2023 PRODUCTION: THE GONDOLIERS
This year's production was featured in The Stamford Mercury. We have four groups of families, spanning the generations, performing in the show, including one spanning three generations.
For the full article click here:
As usual our Production team are working hard to bring this show to life!
Music rehearsals with our MD Gavin are great fun and are already sounding fabulous, he is an incredible musician and engages the cast with his wit and humour whilst doing a wonderful job at the piano too!
Soon, our director Ruth will start the chorus floor rehearsals and choreography and we look forward to seeing her ideas and inspirations behind this show! She has a knack for creating ‘proper’ G&S with a flare for adding in modern humour, which appeals to both old and young and has encouraged a wealth of youngsters into our society which is just fabulous!
We have a very exciting season ahead of us, with a lovely cast of talented performers. This year we are delighted to welcome some new members and are proud to be showcasing some younger Principals who will joining us to say ‘Benvenuti’ and welcome to Venice and to our Gondoliers in October later this year.
We hope that our colourful costumes, scenery and toe tapping tunes in the Stamford Corn Exchange, will transport you from the drab and dreary Autumn weather outside into the bright and sunny world of Gilbert and Sullivan!
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The Gondoliers was the 12th collaboration of 14 by W.S Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan, and was the last to achieve truly popular success.
It premiered on December 7th 1889 with universal acclaim at the Savoy Theatre in London, boasting 554 performances and earning more money than any other Savoy opera in its original run!
Critics declared it having been written ‘con amore’ and with a ‘bubbling champagne quality’ and a case for once of a librettist and a composer acting ‘in perfect unity’. You can understand why when you hear the music, as it is an absolute joy from start to finish - a glorious confection of sunshine and happiness, which showcases the best of what Gilbert and Sullivan have to offer!
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
First ever production of Stamford Operatic Society was THE GONDOLIERS in 1905. They didn't have great weather for this publicity photo (taken at Browne's Hospital) but what a group of trailblazers they turned out to be! Amazing to think that WS Gilbert was still alive when this photo was taken!
Original photo colourised by Stamford Gallery
2023 CONCERTS
In addition to our annual production we also perform our ‘Story of Gilbert and Sullivan’ concerts!
Written by our Director during lockdown, our fabulous group has entertained people in three local venues in the last month: The beautiful Bourne Abbey Church , the lovely St. Andrew’s church in West Deeping and most recently at the Pinchbeck St Mary's Festival (above).
Our ‘story’ takes you on a journey through the G&S canon, with well loved songs from the shows, full stage lighting, props, nostalgic photos from past and present and an entertaining narrative guiding you along. These are fundraising events for the Players and hosting churches, so everyone is welcome to come along if you can!🎵
