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Gilbert & Sullivan
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This weeks feature
A model Major General
Ever since 1871, when Gilbert and Sullivan's long-lost collaboration 'Thespis' proved a big hit at the Gaiety Theatre in London, audiences and performers all over the world have been enjoying the fruits of this often fractious partnership.
Part of the reason is the enduring appeal of Sullivan's music wedded to Gilbert's words. The pair's gentle ribbing of authority and fond dissection of human foibles has proved timeless, and Gilbert and Sullivan productions appeal to - and are easily performed by - people of all ages. |
The beginning... |
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The music is easy to learn and the moves not too demanding. Gilbert and Sullivan societies all over the world stage the 14 'Savoy operas', so named after the theatre where most of them were first staged.
Around July/August companies from home and abroad converge on Buxton in Derbyshire to enjoy the annual Gilbert and Sullivan festival, a three-week long extravaganza that includes performances, talks, workshops and social events. For the societies it not only gives them a chance to meet fellow enthusiasts, but also to 'raod test' forthcoming productions.
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Peterborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society have taken versions of 'Trial By Jury', 'HMS Pinafore' and 'Yeoman of the Guard' to the festival. John Torr, the society's chairman, who has played the Major General in 'Pirates of Penzance', believes the Buxton experience is invaluable.
'With those shows, Buxton was our first public performances,' he says. 'Though they might not have been as good as some of the other productions there, when it came to doing the shows later in the year it was a huge advantage, because we were able to see where the shows could be improved, and the eventual performances were all the better for it.'
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Rehearsing ‘Pirates’
Preparation for 'Pirates' begins with auditions, followed by five weeks of getting together and learning the music. Attention turned to choreographing the various scenes, with the 40-strong chorus - aged from 13 to 65 - meeting once a week. Those in principal roles meet twice a week.
Many members of the chorus are new recruits. One of them, Jenny Such, was inspired to join by her daughter. Jenny, is also a member of Peterborough Choral Society and is, as she puts it, 'no shrinking violet'. But she says G&S is more accessible for people of her age, who might not feel up to the high-energy musicals.
'I think the music is the main appeal,' she adds. 'It's wonderful, and close to the type of music I'm used to singing with the choral society. It's not too demanding and you soon get used to having to sing and do movement at the same time. It's like driving a car, the more you do it the easier it becomes.
'What's also important is that everyone is so friendly. They make you feel very welcome, so it's easy to settle in.'
At the auditions for new recruits, Jenny confesses to having had a touch of nerves. 'I wished I had been able to go in first, because I was quite nervous when my turn came, but the musical director was very kind to me and put me at my ease straight away.'
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Pat O'Connell is the director for 'Pirates' - what does he look for at the audition? 'Musical ability, obviously. People have got to be able to sing, deliver dialogue, characterise, and may need to be able to dance. It's also suitability for the role, putting the right girl with the right boy, especially in lead parts, where they have to carry the show.
'Enthusiasm and commitment are also important. There are a lot of newcomers and they seem to pick it up quickly. What's great is that people get annoyed with themselves for not getting something right first time - that's good, and shows how committed they are. I rarely get anything right first time!' |
Pat O'Connell |
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Away from the stage, the Society holds social events, such as barbecues and parties. In common with other G&S societies, it also encourages enthusiasts with no interest in getting on stage to join in and help out back stage, with programme sales, publicity and administration or - one of the most important roles in any G&S society - providing refreshments at rehearsals and after the show! Though the society rents costumes and sets, some societies start from scratch, and need volunteers to help in these areas, too.
In common with many other companies, Peterborough G&S Society runs a scheme where, in return for a small donation, patrons can enjoy advance booking and invitations to special events. |
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