Gilbert and Sullivan Archives - North West End UK

15Nov

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Opera North: Ruddigore – Lowry

Jo Davies’ 2010 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s fast-paced comic opera is dusted down for a well-deserved airing by Revival Director James Hurley, with the action reset in the 1920’s and the era of silent movies proving the perfect setting for moustachioed villains and cloak-swirling, whilst not missing out on some updated lines to have a dig at prime ministers old and new: now, whose name might rhyme with lettuce… Rose Maybud (Amy Freston) is an innocent village girl who lives her life by a book of etiquette which only serves to hinder any burgeoning relationship with tongue-tied suitor Robin Oakapple (Dominic Sedgwick), much to the disappointment of the village’s professional bridesmaids (Chorus of Opera North led by Gillene Butterfield). Robin ropes in his foster brother,...

The Pirates of Penzance – Daneside Theatre

‘The Pirates of Penzance’ is undoubtedly one of the most popular of all the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoires, and this week, The Daneside Theatre welcomes the Pirates to Congleton, possibly sailing via the River Dane? Performed by Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre (CAYT) this is Essgees rather unique Australian version of the show. First performed in 1994 and having gone global this was certainly a brighter, livelier version from the offset. The story is so well known by many but if you have never seen it, it relays the story of the very innocent Frederick (Alex Wilson) who is taught his Pirate apprentice skills by The Pirate King (William Vickers). It tells the tale of his time with the Pirates and Ruth (Ellie Shirley) and falling in love with Mabel (Lucy Picken). CYAT are a varied bu...

Gilbert and Sullivan’s Improbable new musical:…. and Helen – Brighton Fringe

‘Gilbert and Sullivan’s Improbable new musical:…. and Helen’, was performed as part of 2021’s Brighton Fringe. Performed by the Coily Dart Theatre Company, written by Susan Ellerby and co-directed by both Ellerby and Norman Hockley, this was presented as an audio- show. The story centres on Helen Carte (Catherine Tuckey) and her role that is largely undocumented within the Gilbert and Sullivan Company. With references to several Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, it relays the story of Helens life with the company (with assistance from the internet and equally the imagination) and begins from the time she left school in 1867. Rather unusually for a woman in the Victorian period she was well educated and appeared to be the backbone of the Gilbert and Sullivan success. It is an extremely enj...