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             About Blackpool Operatic Players

Our President - John Chesters

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John is a long-term member of BOP in both performing and committee roles. John operated in the role of Chairman of BOP for 10 years until his retirement from the role in 2017. He remains on the 

committee managing our Sponsorship Programme and applying his experience to many other areas.

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At our AGM in October 2019 John was appointed our President in recognition of his long sevice, dedication, and ongoing contribution to the Society.
 

Chairman - Danny Hicks

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At our October 2025 AGM Danny was elected to the post of Chairman succeeding Jane Seddon. Danny was previously our Front of House Manager leading a hard-working team ensuring that all aspects of BOP’s Grand Theatre presentation was professional quality. He also recently stepped up to be Vice-Chairman in support of Jane before taking up the key leadership position in October.

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Secretary - Marian Chesters

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Marian is a BOP stalwart with many years’ involvement as a member, committee member and performer in many of our productions. Marian is BOP’s Secretary managing our Committee Meetings and liaising with our key suppliers and partners.

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Press, Publicity and Programme Co-ordinator - Karen Gray-Thornton

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Karen is another long-term BOP member and performer. She manages BOP’s Publicity and Media activities, is involved in many of our other marketing activities, and is responsible for the design and production of the souvenir programme for our annual Grand Theatre show.

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Subscriptions Secretary - Sheila Harris

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Sheila is our Subscriptions Secretary but also contributes in a number of other areas including assisting Gillian in the Production area and operating as a member of of the Social sub-committee.

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Charity Commission Lead  - Jane Seddon

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Jane stepped down at our October 2025 AGM from her post as Chairman but remains a valued member of the BOP Committee taking on a number of roles including as our primary point of engagement with the Charity Commission. Jane has had two periods of service on the BOP Committee and has a long association with the society. 

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Production Co-ordinator - Gillian Lee

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Gillian performs a key role as Production Co-ordinator supporting the Production Team, liaising across the BOP company for the show, and managing resources to ensure that the annual production cycle, from auditions to performance, runs smoothly and on schedule.​

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Marketing Manager - Chris Thornton

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Chris joined the committee in 2017. Invited originally to develop an enhanced Marketing Strategy for BOP covering traditional and digital channels, he now leads a BOP team implementing that strategy, manages BOP's social media channels (with Nigel) and maintains the website. Chris additionally inputs to Commercial and Legal aspects of BOP’s operations.

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Marketing Team Member - Nigel Taylor

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Nigel is a long-term member of BOP and has been a regular performer as well as dedicating time to participate in committee activities up to and including a period as Chairman of the society. Nigel currently continues to contribute to our shows as a performer as well as being a significant contributor to our marketing and promotion efforts. He is also preparing to produce our 2026 "Mad About Musicals" summer revue show which will be staged in September.

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Finance Team Member and Programme Development - Toni Forshaw

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Toni is the newest member of the committee although she has been a member of the society and a regular performer in our shows for some years. Toni is a member of  our 3-person finance sub-committee but also finds time to support Karen Gray-Thornton in the development of our main show brochure.

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