GREAT Horton Theatre Company opened its recent Christmas concert with the Elton John classic I’m Still Standing. And so are the Great Horton Singers, after 120 years!

Formed in 1904 from a male glee union by opening the doors to include women, Great Horton Theatre Company (formerly Great Horton Amateur Operatic Society) celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2024.

Since its inception Great Horton has performed at numerous venues around the city, including Southgate Hall and the Princes Theatre, with a large repertoire of musical theatre numbers, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan operettas to major West End and Broadway style productions.

Over the years, the community choir has performed more than 100 productions, only missing out during the First and Second World Wars.

In 1961 the society began a run of major productions at Bradford's Alhambra theatre, ending in 2007 after a run of The Boyfriend.

When the cost of producing shows at the Alhambra proved too prohibitive the theatre company moved to Cleckheaton Town Hall for five years before returning to Bradford and creating a community choir, the Great Horton Singers, in 2012.

Rehearsing and performing at its base at St Winefride’s Church Hall in Wibsey, the choir produces shows twice a year - in the early summer and prior to Christmas. A registered charity, it raises funds at each performance to support other local charities.

Great Horton’s latest show, Colours of Christmas, received much critical and audience acclaim.

The Great Horton Singers will be reprising some of the songs and music from the Company’s long and varied history at shows on June 21 and 22, 2024.

Great Horton Theatre Company’s President, Nora Walker, who has been involved in amateur theatre for more than 66 years, said: “We are still standing after 120 years and look forward to celebrating our birthday in 2024."