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

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

2027 Convention THE GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETIES‘ CONVENTION at Pinewood Hotel, Wilmslow, SK9 3LF Friday 21 to Sunday 23 May 2027 The Manchester Gilbert & Sullivan Society is delighted to invite delegates from The Gilbert and Sullivan Society and their Affiliated Societies and Organisations to the 24th Gilbert and Sullivan Societies’ Convention. We have worked closely with The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and are grateful for their help and generous support. The Convention will take place at the Pinewood Hotel in Wilmslow (pictured below). The hotel has a good number of accessible rooms, a lift, landscaped gardens, on-site free parking, and is approximately 2 miles (6-minute taxi ride) from Wilmslow Railway Station, which is located on the West Coast Main Line. The average journey time from London Euston to Wilmslow by train is 2 hours 19 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour 52 minutes. For further information about the hotel: https://pinewood-hotel.co.uk https://aghotels.co.uk/pinewood-hotel/ what3words location: what3words.com/dust.index.barn The cost for the weekend is £395 (single occupancy), £375 (double occupancy) and £230 (non residential). If you wish to attend for a portion of the weekend, then please ask Derrick Lack at dalack@argonet.co.uk for a quotation. Booking forms are available here: We encourage you to complete and return your booking form as soon as possible to ensure a place and to avoid disappointment. The programme is guaranteed to delight, plus there is the opportunity to meet and mix with fellow enthusiasts. Convention highlights include: Matthew Kellett Gala Concert by G&S Society sponsored students Guest speakers including James Hendry , David Mackie and Jim Stebbings . A celebration of the 150th Anniversary of The Sorcerer , including an illustrated history, concert performance by Sale G&S Society , and Songs of Praise from Ploverleigh Church. ‘Pirate’ recordings of the D‘Oyly Carte Opera Company. A G&S Treasurer Hunt. Click here for a copy of the Booking Form Click here for an Interactive Booking Form Click here to see the full programme Home Page

Yeomen of the Guard Click on a photograph to enlarge it. Click here to return to Gallery index

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

Video/Audio Recordings Sunday 19th April 2026: Celebrity Concert with Phoebe Smith Phoebe studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and performs regularly with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. Accompanied at the piano by David Wheeler

The Pirates of Penzance Click on a photograph to enlarge it. Click here to return to Gallery index

Programme for the 2019–20 (88th) Season Sunday 13th October 2019 at 2.30 pm “Oh the man who can drive a theatrical team” Philip Walsh has been performing, building sets and directing on the Fylde Coast and Preston for over 55 years. He has attended every G&S Festival and taken part in many Savoynet shows. This afternoon he will entertain us with song and an illustrated talk about the variety of tasks he has undertaken. The Sheila Taylo r meeting. Sunday 10th November 2019 at 2.30 pm “in some old cabinet” Treasures from the attic! Raymond Walker, our archivist, assisted by Chris Browne, will talk about and show some of our archives which really should be seen and enjoyed more than they are. The Harold Sumner meeting. Tuesday 3rd December 2019 at 7.15 pm Subject to be arranged. Sunday 5th January 2020 at 2.30 pm “on each of us thy learning shed” Roderick Murray examines the life of D‘Oyly Carte patter man Walter Passmore, low comedian, star of musical comedy and legend of the music halls! Aft er George Grossmith‘s departure, several contenders to the throne of Principal Comedian emerged, but Walter Passmore reigned triumphant at the Savoy through the turbulent period of the 1890s. Presented in words, music and visuals. The Nor man Beckett meeting. Tuesday 4th February 2020 at 7.15 pm “such a past-master of that delicately modulated instrument” Our President David Mackie will reminisce about his days as Assistant MD of D‘Oyly Carte and play some of Sullivan‘s piano music. Admission: members £5, visitors £7. Tuesday 3rd March 2020 at 7.15 pm “a paradox, a paradox, a most ingenious paradox” We celebrate Frederic‘s birthday differently this year as John Coates muses on the Paradoxical, Topsy-Turvy World created by WSG in the operas. Sunday 5th April 2020 at 2.30 pm “his talents he‘ll employ” John Savournin will entertain us in song and talk about his work as performer and director. Admission: members £5, visitors £7. Tuesday 12th May 2020 at 7.15 pm “the gratifying feeling that our duty has been done” Annual General Meeting plus entertainment. CANCELLED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC CANCELLED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Programme for the 2014–15 (83rd) Season Tuesday 7th Octo ber 2014 at 7.30 pm “I tune my supple song” Concert by Alexandra Saunders (soprano), accompanied at the piano by Andrew Nicklin, "a past-master of that delicately moedulated instrument". Many of us have enjoyed Alexandra‘s lovely voice and fine acting, and Andrew‘s accompanying at Buxton. [Professional engagements permitting.] Admission: members £5, visitors £7. The Sheila Taylor meeting. Sunday 2nd November 2014 at 2.30 pm “that gallant band” Concert by the White Rose Or chestra, conducted by Chris Browne. The Harold Sumner meeting. Tuesday 2nd December 2014 at 7.30 pm “many a song and story” Raymond Walker will present half an evening on the new recording of Sullivan‘s On Shore and Sea . Second half of evening: a Soirée by members. The Norman Beckett meeting. Tuesday 6th January 2015 at 7.30 pm “On each of us thy learning shed” Ruddig ore – Paul Taylor will present another of his studies of an opera, illustrated in “many various ways”. Tuesday 3rd February 2015 at 7.30 pm “your character true unfurl” Andrew Crowther, Secretary of the Gilbert Society and biographer of Gilbert, is an acknowledged expert on the subject and will lead us closer to Gilbert the man. Click the icon to see the slides from Andrew Crowther’s talk on W.S. Gilbert: February or March 2015 “everything is a source of fun” A society visit to Manchester University Gilbert and Sullivan Society‘s performance of Patience, probably on Saturday matinée February 21st at Manchester Grammar School – check nearer the time. Sunday 12th April 2015 at 2.30 pm “The happy hours will gaily fly!” We are lucky to have been able to secure a concert from Donald with his busy schedule. He will entertain us in his usual way with song and humour. [ Professional engagements permitting.] Admi ssion: members £5, visitors £7. Tuesday 5th May 2015 at 7.30 pm “all is right as right can be” Annual General Meeting plus entertainment. Review

Programme for the 2018–19 (87th) Season Tuesday 2nd October 2018 at 2.30 pm “Youth will have its fling” David Goulden‘s music and drama students will entertain us with a concert. The Harold Sumner meet ing. Sunday 4th November 2018 at 2.30 pm “I am astonished and somewhat terrified” Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society, will play a selection of his G&S recordings – selected for quality or amusement! Sunday 2nd Decem ber 2018 at 2.30 pm “whatever question may arise” Any G&S Questions with bring-and-share food. Sunday 13th January 2019 at 2.30 pm “Rend with songs the air above” Martin Lamb (bass baritone) will entertain us with song and information. He will be accompanied by David Wheeler. The Sheila Taylor meeting. Admission: members £5, visitors £7. Saturday 2nd February 2019 at 2.30 pm “They sing choru ses in public” A concert by New Rosemere Amateur Operatic Society from Bolton. Tuesday 5th March 2019 at 7.15 pm “I can teach you with a quip, if I've a mind” Paul Taylor will entertain and inform us with another of his fascinating presentations, this time on Iolanthe . Illustrated with music and visuals. The N orman Beckett meeting. Tuesday 2nd April 2019 at 7.15 pm “Everything is interesting” David Cookson and Collette Woodhouse will amuse and instruct us about music and other aspects of their work at Harrogate G&S Festivals. Admission: members £5, visitors £7. Tuesday 7th May 2019 at 7.15 pm “In punctual and business-like fashion” Annual General Meeting plus entertainment. Review

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

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