secure the involvement of Yorkshire Air Ambulance in order to give it a truly unique element."Harrogate Operatic Players present Top Hat at the Royal Hall, Harrogate from June 26-30, 2018.

HOPs Top Hat video film credits

Starring:Stuart Hutchinson as JerryJennie Hirst as DaleNatalie Page as MadgeGavin Mills as HoraceClive Kirkham as BatesDaniel Stanford – BeddiniMel James as the FloristAngela Mayes as the assistant Florist

Production team

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Matthew Kitchen as the photographer (of Matthew Kitchen Photography who took all our amazing shots!)Joanne Harrison and Andy Stenning – Directors and creativesGary Lawson of Gary Lawson Photography – Cameraman and EditorStuart Hutchinson – GraphicsMarketing – Mel James