About us
Where it all began…..
In 1937 a group of people got together to form the basis of the company that is today known as CLOC Musical Theatre Company. Many changes have taken place since that first meeting in 1937, some of them voluntary, some of them forced upon us. The name has changed several times: Perry Standing Light Opera Section of Kingstanding Community Association (KCA), Light Opera Section of Circle Community Association (CCA), Circle Light Opera Company Kingstanding (C.L.O.C.K.). The change to Circle Light Opera Company (C.L.O.C.) came about when we left the community centre where we rehearsed and performed for many years and moved to the Maryvale Centre. We now rehearse at St Marks Church, Bandywood Crescent, Kingstanding. In 2011 it was decided to change the name to CLOC Musical Theatre Company to reflect the fact that the company perform Musicals rather than Opera.
Fundraising & Charity
Fundraising is a very important function of the company and we have lots of fun doing it. We used to make all our own costumes and scenery for our shows and had a storage facility when we rehearsed at Kingstanding Circle. Unfortunately, in 1993 there was a fire and we lost everything in our unit. This means that with no storage all our scenery and costumes are now hired in for each show. This can be very expensive so we rely on fundraising greatly.
We have raised funds for various charities over the years via our shows. Some recent charities include the John Taylor Hospice, The British Heart Foundation and ME association.
Performing & Social
Over the years the company have performed at many venues; Highbury Theatre Centre, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, The Old Rep, and the Crescent Theatre. As well as performing two shows a year and sometimes a concert, we pride ourselves on our social aspect. In the last few years (pre-pandemic) we have had weekends away as a group, our Anniversary Ball and also organised theatre trips to London’s West End. These prove very popular within the company alongside our race nights and bowling nights.
Perhaps it’s because no matter the age range in the company there is always a way of involving young and old alike. For many members CLOC MTC provide fun, friendship and a break from the everyday running of life.