- September 2026
In Iolanthe, fairies, lords, and love collide in a farcical battle of politics and passion. With sharp wit, catchy tunes, and plenty of surprises, this classic Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera proves that love and law don’t always mix! When the Lords try to meddle in the affairs of the fairies, the fairies take their revenge; hilarity ensues.
CUG&SS are thrilled to announce their next production to The Minack Theatre in 2026, and the wonderful opportunities it brings!
- February 2026
As one of the ‘big three’, CUGSS are delighted to be bringing HMS Pinafore to West Road Concert Hall for the first time in almost a decade! When the daughter of the Captain of a Royal Navy ship falls in love with a lower ranking sailor [shock horror] chaos erupts, centering how love transcends themes of Victorian morality, class and expectation all wrapped up in the wonderful music and memorable lyrics audiences know and love. The Society is looking for a team to bring this production to a Cambridge audience for our Mainshow 2026.
- November 2025
A fun-filled and tuneful trip through some G+S favourites. There's no theme or limitations on what shows and songs we might hear - just a much-needed opportunity to hear what the duo gave us!
- September 2025
Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore explores the depths of the human experience with themes of legacy and duty, but more importantly what one must do when you inherit a Curse.
Taking place in the ruins of Binham Priory in Norfolk, a monastic precinct going back over 900 years, this will be a unique performance in collaboration with English Heritage and the Local Community.
CUG&S's summer show promises to bring together a Cast, Crew and Band to create a rewarding and memorable production.
- May 2025
Gilbert and Sullivan’s Utopia, Limited is a satirical operetta that explores themes of modernization, imperialism, and bureaucracy. The original story sets the plot on a fictional tropical island, where King Paramount seeks to adopt British customs and governance. With the help of his English-educated daughter, Princess Zara, and a group of British advisors, Utopia is restructured as a “company limited,” replacing its traditional monarchy with corporate-style administration. Ultimately, the Wise Men broker a compromise that restores some of Utopia’s traditions while selectively retaining British influences. Blending sharp wit with a lively score, the opera humorously critiques the notion of imposing one culture’s values on another.
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- February 2025
Swept up in the aestheticism movement, all of the well-to-do ladies in the village are vying for the attention of the two contrasting aesthetic village poets. Alas, their efforts are to no avail as both poets' hearts are set on Patience, the village milk-maid. Patience, who claims to have never loved a soul, is too embroiled in her own poetic endeavours to be interested. However, this all changes when an old childhood friend, one of the poets, reappears…
- November 2024
Can you take someone to court for breaking off an engagement? - yes, and this is just what dear Angelina has decided to do! Slighted by her sly ex-fiancé, Edwin, who has recently broken off their engagement for another woman, Angelina takes her case to the courts. With a somewhat unscrupulous judge and a similarly questionable jury, will Angelina succeed in her efforts to claim her damages? Or will Edwin walk away unscathed and unbothered from this lovers' quarrel?
- September 2024
An apprentice to a band of pirates, Frederic has turned 21 and has chosen to leave piracy forever. As he says farewell to his former colleagues, who should appear but the beautiful Mabel, daughter to the esteemed Major General Stanley, and her many sisters. The two fall in love, and despite the group initially being captured by the pirates, they are soon released as the pirates have a soft spot for orphans, which Major General Stanley exploits. But despite a seemingly perfect life ahead for Frederic and Mabel, the pirates soon find a way to get at Frederic's sense of duty to the pirates...
The CUG&S society is taking the famous The Pirates of Penzance where it belongs, to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall (near the actual Penzance)! This show will celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the society's relationship with the Minack and promises to be a blast!
The production is put together on site as the cast, crew, and orchestra live and work together in the idyllic village of Paul in Cornwall (a short drive from the theatre). The cast will arrive towards the end of August to begin rehearsals, with the orchestra following a week later.
- February 2024
Pardoned by the Fairy Queen for her crime of marrying a mortal, Iolanthe returns to Fairyland to find all in disarray. Her son Strephon, fairy only from the waist down, loves Phyllis, a Ward in Chancery, who finds herself beset on all sides by eligible noblemen vying for her hand in marriage. Can Iolanthe help Strephon and the formidable fay overcome the machinations of the Lord Chancellor and his posse of persistent peers, or will Strephon and Phyllis remain apart forever? Join us for 2024’s production of Iolanthe at West Road Concert Hall to find out!
- October 2023
Join us for our Freshers' cabaret evening at the beginning of Michaelmas 2023! We will be welcoming performers from across the University to create an evening of light entertainment. Some performance places will be held back for incoming freshers to allow for an event which welcomes the new cohort. Auditions and production team applications will be held virtually.
- April 2023
A terrible curse condemns each baronet of Ruddigore to commit one crime per day or die. Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd has gone into hiding to avoid the curse and lives in a Cornish village where he has fallen in love with the fair Rose Maybud. His prospects are ruined when his foster brother Dick Dauntless betrays him to Sir Despard Murgatroyd, the acting baronet. Ruthven is forced to take on the baronetcy and its curse, enforced by an entire portrait gallery of ghastly ancestors.
Ruddigore is an operatic satire of victorian melodrama and combines comic opera with some of Sullivan's most majestic music.
- February 2023
An apprentice to a band of pirates, Frederic has turned 21 and has chosen to leave piracy forever. As he says farewell to his former colleagues, who should appear but the beautiful Mabel, daughter to the esteemed Major General Stanley, and her many sisters. The two fall in love, and despite the group initially being captured by the pirates, they are soon released as the pirates have a soft spot for orphans, which Major General Stanley exploits. But despite a seemingly perfect life ahead for Frederic and Mabel, the pirates soon find a way to get at Frederic's sense of duty to the pirates...
We're excited to be bringing Gilbert and Sullivan's (arguably) most famous work - The Pirates of Penzance to the West Road Concert Hall!
- December 2022
Come and join us for an evening of Gilbert and Sullivan's best loved songs, sung by our talented members!
Complementary refreshments are included
- February 2022
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are delighted to return to West Road Concert Hall to present The Gondoliers as our Mainshow in Lent 2022!
Set in sunny Venice, The Gondoliers tells the story of the Palmieri brothers who hold mastery over the city's canals and the hearts of the local girls. But the arrival of the Spanish aristocracy along with the Grand Inquisitor presents a royal revelation and a serious identity crisis to the Gondolieri and their brides. With romance, political satire, roses white and roses red, The Gondoliers will be a show to remember. Of that there is no manner of doubt, no possible doubt whatever!
- November 2021
- September 2021
All aboard! But all is not ship-shape on the HMS Pinafore...
Josephine, the captain's daughter, is set to marry the eccentric Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty, but she is deeply in love with Ralph Rackstraw, a lowly sailor. With the help of Ralph's fellow sailors and Sir Joseph's sisters, cousins, and aunts, the couple plan to elope, but will love conquer the barriers of wealth and class?
HMS Pinafore is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's slickest and most popular comic operettas. With some unforgettable tunes, colourful characters, and timeless mockery of social class, patriotism, and party politics, there is every reason to get involved!
One of the highlights of the Cambridge theatre calendar, the Minack show brings together some of Cambridge’s finest technicians, musicians and performers. The production is put together on site as the cast, crew, and orchestra live and work together in the idyllic village of Paul in Cornwall (a short drive from the theatre). The cast will arrive in early September to begin rehearsals, with the orchestra and technicians following a week later.
- February 2021
N.B. this show has been cancelled
If you thought Parliament was away with the fairies before, you ain't seen nothing yet...
Every peer in the House of Lords is madly in love with Phyllis, a beautiful shepherdess. But Phyllis is already engaged to the lowly Strephon. The lords succeed in splitting them up, but there's one added complication: Strephon is half a fairy, and his magical maternal relatives have a few tricks up their sleeves to make sure Strephon gets his happy ending...
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are delighted to present a full-cast audio recording AND staged show of Iolanthe.
- February 2021
N.B. this show has been cancelled
Set in sunny Venice, The Gondoliers tells the story of the Palmieri brothers who hold mastery over the city's canals and the hearts of the local girls. But the arrival of the Spanish aristocracy along with the Grand Inquisitor presents a royal revelation and a serious identity crisis to the Gondolieri and their brides. With romance, political satire, roses white and roses red, The Gondoliers will be a show to remember. Of that there is no manner of doubt, no possible doubt whatever!
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are delighted to return to West Road Concert Hall to present it as our Mainshow in Lent of 2021!
- September 2020
N.B. this show has been cancelled
Aboard the H.M.S. Pinafore, Ralph Rackstraw and Josephine are madly in love, though neither dares declare it, divided by the barriers of class. But when Josephine’s father Captain Corcoran attempts to arrange a match for her with Sir Joseph Porter, the lovers are galvanised into action! Aided and abetted by Ralph’s fellow sailors and Sir Joseph’s tender-hearted sisters, cousins and aunts, the pair plan to sneak ashore and elope... Will Josephine finally be with the one she loves, or will the prejudices of class separate them for ever?
One of the highlights of the Cambridge theatre calendar, the Minack show brings together some of Cambridge’s finest technicians, musicians and performers. The production is put together on site as the cast, crew, and orchestra live and work together in the idyllic village of Paul in Cornwall (a short drive from the theatre). The cast will arrive in early September to begin rehearsals, with the orchestra and technicians following a week later.
- July 2020
Easter term may be no more, but the weird and wonderful world of Gilbert and Sullivan continues online! The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are proud to present our inaugural online open mic night on July 4th 2020.
Featuring a variety of new recordings made by society members during lockdown and highlights from past productions - not to mention some witty Eurovision-style commentary - it's sure to be a night to remember.
The event will be streamed live on the society's Discord server for society members and other interested parties. Please contact secretary@gands.org.uk for further information.
- June 2020
Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are delighted to return to Fitzpatrick Hall with a production of Iolanthe in May Week 2020, presented in collaboration with the St Margaret's Society of Queens' College. In a bizarre collision of the theatrical worlds of fairy tale and British politics, Gilbert and Sullivan's satirical operetta 'Iolanthe' is an entertaining spectacle not to be missed out on!
- February 2020
Starry-eyed young lovers Alexis and Aline wish everyone in their village could be as happily besotted as they are. In a moment of well-meaning inspiration, Alexis hires John Wellington Wells, a sorcerer with questionable intentions, to brew a love-potion for their fellow citizens. All that remains is to slip the potion into the tea at the wedding feast... but though the villagers fall in love, they do so with the first person the see, no matter who it is - or how much they hate them! Will true love win through? Or are the villagers doomed to a life of joyless love?
The Sorcerer is a funny, touching, and exciting fairy tale wrapped up in a wonderful comic operetta. The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are delighted to return to West Road Concert Hall to present it as our Mainshow in Lent of 2020!
- November 2019
Bunthorne is a poet, hipster and Instagram influencer whose name looms large on campus. Everybody worships both his poetry and his person – everybody except Patience, the one person Bunthorne loves apart from himself. Patience runs the campus cafe and cares nothing for poetry, to Bunthorne’s dismay. But when the beautiful Grosvenor appears on the scene, things are about to be turned on their heads: will Bunthorne’s fame endure a rival? Our updated ‘Patience’ brings Gilbert’s parody of aestheticism (think Oscar Wilde) triumphantly into the 21st century: there’s an array of hipsters and footballers, queer and trans characters, and octave-blind casting, which means all performers will have the chance to sing some of Sullivan’s catchiest tunes.
- September 2019
Following their sell-out production of “The Pirates of Penzance” in 2018, the Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society return to the beautiful Minack Theatre on the cliffs of Cornwall with “Princess Ida”.
Twenty years ago, King Hildebrand and King Gama arranged a diplomatic match between their infant children, with the marriage to take place when Gama’s daughter Ida came of age.
Now, the great day is at hand, but while Prince Hilarion eagerly awaits his wedding, Ida has other ideas. She has forsworn men, and now runs a women’s university. When Gama’s failure to deliver his daughter almost provokes war between the two kingdoms, Hilarion and his friends attempt to infiltrate the university, win Ida’s heart, and ensure peace. But Ida will not yield so easily, either to Hilarion’s wooing, or to King Hildebrand’s threats.
One of the highlights of the Cambridge theatre calendar, the Minack show brings together some of Cambridge’s finest technicians, musicians and performers. The production is put together on site as the cast, crew, and orchestra live and work together in the idyllic village of Paul in Cornwall (a short drive from the theatre). The cast will arrive in early September to begin rehearsals, with the orchestra and technicians following a week later.
- June 2019
Jean-Philippe Rameau's 'La Naissance d'Osiris' is a one-act opera depicting Jupiter's announcement of the birth of the god Osiris to a group of Egyptian priests and shepherds.
With the opera's spirited music and pastoral setting complemented by the beautiful surroundings of St John's Waterfront, this work is ideal for the festive atmosphere of May Week.
- February 2019
Nanki-Poo loves Yum-Yum. Just one snag. She’s betrothed to Ko-Ko, the new Lord High Executioner. And Ko-Ko needs to find someone to execute. Otherwise, it’s his own neck on the block. Maybe Ko-Ko and Nanki-Poo can come to some arrangement… without anyone losing their head?
Exchanging 19th-century Japan for 1920s Brooklyn, this production of the best-loved of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas promises to be one of the theatrical highlights of the Cambridge year.
- November 2018
In the Tower of London, in the reign of Henry VIII, Colonel Fairfax has been sentenced to death for sorcery and awaits execution. Determined to outwit his cousin and accuser, he must marry before his death so that his inheritance will pass to anyone else. But as he and his friend Sergeant Meryll plot, their lives become irrevocably entwined with those of Jack Point and Elsie Maynard, two strolling players.
Arguably the duo's darkest and most poignant work, 'The Yeomen of the Guard' is regarded as having one of the best, if not the very best, of the Savoy opera scores.
- September 2018
An apprentice to a band of pirates, Frederic has turned 21 and has chosen to leave piracy forever. As he says farewell to his former colleagues, who should appear but the beautiful Mabel, daughter to the esteemed Major General Stanley, and her many sisters. The two fall in love, and despite the group initially being captured by the pirates, they are soon released as the pirates have a soft spot for orphans, which Major General Stanley exploits. But despite a seemingly perfect life ahead for Frederic and Mabel, the pirates soon find a way to get at Frederic's sense of duty to the pirates...
The CUG&S society is taking the famous The Pirates of Penzance where it belongs, to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall (near the actual Penzance)! It will be an amazing show in an amazing space and amazing amounts of fun for all involved!
The production is put together on site as the cast, crew, and orchestra live and work together in the idyllic village of Paul in Cornwall (a short drive from the theatre). The cast will arrive on the 2nd of September to begin rehearsals, with the orchestra following a week later.
- August 2018
A troupe of Lords tangle with a swarm of mischievous fairies as they try to woo the much-desired Phyllis. However, Phyllis is in love with Strephon – half-fairy, half-mortal, a lowly shepherd and nephew of the Fairy Queen. When the pompous lords break up the happy couple, the fairies vow revenge. Installing one of their own, the hapless Strephon, in Parliament, they incite liberal rebellion. Frivolity ensues as lofty lords and feisty fairies collide in the ever bumpy road to love.
The CUG&S society is taking Iolanthe to the 25th international Gilbert and Sullivan festival in Harrogate in August! Don't miss your chance to be involved in this performance!
- June 2018
The year is 1968 and the British legal system is as corrupt as ever. The breach of promise of marriage law is still technically in force and Juries remain predominantly male. The arrogant Edwin has been summoned to Court by his ex-fiancée, Angelina, under said law, and against each other they fight to win the trial! Complete with a dodgy Judge, a questionable jury and some dubious decisions, chaos inevitably ensues...
‘Trial by Jury’ is a one act operatic satire of the Victorian British legal system, which will be brought into the 60’s in our exciting rendition of this production!
- February 2018
A terrible curse condemns each baronet of Ruddigore to commit one crime per day or die. Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd has gone into hiding to avoid the curse and lives in a Cornish village where he has fallen in love with the fair Rose Maybud. His prospects are ruined when his foster brother Dick Dauntless betrays him to Sir Despard Murgatroyd, the acting baronet. Ruthven is forced to take on the baronetcy and its curse, enforced by an entire portrait gallery of ghastly ancestors.
Ruddigore is an operatic satire of victorian melodrama and combines comic opera with some of Sullivan's most majestic music.
- November 2017
Starry-eyed young lovers Alexis and Aline wish everyone in their village could be as happily besotted as they are. In a moment of inspiration, they decide to hire John Wellington Wells, a distinguished representative of a highly respectable London firm of sorcerers, to brew a love-potion for their fellow citizens. It remains only to slip the potion into the tea at the wedding feast—but though the villagers fall in love, they do so with the first person the see, no matter who it is! Will magical love win through? Or are the villagers doomed to a life of joyless love?
The Sorcerer is a funny, touching, exciting and altogether wonderful comic operetta, and the Gilbert and Sullivan society is proud to present it as the Freshers' show of 2017!
- September 2017
It is with great excitement we can announce that our 2017 show at the Minack Theatre will be Patience! Last performed at the Minack in 2001, Patience is a frothy musical romp, combining a sparkling score, a delightful gallery of characters and the beautiful evocation of a bygone medieval neverland where damsels swooned and sighed for their sweethearts, and where love could turn the world upside-down!
Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride, satirizes the aesthetic craze of the 1870's and '80s, when the output of poets, composers, painters and designers of all kinds was, some argued, rather empty and self-indulgent. This artistic movement was so popular, and so easy to ridicule, that it made Patience a big hit.
All the well-born young ladies in the village are rapturously caught up in aestheticism, and in love with two contrasting aesthetic poets. But the poets are both in love with Patience, the simple village milkmaid, who cares nothing for poetry. The girls' military suitors don't see the point to aesthetics, but they decide to give it a try to win the women's hearts. It is touch and go for awhile, but everyone ends up with a suitable partner, even if it is only a tulip or lily!
If you are interested in being in the orchestra, please email Lucy at patience.musicaldirector@gmail.com with your instrument, evidence of ability and previous experience.
- June 2017
On the South Pacific isle of Utopia, King Paramount strives to create a perfect civilisation: free from crime and disease, and with purified literature and drama - all the while under threat from Tarara, the Public Exploder. His daughter, Princess Zara, returns from Girton College having fallen in love with Captain Fitzbattleaxe, only to find her former suitors still vying for her affections. The men quickly hatch a plot with Tarara to overthrow the King and win the hand of the Princess but all does not go quite according to plan. Utopia, Limited is a terrific tale of love and politics which pokes fun at the corporate world, scandal in the Royal Family and many of the duo's previous works all at once!
This production represents a unique opportunity in Cambridge Theatre to perform on a floating punt stage on the River Cam in the beautiful surroundings of St John's College. What better way to celebrate May Week than in our very own Utopia...
Entrance to St John's via Cripps Lane Porter's Lodge (off Northampton Street) - no parking available.
- February 2017
Aboard the HMS Pinafore, sailor Ralph Rackstraw loves but loves, alas, above his station in this tale of love, loss, rank and class. With rousing anthems, beautiful arias and some of Gilbert's best writing, HMS Pinafore is one of the most famous and well-loved of all the Savoy Operas and this production is sure to be a spectacle that is not to be missed!
- November 2016
Set in sunny Venice, The Gondoliers tells the story of the Palmieri brothers who hold mastery over the city's canals and the hearts of the local girls. But the arrival of the Spanish aristocracy along with the Grand Inquisitor presents a royal revelation and a serious identity crisis to the Gondolieri and their brides. With romance, political satire, roses white and roses red, The Gondoliers will be a show to remember. Of that there is no manner of doubt, no possible doubt whatever!
The CUG&S freshers' show is a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to the society to get involved and perhaps try something they haven't had the chance to before. Everyone who auditions is guaranteed a role in the chorus with priority for principal roles given to those who have not played a principal role before.
