Hopwood Depree and Danny Dearden launch new theatre

Hopwood Depree cutting the ribbon at the opening of the new Hopwood Theatre in front of College staff, students and invited guests

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Hopwood Hall College has unveiled its new theatre at its Middleton Campus with the help of a Hollywood director, Hopwood Depree and an X Factor star, Danny Dearden.

The new £300k facilities include the brand new Hopwood Theatre which seats 110 people and comes complete with a state of the art digital sounding, lighting system and control room. There is also a purpose built dance studio with sprung dance floor, two new workshop rooms and a stage craft room.

To celebrate the launch, the College’s performing arts students put on a performance for guests, including local school pupils and members of the public, called ‘Music through the Years.’ Each of the six shows featured live music and dance numbers themed from the roaring 20s to 90s Brit Pop.

Former Hopwood Hall College student and X Factor contestant Danny Dearden was delighted to visit his old college for the launch and mingle with the students who were keen to get advice from the singer and songwriter.

American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter, Hopwood Depree was also on hand to offer students valuable advice. Hopwood is a descendant of the original Hopwood family and is currently producing a TV show about the old Hopwood Hall restoration, which has been given the working title ‘Keys to the Castle.’ Since learning about his ancestral routes, Hopwood has become a regular visitor to the College. The performing arts students were treated to special question and answer sessions with Hopwood enabling them to quiz him about the industry and find out his hints and tips.

Performing Arts (Dance) Lecturer, Daniella Kelsall said: “We have been overwhelmed with the response we received to the opening of our theatre and our show ‘Music through the Years’. We are now excited to get started on our next performance ‘This is England’ and we are looking forward to collaborating more with our new Hollywood connection Hopwood Depree. There are exciting times ahead.”