- June 2015
- March 2015
A concert of some of Gilbert and Sullivan's most well-loved songs and choruses.
- January 2015
Kiss Me, Kate centres on the production of a musical version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the on and off-stage tensions between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady and ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. As the musical progresses, the lives of the actors begin to mirror the action of the plot, and the lines between backstage and on-stage are blurred. A secondary romance concerns Lois Lane, the actress playing Bianca, and her gambler boyfriend, Bill, who runs afoul of some gangsters. Kiss Me, Kate is a fun, frothy and fizzy romantic comedy that's too darn hot to handle!
- November 2014
A man is about to be executed. He has committed an atrocity so terrible that he faces the most severe punishment the town can throw at him. Koko, a lowly tailor, has been caught flirting.
The Mikado is the most famous of all Gilbert and Sullivan's comic masterpieces. Set in the topsy-turvy Japanese town of Titipu, 'The Mikado' combines biting social commentary with dark gallows humour to tell the story of Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado who disguises himself as a wandering minstrel in order to escape the romantic attentions of the elderly Katisha. In his travels he encounters and falls in love with the lovely Yum-Yum, one of three little maids who are the wards of Ko-Ko, the town executioner. Ko-Ko is engaged to Yum-Yum himself, but is distracted from his wedding plans by the royal decree that he must execute someone within a month... and Nanki-Poo seems like a good candidate.
- September 2014
Aboard the HMS 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. Will Josephine successfully be with the one she loves or will the prejudices of class separate them for ever?
For the 40th anniversary of the Gilbert and Sullivan society's productions at the Minack, 'HMS Pinafore' will be staged set aboard a 1930's warship and satirising the class issues of time. This production will take place at the outdoor Minack Theatre, a spectacular venue cut into the cliffs above Porthcurno Bay, Cornwall.
- August 2014
Princess Ida
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society is proud to announce that we are opening production team applications for “Princess Ida” at the annual International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Harrogate! On the strength of last year’s award-winning festival production of Patience, which saw us crowned International University Champions, we have been invited to perform at the Royal Hall, Harrogate Theatre.
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 has been eagerly awaiting his wedding, Ida has followed a different path. She has forsworn men, and now runs a women’s university. However, when Gama’s failure to deliver his daughter almost provokes war, 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.
“Princess Ida” is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s true gems. It features the duo’s usual wit and sparkling comic writing, in both dialogue and music, but it also finds them unafraid in the face of the weightier dramatic themes of romance, betrayal, death, and gender. What’s more, the Festival at Harrogate is an extremely prestigious performing opportunity, attracting companies from both UK and across the Atlantic.
- June 2014
Centuries ago, Sir Rupert Murgatroyd, the first Baronet of Ruddigore, and all his heirs were cursed by a witch to commit a crime every day, or perish in inconceivable agonies.
In this parody of Victorian Gothic melodrama, Sir Ruthven, the latest Baronet flees the curse to live in disguise as the honest Robin Oakapple. However, betrayed by his best friend, Ruthven must once more take up his rightful title, and with it the curse of his forefathers.
How can he satisfy the obligations of the curse and stay true to his conscience? Can he win back the heart of the woman whom he loves? Why do the spirits of the dead continue to stalk the land and torment the living?
With a deformed villain, a haunted family mansion, a madwoman roaming about the countryside and a troupe of professional bridesmaids, this riveting romp set to some of Sullivan’s finest music is a sure-fire hit.
- February 2014
Spring G&S Gala at the Quay Theatre The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are pleased to announce that we are opening applications for DIRECTOR, for a one night spectacular at the Quay Theatre Sudbury!
Following the smashing success of the Gala last winter, the Quay has invited us back for more. This latest performance will feature a selection of songs and scenes from Gilbert and Sullivan’s shows, but how these will be served up to the audience is up to you. Pitch us your ideas. The one requirement: bringing unbridled joy to all involved!
Applications should be sent to Katie Walton at kew58@cam.ac.uk.
- February 2014
The Cambridge University Gilbert & Sullivan Society proudly presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. This timeless comic opera comes to West Road Concert Hall from 5th to 8th February.
Frederic has just finished his apprenticeship with a band of pirates; Mabel is out with her sisters for a day at the beach – they meet, and it's love at first sight. But the pirates have an unpleasant surprise in store for our hero…
One of Gilbert & Sullivan’s best-loved comedies, The Pirates of Penzance features classic numbers such as ‘The Pirate King’, ‘I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General’, and ‘With Cat-like Tread’. Join a crop of not-so-ruthless pirates, not-so-fearless policemen, and not-so-helpless young maidens for a swashbuckling and hilarious adventure.
FAMILY MATINÉE Child tickets for our matinée performance are half-price with the purchase of an adult ticket. Families can sign up to attend a free post-matinée tea and biscuits reception with the cast by emailing westroadpirates@gmail.com. Group discounts are available through the box office for bookings of more than ten persons.
- November 2013
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are proud to announce our 2013 Fresher's Show: HMS Pinafore!
Aboard the H.M.S. Pinafore, the lowly sailor Ralph Rackstraw and the captain's daughter Josephine are in love, though neither dares declare it, divided as they are by the barriers of class. But when Josephine becomes the object of the attentions of Sir Joseph Porter KCB, aided and abetted by her upwardly mobile father, will true love triumph, or will Josephine find herself the unhappy wife of the First Lord of the Admiralty? Romance, satire on class and politics, and some suitably marvellous music - what else is there? Oh joy! Oh Rapture!
- September 2013
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are delighted to announce the launch of their 2013 production of IOLANTHE at the magical Minack Theatre off the cliffs of Porthcurno, Cornwall. The society have been performing at the open-air amphitheatre for over thirty years, and are offering you the chance to get involved in this year's show, one of Gilbert & Sullivan's finest, Iolanthe...
Set in England's idyllic countryside, a troupe of Lords on a hunting trip tangle with the mischievous fairies of the mystical forest as they try to woo the much-desired Phyllis, the love of Strephon (a half-fairy, half-mortal lowly shepherd and nephew of the Fairy Queen). The pompous lords break up the happy couple, so the fairies vow revenge: they follow to London and install one of their own (the hapless Strephon) in Parliament to incite liberal rebellion! Fireworks and frivolity ensue as lofty lords and feisty fairies collide in the ever bumpy road to love.
- August 2013
Cambridge University's Gilbert & Sullivan Society are performing the hilarious rip-roaring riot of foppish poetry and frolics, PATIENCE, at the prestigious Buxton G&S Festival's 2013 University Competition.
- June 2013
Following the success of HMS Pinafore on Punts in May Week 2011, The Cambridge Gilbert and Sullivan Society are pleased to announce 'The Gondoliers on Gondolas' for May Week 2013.
In sunny Venice, the Palmieri brothers lead a charmed life. As Gondoliers, they hold mastery over the city's canals and the hearts of the local girls. But the arrival of the Spanish aristocracy (not to mention, the Grand Inquisitor) presents a royal revelation and a serious identity crisis to the Gondolieri and their brides - how will they solve this case unprecedented? With romance, political satire, roses white and roses red, 'The Gondoliers' performed ON GONDOLAS on the river Cam will be a May Week show to remember. Of that there is no manner of doubt, no possible doubt whatever!
- March 2013
Cambridge University G+S Society return to the Mumford this season with the greatest farce to have come out of Broadway! "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", inspired by the classic comedies of Plautus, tells a bawdy story of the slave Pseudolus and his desperate attempts to win his freedom. Recognising his master, Hero, has fallen madly in love with a courtesan, Philia, from a nearby house of pleasure, he promises to arrange the match in return for his freedom - however, getting Philia out of the hands of her soon-to-be husband, General Miles Gloriosus, proves a much more difficult task than he imagined. Throw in a wavering husband, frustrated wife, some incompetent soldiers and the stage is set for a truly hilarious evening. With slapstick, mistaken identity, cross dressing, pretend deaths, puns and witty dialogue, don't miss this opportunity to see an unforgettable production guaranteed to have you rolling in the aisles!
- December 2012
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society is adding an exciting new event to its calendar: the Quay Theatre in Sudbury, Suffolk, have invited us to deliver a night of well-mannered frivolity with G&S favourites on Sunday 2nd December at 7.30pm. The show will be a selection of songs and scenes from a variety of shows, loosely scripted to provide a structured form, with elements of pantomime to involve and enthrall the audience! The performance will be in black tie, off-book, semi-staged and with the occasional obligatory hornpipe.
We will be referencing recent society shows, advertising future ones, and most importantly, offering an evening of unbridled joy for participants and audience alike! The show will have two acts with an interval, and the cast and audience are invited to a Christmas singalong (with mince pies!) in the bar after the performance.
- November 2012
To ensure peace between their fathers' neighbouring kingdoms, Princess Ida and Prince Hilarion were married rather earlier than most royal couples: Ida was one year old and Hilarion two. Raised separately by their respective fathers, the bride and bridegroom were to be reunited when Ida reached the age of 21. Yet on the appointed day, the pining lovesick prince was shocked and appalled to learn that the princess had in the meantime discovered her intellectual faculties, founded a women's university, and declared that she had no interest in reuniting with her unchosen husband. A most logical man, Hilarion reasoned that if he and his friends were to disguise themselves as female students, they could enter the university and woo the princess. An operetta about male chauvinism, early women's colleges, and cross-dressing, Princess Ida is right at home within the University of Cambridge. Join CUG&S in a battle of the sexes this Michaelmas.
- September 2012
Every year the Cambridge G&S Society travel down to perform at the beautiful Minack theatre on the edge of a cliff in Cornwall. Where else do you get dolphins upstaging the chorus? This year's show, Ruddigore, is full of comic horror - think "The Adams Family". There is more information on the show at www.ruddigore.co.uk
- June 2012
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, and well, it's G&S, you know the rest. Strange infatuations, social satire, and yes, hilarity all ensue. An uproariously funny but subtly dark operetta, The Sorcerer was Gilbert & Sullivan's first great success. Join CUG&S as we conjure comedy and drama this May Week.
- February–March 2012
A man is about to be executed. He has committed an atrocity so terrible that he faces the most severe punishment the town can throw at him. Koko, a lowly tailor, has been caught flirting.
The Mikado is Gilbert and Sullivan's comic masterpiece. In almost constant production since its 1885 debut, it combines biting social commentary with dark gallows humour, featuring some of the best-loved characters in English opera together with an iconic musical style. As the Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society enters its sixth decade, join us in a world full of ridiculous laws and prohibitions, outrageous political corruption and hilarious romantic entanglements. The Mikado is not to be missed!
- November 2011
"Yeomen" is darker and more serious than Gilbert and Sullivan's other works but it is also one of the best loved and is widely regarded has having the finest score of the lot. Set in the Tower of London in the reign of Henry VIII, it tells the story of Colonel Fairfax, who has been sentenced to death for malicious accusations sorcery. Even in death Fairfax hopes to cheat his accuser of victory; at the same time his old friend, the Beefeater Sergeant Meryll, believes him innocent and plots with his family to set him free. Their scheming will entwine their fate with that of two strolling players, the jester Jack Point and singer Elsie Maynard, as the show builds to a heart-rending emotional climax.
- September 2011
Over the past few decades, the G&S society's annual production at the Minack has launched the careers of the likes of Griff Rhys-Jones, along with numerous professional conductors, performers, lighting designers, set designers and virtually all other brand of technician and designer - and this year we will be bringing together the very finest in current student and recently-graduated talent to put on a show like no other.
The Pirates of Penzance is one of the most popular and beloved shows of all time, and is certainly often considered to be Gilbert and Sullivan's finest work. It is well known for spawning such classics as "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major General" and "A Policeman's Lot Is Not A Happy One".
Join us for what promises to be remembered for generations as one of the all-time great flagship shows for Cambridge Theatre!
- August 2011
Political tensions mount as fairies and British peers battle over the love of Phyllis. But, Phyllis loves Strephon who is half fairy and half human. Caught talking to his beautiful fairy mother, Iolanthe, Phyllis assumes he is being unfaithful and spurns him. The plot thickens when Strephon’s father, the Lord Chancellor, decides that he should marry Phyllis!
This performance forms part of the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival at Buxton Opera House.
- June 2011
This year's Gilbert and Sullivan May Week show sees HMS Pinafore take to the Cam, in a unique production staged almost entirely on punts. From the banks of St. John's, audiences will be treated to one of the most popular G+S operettas. We follow a humble foremast lad, Ralph Rackstraw, attempting to win the affections of his captain's daughter, vying with the First Lord of the Admiralty Sir Joseph Porter, who knows virtually nothing about ships at all. Buttercup, a bumboat woman, has a dark secret which will turn everything upside down, but will the various romantic couples enjoy a happy ending? A story of love, class and mystery, peppered throughout with witty dialogue and social satire, this production promises to be fun, enjoyable and one-of-a-kind!
- February 2011
GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA 'An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan'
Wed 16 February (Week 4) West Road Concert Hall
Singers wanted for 'An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan' - a grand gala concert to launch the 50th Anniversary of the Cambridge University G&S Society. The event will feature a mix of Gilbert & Sullivan's best-loved songs and scenes, works inspired by the duo, and reminiscences from the society's history. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate fifty years performing the works of this mighty pair.
AUDITIONS
Sat 22 January, 1-5pm - Trinity Hall Music Room Mon 24 January, 5-9pm, Caius Bateman Room
You will be asked to sing a song and read some dialogue, so please come prepared to sing a song, preferably G&S or a similar musical style. If there's a particular solo/ensemble song you're dying to perform in the concert, we'd be more than happy to hear it, or if not just pick anything. Your chances will not be affected either way. Similarly, if there's a particular scene or monologue you want to do, please come share your ideas with us and perform it, otherwise dialogue will be provided. If you have a self-written comic sketch about Victorian light opera tucked up you sleeve, bring it along! G&S and other well-known scores will be provided.
Group auditions very welcome for ensemble numbers - you can audition both for a solo and as part of a group.
For some suggestions, please see the attached list, or feel free to choose your own favorite! If you need the sheet music, email our artistic director Rosie at mrc58@cam.ac.uk with your song choice BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY 19TH JANUARY with your name and college and we will send you a score. A comprehensive collection of music and libretti from all the operas is also available online at http://math.boisestate.edu/gas/.
If you're an instrumentalist and would be interested in joining our orchestra and playing some of the most deliciously upbeat music ever written, please e-mail Sunil at sjm220@cam.ac.uk.
Any other questions? Please e-mail our producer Felicity at frs24@cam.ac.uk.
- November 2010
1985: A media scandal rocks the British political landscape. Iolanthe, member of notorious freedom fighter gang, the Fairies, has an affair with a junior parliamentarian and rising political star. Then she disappears off the tabloid radar in disgrace and an interesting condition.
2010: With their leader having turned to drink, the Fairies are rebels without a cause. Little do they know that by persuading the Fairy Queen to welcome Iolanthe back into their ranks, they will start a revolution.
24-27 November 2010: Join us for this contemporary reimagining of Gilbert & Sullivan’s charming operetta, where magic lurks behind political activism and the establishment doesn’t stand a chance!”
Tickets from www.adcticketing.com
- September 2010
When two, humble Venetian gondoliers are informed that one of them is actually heir to the throne of the far-away kingdom of Barataria – but that no-one quite knows which one – an absurd tale of confused identity and aristocratic antics ensues.
Combining the wonderful tunes and witty lyrics of Gilbert & Sullivan with Cambridge University’s finest theatrical talent, THE GONDOLIERS promises a magical, fun-filled evening beneath the stars at the renowned Minack Theatre.
- June 2010
The Union debating chamber becomes the ideal venue for Gilbert & Sullivan's wickedly funny miniature satire of the British legal system. Legal hijinks take the stand in a courtroom where the jury must decide the outcome of the flirtatious Angelina's lawsuit against the charming rogue Edwin for breaking off their engagement. Featuring a gleefully amoral judge, a silver-tongued lawyer, and of course the ever-present threat of Substantial Damages, anything could happen when the jury returns its verdict in this classic battle of the sexes!
- February 2010
HMS Pinafore tells the story of Captain Corcoran and his crew aboard their saucy ship the Pinafore!
Ralph Rackstraw, a humble foremast lad, is in love with the Captain's daughter, Josephine. To make matters worse for the lovers, she has caught the eye of the Lord of the Admiralty himself, Sir Joseph Porter, and now faces the decision whether to marry for love or for reason. Add into the mix the crafty old sailor Dick Deadeye, the mysterious bumboat women Little Buttercup, Sir Joseph's loyal contingent of sisters, cousins and aunts and a crew of hornpiping sailors, and Captain Corcoran has his hands full keeping order on deck! Featuring the songs 'I'm called little Buttercup', 'I am the Captain of the Pinafore' and the soaring 'He is an Englishman' (not to mention some of the wittiest dialogue found between songs!), HMS Pinafore is one of the most-loved and enduring musical shows of all time.
Tickets are sailing out of the box office at an astonishing rate of knots - so be sure to book yours early!
- November 2009
The Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are proud to present the last of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operas The Grand Duke, or, The Statutory Duel. The play starts with a theatrical troupe preparing to put on Troilus and Cressida – but they are also conspiring to overthrow the detested Grand Duke Rudolph. When Ludwig, the company’s comedian, accidentally reveals all to the Grand Duke’s detective, it starts a mad chain of events involving a rigged duel, squabbling actors, two Grand Dukes and four Grand Duchesses!
With songs about sausage rolls, roulette, and duels fought with cards, The Grand Duke is undergoing a revival amongst G&S Societies; it will delight audiences with its absurd characters, witty libretto and lively score.
The G&S Society’s freshers’ show is a superb chance for new and old hands to come together for this unique show, the first fully staged production of the Grand Duke by the G&S Society since 1994. To find out about more about the show, read the libretto and hear the music, visit http://math.boisestate.edu/GaS/grand_duke/html/index.html
- September 2009
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society is delighted to announce that this year we will be performing 'The Mikado' at the Minack Theatre, Cornwall. The performance runs from 14th-18th, with two weeks' rehearsal beforehand - cast and production team should be available from the 31st August; the orchestra from the 7th September.
'The Mikado' is one of the most well-known and well-loved of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Set in the topsy-turvy Japanese town of Titipu, 'The Mikado' tells the story of Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado who disguises himself as a wand'ring minstrel in order to escape the romantic attentions of the elderly court maiden Katisha. In his travels he encounters and falls in love with the lovely Yum-Yum, one of three little maids who are the wards of Ko-Ko, the town executioner. Ko-Ko is engaged to Yum-Yum, but is distracted from his wedding plans by the royal decree that he must execute someone within a month... and Nanki-Poo seems like a good candidate. For a full synopsis, libretto and midi files of the music, please visit:
http://math.boisestate.edu/gas/mikado/html/index.html
Putting on a show at the Minack theatre is a uniquely challenging and rewarding experience. Minack is built into the cliffs of Porthcurno near Penzance, with a stone stage and the sea as its backdrop. More information about the theatre can be found at its website:
http://www.minack.com/
The cast and orchestra live and rehearse together for two weeks before the show in the village of Paul, about a twenty minute drive from Minack. Situated a couple of miles from Penzance and a short walk from Mousehole, the picturesque Paul has been our host for many years, and staying there is always a wonderful experience.
- June 2009
The G&S May Week 2009 is the fantastically fun 'The Gondoliers', set in Venice and following the fortunes of two brothers who find out that one of them is actually the king of Barataria - though they don't know which one.
- March 2009
Edgy, relevant and non-trivial
- February 2009
Iolanthe, a fairy, was banished from fairy land for breaking one of their cardinal rules - she married a mortal. Twenty-five years later, she is pardoned by the Fairy Queen, and reveals that she has a child. Her son, Strephon, is a fairy down to the waist, and is in love with Phyllis, a beautiful ward in Chancery. The course of true love never did run smooth, however, and Strephon has to compete with half the House of Lords and the Lord Chancellor himself for Phyllis' hand. All hell breaks loose when the fairies and peers clash, and the Fairy Queen decides to send Strephon to parliament...
With some of the pair's wittiest dialogue and most famous music, including 'The March of the Peers', the Lord Chancellor's 'Nightmare Song', Iolanthe's beautiful aria 'He Loves' and the stunning Act One finale, 'Iolanthe' is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most-loved operas, and we are giving you the opportunity to help bring it to life on the Arts Theatre stage.
- November 2008
Patience 2008 Cambridge University Gilbert and Sullivan Society are proud to present this witty Wildean musical comedy as their 2008 Freshers’ Show. This frothy musical romp combines 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. Everyone is welcome to audition for a role in a play that is sure to be one of the highlights of the year.
- September 2008
We are delighted to be returning once more to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, an open-air theater situated on the cliffs of Porthcurno, Penzance, with the stunning sea as it's backdrop. The whole company lives, sleeps and rehearses in the charming village hall of Paul and there is plenty of downtime to be spent in the pub, in the sea and on the beach! This year, we are delighted to be staging "Yeomen", one of Gilert and Sullivan's best-loved collaborations. Darker and grander than many of their other works, this story of the Merryman and his Maid still bubbles over with Gilbert's characteristic wit. The score is one of Sullivan's finest and most operatic, featuring spectacular choruses, sparkling patter songs, magnificent arias and the most beautiful duet of all, "I have a song to sing, O!"
Set in and around the Tower of London in Tudor times, the show tells the story of Colonel Fairfax, under sentence of death for a crime he hasn't committed, who longs to marry before his execution- just to thwart his scheming cousin's plan to inherit his property. Enter Jack Point and Elsie Maynard, travelling players; Jack agrees that Elsie should marry Fairfax, leaving her a very rich widow free to marry him. But unbeknownst to them, Fairfax's friends have arranged to spring him from the Tower of London, leaving Elsie less of a widow than she was hoping to be, and Jack the fiancé of a married woman! Jack conspires to try and win back his beloved, but will his efforts all be in vain?
- June 2008
"The Grand Duke" was the final collaboration of Gilbert & Sullivan and for the last century it has been largely overlooked for the last century on account of its experimental score and rather convoluted plot; nonetheless the plot is full of many splendid characters and delightfully theatrical hysterics, while Sullivan's sparkling score contains many gems suggesting a shift towards the more Viennese style of operetta-writing.
This May Week we will be reviving this last great opus, (not performed in Cambridge for many many years) in a semi-staged concert performance (followed, as ever, by our annual garden party), and we are looking for a talented cast to bring this exciting show to life. Telling the story of a humble actor who decides to take over the world and ends up with four wives in the process, with the help of sausage rolls, statutory duels and the game of roulette, "The Grand Duke" is definitely not to be missed!
