About the Hayling Island Musical Society

The Hayling Musical Society was founded in 1959, originally called Hayling Island Operatic Society.

We currently have 2 sections in our society. Hayling Musical Society is the adult section and Hayling Youngstars is the children’s section for 10-17 year olds. Our performances and rehearsals take place at Hayling Island Community Centre.

For more information on any of our groups, please contact
hello@haylingmusicalsociety.co.uk

New Members

We are always looking for new members

Actors
Singers
Dancers
Backstage
Lighting

Sound
Musicians
Stage Management
Front of House
Costumes

Join today

What’s On

Little Women: The Broadway Muscial 15 – 18 July 2026

TMatt and Emily are delighted to present Little Women: The Broadway Musical, a heartfelt and inspiring adaptation of the beloved classic. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved novel, this timeless story has captivated audiences for generations with its warmth, humour, and enduring themes of family, ambition, and love. This musical adaptation brings the story vividly to life with a rich and expressive score, offering moments of both soaring emotion and gentle intimacy. It captures the spirit of the original novel while giving fresh voice to its characters and their dreams. As an award-winning society known for its high-quality productions, we are so proud to bring this cherished story to the stage. With a talented cast and creative team, the society continues its tradition of engaging, community-focused theatre that delights audiences of all ages

Tickets available soon! Follow our Facebook page for the latest news

The History of the Hayling Musical Society

The Kings Theatre, Southsea

Hayling Island Operatic Society affectionately known as HIOPS was founded in 1959 and performed musical theatre productions on Hayling and occasionally at The Kings Theatre, Southsea.

The Hayling School

The URC Hall was a popular venue for both rehearsals and some great performances of musicals and panto together with The Hayling School (as it was then) stage.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

HIOPS decided to perform Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat encouraging many younger members to join and to that end a junior section was created – Hayling Island Junior Operatic Society (HIJOS).

Pirates of Penzance, Annie, Bugsy Malone

The group were a very talented mix of girls and boys and it was a pleasure to see them grow in confidence performing great shows such as Pirates of Penzance, Annie, Bugsy Malone and even taking a song and dance style show on tour to Wales and Gorron!

Natural close

The group drew to a natural close when the members either left for Uni or careers (some in musical theatre!) and of course some stayed on moving up to HIOPS.

Hayling Musical Society (HMS)

After much deliberation HIOPS changed its name to Hayling Musical Society (HMS) for two main reasons. Firstly many people believed we only performed Opera and secondly people confused us with the similarly named Drama Group HIADS.

As nomads

HMS continued (as nomads) performing great shows to appreciative audiences and once again a younger element was emerging.

Hayling Youngstars

The Hayling Youngstars were formed and have been wowing audiences with quality shows such as Wizard of Oz, High School Musical and many more including the wonderful Les Miserables ( school edition) in 2017.

Amalgamated

The juniors have amalgamated with the adults in shows such as Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, JCS and Fiddler on the Roof.

The Hayling Littlestars

With the success of The Youngstars more young people were wishing to join and at the end of 2017 we are proud to have formed The Hayling Littlestars taking young people aged 5-9.

All 3 society groups

In February 2020 we are proud to have the first show with all 3 society groups represented, Littlestars, Youngstars and the adults.

The Community Centre, Hayling Island.

Over the last number of years both HMS and Youngstars have been performing their shows at The Community Centre, Hayling Island. Now in a position to also rehearse at the Centre making it our first ever real home.

Mr Wayne Sleep OBE

In 2017 we were privileged to have the company of Mr Wayne Sleep OBE at a Youngstars Production. In his true, kind, open style he enjoyed his time with us and when we approached him to become our next President he freely accepted.

lasted 60 years

We are proud to have lasted 60 years and now we have a home in The Community Centre, a supportive President in Wayne Sleep, a hard working a committed adult group, an incredible group of Youngstars and our up and coming stars of the future The Little Stars. HMS – Hayling Musical Society (originally HIOPS) founded in 1959 – Proud to be going strong today.

The President position

The President position moved on to stalwart members for the next number of years.

Our Previous Shows

Testimonials from our audience

“We loved Les Mis, you were so slick and professional. A performance worthy of the West End! Congratulations to you all.”

Beverley Simpson

“Myself and a friend went to see this tonight! AWESOME! What a fabulous variety of musicals old and new… The cast are exceptional upcoming talents, fronted by a live mini orchestra, live singing, fully choreographed jukebox variety style musical! We really enjoyed ourselves… well worth a watch!!!! Well done to all involved.”

Matthew Rose

“What a fantastic performance, well done to everyone. The lighting and sound was spot on, orchestra not too loud to drown out the voices. Tony at his best as usual, Iona played a sterling part along with the daughters. A most enjoyable evening not to be missed. If you don’t have a ticket get one now before it is too late, we are so lucky on the Island to have such talent.”

Kath Brett

“Well, last night I was blown away by the performance of ‘ Fiddler on the Roof’! It was amazing!!! Fabulous singing and acting, it also had me crying with laughter! ? Well done to all of you who have obviously worked very hard to put this together!”

Chris McKenzie

“Amazing cast and show. Comparative to the West End version. Well done everyone, cast, crew and backstage.”

Kara Saunders

“Brilliant show and the cast were fantastic. Well done to everyone for all their hard work. Can’t wait til the next show”

Ann Bentley

“Saw the show last night, well done to everyone involved. Jessica, you nailed it.”

Babs Diplock

“A wonderful show as for the cast absolutely amazing. Congratulations and thank you to you all.”

Archer Browne

“Just back from Hayling Musical Society production of Jesus Christ Superstar. WOW – amazing show, fantastic production & stunning lighting & being set in round was the perfect way to do it. Congratulations to everyone involved but especially Sean Ridley for his role as Jesus – outstanding – best thing I’ve seen for long time.”

Kathy Newman

“Fiddler On The Roof: Excellent show, well done to all the cast….Great voices, funny, moving and overall a well performed show.”

Nikki Simpkin