Wednesday 28 September 2011

40th Anniversary Souvenir Programme


As this is a special anniversary for PBGS we have a special treat - our 40th Anniversary Souvenir Programme, which will take the form of an A5 booklet packed with information and photos covering the history of the Society and its achievements since its beginning in 1971. If you are unable to come to a performance of the show at the Queen Mother Theatre next week, and would still like a copy of the anniversary programme to keep, then let us know by ringing 07946 264886. There are also details of other ways to contact us here.
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Wednesday 21 September 2011

40 Years of PBGS Celebrated with Sketch Show

© Teresa Newham

We are fast approaching our last performances of the G&S Sketch Show for the year - on the 6th October we will be taking the show to the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin for a three day run. Not only will there be some fantastic G&S singing, but a light supper will be served in a cabaret setting. Tickets can be booked direct from the Theatre on 01462 455166 (lunchtimes and evenings only), or through the company on 07946 264886. You can also book online. You will find full details on our Next Show Page. This is 'Reduced Shakespeare Company' meets Gilbert and Sullivan, and is a fun, fast paced evening with plenty of humour. Our Buxton audience loved it!

The performances in Hitchin mark the last part of our 40th Anniversary Year Celebrations. The Society was founded in 1971 by Peter Jenkyns and June Pickard and has gone from strength to strength, adding non G&S shows into the Gilbert and Sullivan mix and taking in several theatre homes along the way. All amateur societies have been facing difficult times over the last few years - with financial challenges and changing audiences - and looking back over our long list of productions, we have a lot to celebrate at PBGS.

Our founder and first MD Peter Jenkyns
©Luton News

Over the years we have also seen many changes in our membership, different MDs, Producers, Chairmen and Committees. But the priority of quality musicianship and - well - fun, has never changed. There have also been members who have stayed with the Society over long periods, giving us continuity and a sense of where the Society began. As Gilbert wrote for The Yeomen of the Guard we still 'have a song to sing-o':

PBGS Yeomen of the Guard 1981

PBGS Yeomen of the Guard 1989

PBGS Yeomen of the Guard 1996
 
PBGS Yeomen of the Guard 2005

PBGS Yeomen of the Guard 2010


You will find our full Society history here.

- SW
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Wednesday 14 September 2011

Ruddigore in Peterborough

Peterborough Gilbert and Sullivan players are presenting Ruddigore this week at the Key Theatre, Peterborough, with several faces familiar to us at PBGS. From the Vivacity Website (where you can also book your tickets online!):
There are some very strange happenings in the pretty Cornish fishing village of Rederring! A bad baronet (well 2 actually) carrying out horrendous crimes every day. A mad girl crazed out of her mind by unrequited love. A corps of bridesmaids desperate to officiate at a wedding – anyone’s wedding. And up in Ruddigore Castle more ghosts than you would ever want to meet. Throw in a witches curse, a sailor from a ferry who thinks he’s in Nelson’s navy, the most frustratingly timid young lovers since Hugo Horton and Alice Springs, a manservant they’d never employ in Downton Abbey, the dastardly kidnapping of a defenceless old woman and you have it.

Peterborough G&S Players next production is sure to be a hit!
Ruddigore is on from 14th - 17th September. Theatre Map here.
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Tuesday 13 September 2011

A Touch of Poetry

 
Just a reminder that this Thursday 15th Sept at 1.15pm is the free National Portrait Gallery talk W.S.Gilbert: A Touch of Poetry:
'W.S. Gilbert, the librettist of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, was a man of contradictions, a hard-headed businessman who invented whimsical fantasy worlds. Andrew Crowther discusses the continuing appeal of his work.'
More details of the event here.

Monday 5 September 2011

Thanks to Richard D for sending this Youtube link. It appears that even Family Guy can't resist Gilbert and Sullivan! All together now....

Through the Trees

Thursday 1 September 2011

Trial by Jury and Dido and Aeneas in Bedford

Richard D has been to the New Bedford Youth Opera's Dido and Aeneas and Trial by Jury:
I really recommend the double bill...

It was flawlessly presented, with a six piece string and harpsichord band. The singing was rich and sweet and the settings imaginative. Gordon played the defendant in his usual inimitable way, but then became a serious, powerful Aeneas. The sorcerer was terrifying and Belinda wept real tears during the lament.


It was superb evening.
It's not to late to catch the last performances - full details here on The Place Website.