Wednesday, November 6

Tag: Gilbert and Sullivan

The Pirates of Penzance – Daneside Theatre
North West

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
South East

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...