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The Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Manchester We are not a performing society, but exist to help anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, and the lives of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. The aims of the society are to encourage people of all ages to enjoy and develop their knowledge of the world of Gilbert and Sullivan, and to help maintain the integrity of the operas. Join us on Facebook About Our history & commitment Future Events See what's happening Join Us Support us “To get from ‘p rotoplasmal primordial atomic globule’ (as Gilbert and Sullivan put it) to sentient upright modern human has required you to mutate new traits over and over in a precisely timely manner for an exceedingly long while." Bill Bryson – A Short History of Nearly Everything (2003)

Past Events 2024–2025 Programme 2023–2024 Programme 2022–2023 Programme 2022 Convention 2021–2022 Programme 2020–2021 Programme 2019–2020 Programme 2018–2019 Programme 2017–2018 Programme 2017 Convention 2016–2017 Programme 2015–2016 Programme 2014–2015 Programme 2013–2014 Programme 2012–2013 Programme 2011–2012 Programme 2010–2011 Programme 2009–2010 Programme

Patience Click on a photograph to enlarge it. Click here to return to Gallery index

Gallery The images in this gallery are low definition files. High definition files are available on request to treasurer@manchestergands.org.uk , and can be reproduced provided that they are credited with "Manchester Gilbert & Sullivan Archives". ​ Click on the appropriate button to see the photo gallery. ​ Iolanthe The Mikado HMS Pinafore Patience The Pirates of Penzance Ages Ago Haddon Hall Rutland Barrington Princess Ida Ruddigore The Sorcerer The Yeomen of the Guard Miscellaneous

Programme for the 2012–13 (81st) Season Sunday 14th Octo ber 2012 at 2.30 p m “Rend with songs the air above” Celebrity concert by a great performer of Gilbert & Sullivan: Frances McCafferty (contralto) accompanied at the piano by David Wheeler. [Professional engagements permitting.] Admi ssion: members £5, visitors £7 T he Sheila Taylor meeting. ​ Tuesday 6th November 2012 at 7.15 pm “O man of learning!” Robin Wilson will present an illustrated talk ‘The other side of Sullivan’ about his non-G&S musical activities. The Norman Beckett meeting. ​ Tuesday 4th December 2012 at 7.15 pm “A ‘corps de ballet’ AND ‘A Theatrical crew’!” We will view a DVD of the ballet Pineapple Poll , music from the operas brilliantly arranged by the late Sir Charles Mackerras. In the second half, the committee will perform the Gilbert play, Creatures of Impulse . ​ Tuesday 8th January 2013 at 7.15 pm “What man for any other joy can thirst?” An evening of Gilbertian and Sullivanesque quizzes and games with our traditional excellent bring and share refreshments. ​ Tuesday 5th February 2013 at 7.15 pm “With choral joy delight the breeze” Concert by members of Sale Gilbert and Sullivan Society. ​ Sunday 3rd March 2013 at 2.30 pm “They sing so nicely” Concert postponed from last season by Bridget Budge (contralto) and John Patchett (bass/baritone), accompanied by Jonathan Elli s. [Professional engagements permitting.] Admission: members £5, visitors £7 The Harold Sumner meeting. ​ Tuesday 9 th April 2013 at 7.15 pm “On each of us thy learning shed” Martin Yates, musician and Chairman of the Sullivan Society, will fascinate us with a talk, illustrated at the piano, on the music of Princess Ida and The Yeomen of the Guard . ​ Tuesday 7th May 2013 at 7.15 pm “Now what is this and what is that?” Annual General Meeting plus entertainment. Review

About Us The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Manchester , which was founded in 1932, provides an interesting and entertaining programme of events, once a month between October and May. Some of the meetings are held at the Cross Street Chapel , Cross Street, Manchester, usually on Sundays, and other meetings are held via Zoom, usually on Tuesdays. Many members of the society have close links with other related societies, including performing societies, and some members have professional links in the G&S world. The society aims to stimulate interest and develop knowledge of the Savoy operas and their authors; it is not a producing society, but enjoys friendly relations with local amateur societies. Our membership is made up of passionate individuals who share a love for these timeless operas. We invite you to join us in celebrating the music, characters and stories that have delighted audiences for over a century. The society is affiliated to The Gilbert and Sullivan Society which meets in London. It was founded in 1924 and was the first of some twenty affiliated societies formed throughout the world. The annual subscription to The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Manchester is £22, or £11 for anyone under the age of 18 or receiving full-time education. The year starts on 8th April. Admission to most meetings is free of charge. For one or two meetings a year, when professional singers/performers are involved, there is usually an admission charge of £5 for members, and £7 for visitors. We have a committee of approximately eight members who plan the monthly programmes and make other decisions about the Society.

Upcoming Events Please note that some meetings will be live on Sunday afternoons at 2.30 pm in Cross Street Chapel , Cross Street, Manchester, M2 1NL, and others will be on Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm The programme for 2024/2025 will appear here in mid September 2024.

Upcoming Events Please note that some meetings will be live on Sunday afternoons at 2.30 pm in Cross Street Chapel , Cross Street, Manchester, M2 1NL, and others will be on Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm. Please note, however, that the last meeting of the season — the Annual General Meeting — will be at 7.30 pm in Cross Street Chapel. Sunday 3rd November 2024 at 2.30 pm A concert by Sophie Clarke, mezzo-soprano, and James Connolly, baritone, both postgraduate students at the RNCM. Sophie won the award offered by the The G&S Society. Accompanied on the piano by David Wheeler. Tuesday 3rd December 2024 at 7.30 pm on Zoom James Hurley, revival director of Opera North's Ruddigore , will enlighten us on this production. Tuesday 14th January 2025 at 7.30 pm on Zoom Our Vice-President Martin Lamb will intrigue us with an illustrated talk on ‘Gilbert & Sullivan and the supernatural in Victorian Art’. Tuesday 11th February 2025 at 7.30 pm on Zoom John Broad and Rosalind Griffiths share stories of their performing careers from their time in the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and beyond. Sunday 23rd February 2025 at 2.30 pm Our friends from Sale G & S Society will perform Trial by Jury in celebration of its 150th anniversary, and David Walton will share some thoughts about this gem of an opera . Sunday 30th March 2025 at 2.30 pm What are our top three G&S operas? John Coates will encourage us to share our favourites in the G&S canon. Tuesday 13th May 2025 at 7.30 pm in Cross Street Chapel Annual General Meeting. ​ ​

Programme for the 2015–16 (84th) Season Tuesday 6th Octo ber 2015 at 7.30 pm “Do you hear that? Are you not delighted?” Arthur Barrett of Norwich G&S Society will entertain us with unusual or rare recordings from his large collection. ​ Tuesday 3rd November 2015 at 7.30 pm “When I was a lad I served a term...” Mike Leigh, well-known film and theatre Director and writer, local lad and former member of this Society as a youth, will talk about his view of Gilbert and Sullivan. [P rofessional engagements permitting.] Prior booking essential: £7 for visitors The Harold Sumner meeting. ​ Tuesday 1st December 2015 at 7.30 pm “everything is interesting, tell us, tell us all about it” James Hendry, a very talented young pianist, accompanist and conductor from the TNCM will talk about promoting G&S and will entertain us on the pian o. [Professional engagements permitting.] The Norman Beckett meeting . ​ T uesday 12th January 2016 at 7.30 pm “Lift your song on high, all comers.” Some members of Sale Gilbert and Sullivan Society will entertain us right royally as they have done before. Always an enjoyable evening. ​ Sunday 31st January 2016 at 2.30 pm “On each of us thy learning shed.” A talk, illustrated at the piano, by tenor and singing teacher, Oliver White. We have enjoyed his many performances at Buxton/Harrogate G&S Festivals and his talk to the 2012 Convention. [Professional engagements permitting.] Admission: members £5, visitors £7 The Sheila Taylor meeting. ​ Tuesday 1st March 2016 at 7.30 pm “born in leap year...” A Frederic's birthday party; amusing ourselves and enjoying bring and share refreshments. ​ Sunday 3rd April 2016 at 2.30 pm “Everything is a source of fun.” Concert by soprano Ruth Betteridge who trained at the RNCM and has performed in the professional G&S Festival company. [Professional engagements permitting.] Admission: members £5, visitors £7 ​ Tuesday 3rd May 2016 at 7.30 pm “What ought we to do?” Annual General Meeting plus entertainment. Review

Programme for the 2023–24 (92nd) Season Sunday 1st Octo ber 2023 at 2.30 pm "A Crichton of early romance" A concert by Peter Crichton and some fri ends of his from Crosby G&S Society. T he Sheila Taylor meeting. ​ Sunday 5t h November 2023 at 2.30 pm "I tune my supple song" A concert by Bruce Graham, bass-baritone, of D‘Oyly Carte and G&S International Festivals. His wife Caroline may contribute a song or two. With David Wheeler at the piano. The Harold Sumner meeting. Admission: members £5, visitors £7 ​ ​ Tuesday 5th December 2023 on Zoom at 7.30 pm "Though my book I seem to scan in a rapt ecstatic way" Talk/pr esentation by Elisabeth Kehoe on her biography of Helen D‘Oyly Carte, formerly Helen Lenoir: “Queen of the Savoy”. The Nor man Beckett meeting. ​ Tuesday 9th January 2024 on Zoom at 7.30 pm “All is prepared” Ken Robertson-Scott, formerly Stage Manager with D‘Oyly Carte Opera Company, will tell us much about his work backstage. ​ Tuesday 6th February 2024 on Zoom at 7.30 pm “List and learn” Laurence Leng of Sussex G&S Society shares treasures from John Cannon‘s and Melvyn Tarran‘s memorabilia collections. ​ Sunday 3rd March 2024 at 2.30 pm “On each of us thy learning shed” Paul Taylor will inform and amuse us with one of his studies of an opera, Patience this time. These have become regular favourite meetings. ​ Sunday 7th April 2024 at 2.30 pm "there is not one word... which is calculated to bring the blush of shame to the cheek of modesty" “Gilbert & Sullivan and delicate sexu al matters.” A presentation by Professor Derek B Scott with musical illustrations. ​ Tuesday 14th May 2024 on Zoom at 7.30 pm "And now, my Lords, to the business of the day" Annual General Meeting plus social chat. ​ Tuesday 25th June 2024 on Zoom at 7.30 pm "Though my book I seem to scan in a rapt ecstatic way" Talk/pr esentation by Elisabeth Kehoe on her biography of Helen D‘Oyly Carte, formerly Helen Lenoir: “Queen of the Savoy”. ​ ​ The Nor man Beckett meeting. Photos Photos POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS OF A FAMILY MEMBER. ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY SOCIETY MEMBERS THIS MEETING WAS POSTPONED FROM TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2023

Useful Links British Newspaper Archive – has a good search function and contains lots of information about G&S, the operas, performers, etc. Christopher Browne's Gilbert and Sullivan Online Catalogue – the website for Gilbert and Sullivan music and memorabilia. Many different items are for sale, including books, libretti, sheet music, postcards, posters and recordings. ​ The Gilbert and Sullivan Archive – was established in September 1993. It includes a variety of G&S related items, including clip art, librettos, plot summaries, pictures of the original G&S stars, song scores, midi and mpeg audio files, and newsletter articles. New items are added regularly. ​ Gilbert and Sullivan Discography – Marc Shepherd's excellent discography includes details of recordings of G&S, including 78s, vinyl records, CDs and videos. ​ ​ Gilbert and Sullivan Festivals – the home site for the International G&S Festival. ​ ​ The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Sussex – the website contains The D'Oyly Carte Interviews where some former D'Oyly Carte members talk about their time with the Company. ​ ​ Grim's Dyke Hotel – the website for Grim's Dyke Hotel, former home of W.S. Gilbert. ​ gsopera.tv – a streaming service which features the very best of The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company and many other leading professional and amateur companies from around the world. ​ Savoynet – an unmoderated electronic mailing list dedicated to discussion of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, the operas they wrote, British culture and musical theatre of their time, and related matters. ​ Sir Arthur Sullivan Society – the website for the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society. ​ The W.S. Gilbert Society – the website for The W.S. Gilbert Society.

Ages Ago Click on a photograph to enlarge it. Click here to return to Gallery index