November news by Gilbert & Sullivan Festival

THE 25th INTERNATIONAL

PROGRAMME HARROGATE ROYAL HALL COMPLEX AUGUST 8 - 27, 2018 www.gsfestivals.org

November 2017

INSIDE... YOUR PULL OUT PRIORITY BOOKING FORM

What a programme! There is everything from Trial by Jury to The Grand Duke. We have a special performance of Haddon Hall. America's oldest performing group, the Savoy Company Philadelphia return with a special production of Iolanthe; Fraser Valley G&S Society are travelling all the way from the West Coast of Canada to bring us a sparkling “Gondoliers;" and our very talented friends from Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society, South Africa will be back with a performance of "Ruddigore." We have 13 full-scale productions in the Harrogate Theatre including the Opera North Youth Company (ONYC) a 60-strong group of young people aged 13 – 19 who will bring an abridged presentation of "The Pirates of Penzance;” 10 universities will compete for the Unifest prizes; and we are delighted to have Putteridge Bury G&S Society back with "The Gondoliers" and Mad Margaret's Minstrels with a sequel to her highly successful show "Harrogate or Bust!" Add to that a three day "Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan” programme, a one day academic symposium; six brand-new presentations from the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company; a fantastic morning fringe programme which includes an almost non-stop film festival celebrating many Festival winners going back to the first Festival in 1994; sightseeing tours to Skipton including a barge trip up the Leeds-Liverpool canal; and a visit to the Georgian town of Richmond. This will include a special G&S themed concert in the magnificent Georgian Theatre Royal, one of Britain’s oldest theatres. You can understand our excitement and why we are billing our Silver Jubilee Anniversary Festival as the most comprehensive Gilbert and Sullivan event ever held anywhere in the world. 3

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The

Format

The Gilbert and Sullivan Festival was founded in 1994 and for the ﬁrst 20 years was staged in Buxton Opera House in the Derbyshire Peak District. In 2014 the Festival moved to its new location in Harrogate. The Festival is renowned for its friendly welcome and visitors return year after year to soak up its special atmosphere.

A TYPICAL DAY AT THE FESTIVAL...

9.30am Free early-morning cinema Utopia Pavilion, each Tuesday & Thursday 10.30am G&S related fringe presentations Utopia Theatre 10.30am WINNERS! Films of International Champions from 1994 Heritage Lounge 1.00pm Free Lunchtime Entertainment Utopia Pavilion 1.50pm 10 minute introduction to the Royal Hall matinee performances Utopia Pavilion 2.30pm Matinée Performances Harrogate Theatre (from Friday Aug 24th Utopia Theatre) 6.50pm 10 minute introduction to the Royal Hall evening performances Utopia Pavilion 7.30pm Professional, semi-professional and amateur productions The Royal Hall 10.00pm Nightly Festival Club including Cabarets Utopia Pavilion

THE NATIONAL GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY has been the resident professional company at the Festival for 25 years. In 2014 the Company embarked on its first tour of the country to outstanding press reviews and audience acclaim. Next year will be our fifth touring season with five brand-new productions. The shows are traditional, presented by Britain's leading professional experts of the wonderful Gilbertian characters which they portray. You can see them all in Harrogate.

"THIS IS GILBERT & SULLIVAN HEAVEN! YOU CAN SEE PERFORMANCES EVERY MORNING, AFTERNOON AND EVENING.” The Arts Desk 4

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Getting Around

Crowne Plaza Majestic Hotel Premier Inn

Utopia Pavilion Utopia Theatre The Royal Hall Harrogate Theatre The picture above shows just how compact the Festival is. With the Crown Hotel and the Old Swan equally close and some excellent nearby guesthouses you can see just how easy it is to get around. Your comfort is our ﬁrst priority. You can walk from the Utopia Pavilion into the Royal Hall and a free shuttle bus service can be pre-booked to transfer guests from the Royal Hall to the nearby Harrogate Theatre & return. It really is as easy as that!

The Festival brings together a wonderful mix of leading performing groups who compete for the coveted Festival championship trophy. There are also professional performances from the outstanding National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and Charles Court Opera. Adjoining the Royal Hall on one side is a veritable Gilbert and Sullivan wonderland called the "Utopia Pavilion." This is the place where everyone can meet from early morning until the early hours. There is a wide range of catering facilities; a bar; G&S shop; free film shows; free lunchtime entertainment and every evening after the curtain falls the Festival club comes to life here, with singing and entertainment. And only five minutes walk away is the Harrogate Theatre. This is the venue for all our matinee performances up to August 23rd including the UNIFest competition featuring leading British universities performing a fully staged Gilbert and Sullivan opera. As you can read in this newsletter there is a wide and varied range of performances scheduled throughout the Festival, including of course our youth production of "The Sorcerer." The Utopia Pavilion is also the venue for our morning fringe activities which will include some interesting and original presentations. These are in our specially built Utopia Theatre. And if that’s not enough we will be making a trip down memory lane with our G&S Cinema in the Royal Hall Heritage Lounge playing a selection of films of Festival winners from 1994. With Harrogate's major hotels only minutes away by foot you can see why this is such an ideal venue for such a special Festival.

There is no doubt the magic of G&S endures and the Festival embraces the very best. We look forward to sharing it with you in August 5

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THE ROYAL HALL

DRESS CIRCLE Rows A - H GRAND CIRCLE Rows A - J

GRAND HALL (Raised) Rows F - N

The magniﬁcently restored Royal Hall and (inset) you can see how we bring in our special GRAND HALL (Flat) tiered seating to add a new dimension and Rows A - E wonderful views for people seated in the back eight rows of the Grand Hall.

MORE TIERED SEATING IN THE STALLS

Yes, we will be raising the roof and the stalls again in the Harrogate Royal Hall next summer. We will be raising the roof with some fantastic performances – and we are raising the stalls with eight rows of our familiar tiered seating which, over the last couple of years have proved so successful. The illustration below shows rows A-E on the ﬂat and then the staggered tiered seats from rows F-N.

G 6

For our Silver Jubilee Anniversary Festival we are delighted to announce that we will be returning to the Harrogate Theatre for most of our matinee performances. At some of this year's performances our home-built Savoy theatre was "sold out" and it was quite clear that we would either have to hire a bigger bleacher seat facility or move this important aspect of the Festival elsewhere. The Harrogate Theatre provides the ideal solution. We are of course conscious that this is a short walk from the Royal Hall complex and we plan to run a free shuttle service for anyone with walking diﬃculties between the Royal Hall and the Harrogate Theatre and return for each of the performances. Details will be available in our What's On Guide to be published next spring.

WHERE IS IT? Harrogate Theatre is located on Oxford Street in central Harrogate and has two performance spaces (a main auditorium that seats 500 and a studio space that seats 60), which allow for producing and presenting theatre, dance, music and comedy. It is also home to a number of community groups that regularly perform musicals and plays throughout the year. The Theatre has undergone considerable artistic development in the past 10 years that has seen the organisation establish itself as a significant influence in the region, with a growing national profile. We are looking forward to a happy return.

ROYAL HALL

HARROGATE THEATRE

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THE UTOPIA PAVILION

G&S

Wonderland

UTOPIA THEATRE

Admiring a ceramic collection in the Memorabilia Fair.

Late night Cabaret Club performers; lunchtime entertainment; evening dining; memorabilia bargain hunters. Just a few of the scenes and sounds in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Utopia Pavilion. 8

The Tower Green. The striking entrance to the Utopia Pavilion

WANT TO JOIN IN AND BE PART OF THE FESTIVAL? Do you love to sing, or act but just never get the opportunity? Think you’re too old (or too young!) to perform at the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Harrogate next summer? Well you are wrong. There are lots of ways you can join in and if you don’t want to sing on the stage you can always help out behind the scenes. For more information about any of the activities below, email: oliver@gsfestivals.org or go online at: www.gsfestivals.org.

Here are some great opportunities where you can join in the fun... HADDON HALL

We are looking for a talented amateur chorus for this rarely presented production in Buxton and Harrogate. Auditions will be early in the New Year and the rehearsals themselves in Sheﬃeld and Buxton.

Specially for singers and actors over 60. Bus Pass Opera was formed in 2014 and grows in popularity every year. Last year’s performance of Patience was fantastic and we are looking forward to a cracking production of “The Yeomen of the Guard” in 2018. The show is performed in The Royal Hall on Thursday 23 August at 7.30pm and rehearsals take place in Harrogate from Thursday August 17th. This is not for the fainthearted and you need to know all your lines!

BUS PASS OPERA

THE FESTIVAL YOUTH PRODUCTION – Ages 9-19

Always a highlight of the Festival, this year’s production is The Sorcerer and the performance will be on Saturday afternoon, 18 August. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about theatre, opera, singing and acting and Gilbert & Sullivan is the ideal introduction to musical theatre and opera. Reheasals will be in Harrogate from Saturday 11 August.

Every lunchtime throughout the Festival there is free, musical entertainment in the Utopia Pavilion from 1pm-1.30pm. Would you like to entertain? Do you have some party pieces you would like to perform? Let us know. We will provide a pianist to accompany you.

Every Saturday evening before the curtain rises, you can experience the Festival’s “Singing from the Gallery”. This is a great way to get in the mood and if you like to sing, now is your chance! But don’t worry if you don’t know the words or don’t want to sing – just soak up the special atmosphere in this magniﬁcent theatre and enjoy! Be in your seats by 7.10pm.

You can apply to be a Principal or join the Chorus of three Festival Club “Pot-Luck presentations”: The Pirates of Penzance, Saturday August 11th; The Sorcerer, Saturday August 18th; Trial by Jury, Monday August 27th.

This special concert on Bank Holiday Monday at 2.30pm looks back over 25 glorious G&S years. It includes a sing-along especially for you!

LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT

SINGING FROM THE GALLERY

POT LUCK SHOWS

SILVER JUBILEE CONCERT

VOLUNTEERS

We couldn’t put the Festival on without our fantastic band of volunteers. We need people to man the café, the G&S shop, help to sell programmes and all manner of things. If you think you have what it takes and have some time to spare please get in touch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE ABOVE EMAIL oliver@gsfestivals.org 9

A Fairy Story with a happy ending!

Every fairy story should have a happy ending. This one did! Three weeks before this year's Festival opened we discovered that one of the performing groups was unlikely to meet their obligation of presenting a performance of "The Gondoliers" in the manner and quality that our international Festival demands. What to do? We went through the NODA listings and discovered that there was one amateur group that had recently presented the show. We knew them. Indeed the last time they appeared at the Festival in Buxton they were the second runners-up. Could they come to our rescue? Frantic phone calls followed. Some holidays and other arrangements had to be changed – but yes, Abbots Langley Gilbert and Sullivan Society would indeed come to our rescue! Of course to the festival organisers this was still a risk. We had not seen the group for 10 years. Would our audience accept them? We need not have worried. They were given an outstanding reception and the performance just got better and better as the evening progressed. Adjudicator Andrew Nicklin gave them a glowing report and as invariably happens at our annual Festival the "regulars" were quickly discussing them as a potential international champion. No one argued when indeed that announcement was made. Abbots Langley won this year's international trophy. Yes, Fairytales should, and invariably do, have happy endings. Thank you Abbots Langley and congratulations. We are sorry you are unable to return next year because of the rescheduling of your G&S production but we certainly hope to see you again in the near future. Runners Up in 2017 Ploverleigh Savoy Players “RUDDIGORE” New London Opera Group “YEOMEN OF THE GUARD” You can buy our “Winners” box set of DVDs for just £39.99. Order now on page 35 10

s i p s e Th A NEAR MISS!

Brendan O'Brien won a best performance Award for his portayal of Mercury.

We very nearly entered the 2018 World Guinness Book of Records as the only event to present the entire Gilbert and Sullivan canon since the works were ﬁrst written back in the 19th century. As it is we are having to be satisﬁed with presentations of 13 of the G&S canon plus Sullivan's Haddon Hall and a workshop on Gilbert's "Thespis" with music by one of Pennsylvania's most respected musicians, Bruce "Monty" Montgomery.

When "Monty" died, a foundation was established to preserve his work and massive eﬀorts have taken place in recent weeks to collect performers from G&S societies around New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware who could come together for a special full-scale production in Harrogate. It nearly worked – but not quite. The result is that we will have a workshop in Harrogate presented by a number of prominent G&S enthusiasts from around these States on Wednesday afternoon August 15 telling some of the history of Thespis and demonstrating how "Monty" felt it would have sounded if Sullivan's score had not been lost.

We ﬁrst heard his own composition of music for Thespis at a workshop which he conducted at the 1996 Festival in Philadelphia. It was outstanding. And of course in 2000 many of us will remember his production of Thespis in Buxton, where

It is certainly a date for your diary. The group are hoping very much that they will have an opportunity of bringing a full-scale production to a future Festival. 11

BUXTON HIGHLIGHTS We plan to celebrate "big time" at the 2018 Silver Jubilee Anniversary of our wonderful International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. And what better way to start than with a Silver Jubilee Dinner and Concert at the venue where it all began in 1994 - the Peak District town of Buxton.

At that ďŹ rst Festival David Steadman conducted a pro-am performance of "The Yeomen of the Guard" featuring many household names from the original D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. David went on to conduct our National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company on many occasions including two very special "Together Again" programmes which he devised, bringing together many of the surviving members of that original D'Oyly Carte Company. David is currently preparing a celebration concert in Buxton which will take place on Monday evening July 30 in the Pavilion Arts Centre. It will celebrate not only the professionals who graced and enhanced our Festival over the years, but in addition, many of the volunteers who made the Festival possible and performers who established the standards and reputation that the Festival enjoys today.

David Steadman

It is surprising how many people have been coming to the Festival for the past quarter of a century. We hope that many of them will want to join us for this special dinner and concert. Tickets are limited but you can book your seats now on the pull-out priority booking form in this newsletter. We also have other attractions in Buxton this year. We will have a free nightly Festival Club in the Pavilion Restaurant area and on Wednesday, August 1 we are planning a morning lecture from Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society and Martin Yates, its Chairman, on the history, the music and the score of Haddon Hall. In the afternoon we will have an escorted visit to the Hall enabling you to soak up the atmosphere prior to enjoying the performance on Thursday, August 2.

Martin Yates

Buxton where it all began. We are thrilled to be back for this special year and delighted to include in this newsletter special accommodation packages which will include tickets to the dinner; the Haddon Hall day and four of the evening productions. See page 34 for accommodation packages and page 35 for the Haddon Hall lecture and visit.

Stephen Turnbull

HARROGATE HIGHLIGHTS

Where do we start? You can see and hear about the entire Gilbert and Sullivan canon sometime between August 8 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 27. We have 11 contestants in the international competition – more than ever before in Harrogate. It includes visits from performing societies based in Canada, the United States and South Africa. We have 13 full-scale matinee productions in the Harrogate Theatre including more universities than ever in our UNIFest competition. We will be oﬀering a free shuttle service between the Royal Hall and the Harrogate theatre pre-and post productions. We have a really interesting morning fringe programme in the Utopia theatre which is being built behind the stage that hosts the evening Festival club cabarets. This new theatre will seat comfortably up to 200 guests. We have reintroduced a couple of local sightseeing tours. Our visit to the award-winning market town of Skipton include an hour sailing up the famous Leeds Liverpool canal. And if you miss that one you can join us on a trip to Richmond and its famous Georgian Festival. Soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating town and then join us in the afternoon at Richmond's Georgian theatre, one of the oldest active theatres anywhere in the world. Our guest performing celebrities will be Nick Sales and Sarah Helsby Hughes. We have our three day "Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan" events featuring more than 30 speakers from around the world painting their fascinating pictures of Gilbert and Sullivan – their lives their times and their works. And this time we are adding an extra day in the form of an academic conference with speakers already conﬁrmed from Germany, America and from across the UK. And there is an opportunity for you to enjoy a nostalgic reunion with some of the outstanding winning shows that we have seen over the last 25 years. The Heritage Lounge in the Royal Hall will be converted into a daily cinema with DVDs of winning productions running at regular intervals. The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will present six brand-new productions. The National Gilbert and Sullivan Festival Orchestra returns with their wonderful music. Altogether around 2000 people will perform at this year's Festival which is expected to attract over 16,000 visitors. Not bad for something that began as an experiment in 1994 with no remote idea of how over the years it would attract a worldwide audience and put both Buxton and Harrogate on the worldwide cultural map. We are looking forward to you helping us spread the word and making it not only a bumper programme but ensuring a bumper attendance. 13

OPERA COMPANY TO STAGE SIX BRAND NEW PRODUCTIONS

Our Silver Jubilee year just had to be "extra special" for our National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company – and it will be. We have six brand-new productions that you can enjoy in Harrogate – ﬁve of them can be seen in Buxton. The award winning combination of Cav Vivian Coates (Director) and Mary MacDonagh (Choreographer) return with new productions of Ruddigore and Iolanthe. Following their enormous success this year with Princess Ida and The Pirates of Penzance these are deﬁnitely two shows that will be worth seeing. Richard Gauntlett who has delighted audiences with his betrayal of many of the patter roles returns as the Major General, the Lord Chancellor, the Judge and John Wellington Wells. But next year he will also have a new role. He will direct the Opera Company in his own production of The Pirates of Penzance. Bearing in mind Richard's vast knowledge and experience of the operas and in particular the comedy that he brings to his various characters, we can be sure of a laugh-a-minute innovative production in the Royal Hall.

Vivian Coates

Richard Gauntlett

John Savournin 14

Mary MacDonagh Sarah Helsby Hughes

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HARROGATE THEATRE

The real Haddon Hall - Only 16 miles from Buxton Other commitments meant that John Savournin had to take a year off in 2017 but he is back next year with a new production of The Sorcerer. This will be a "double bill" and Festival Director, Ian Smith will take charge of what he describes as a totally "traditional" but hopefully equally as enjoyable Trial by Jury. And last but by no means least is the pro/am production of Haddon Hall which will be presented in both Buxton and Harrogate. Sarah Helsby Hughes who directs Heritage Opera has accepted the challenge of this Sullivan/Grundy piece with beautiful music and a romantic story that is centred around Haddon Hall, England's most romantic and unspoiled mediaeval Tudor home with more than 800 years of history to absorb. After two weeks of chorus auditions in London and Manchester, Festival Director Ian Smith believes this year’s G&S Opera Company will have the strongest chorus we have ever had. "We are delighted at the close relationship which we are developing with the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester," he said. "For 2018 we have brought in eight of their outstanding musicians. We are very excited." And that's not all. We are thrilled to welcome back James Hendry as Musical Director for Iolanthe, Ruddigore, Trial by Jury and The Sorcerer. Maestro Andrew Nicklin will also have a key musical role to play as Conductor for both The Pirates of Penzance and Haddon Hall, along with his other duties as Festival Musical Director. A strong line-up of principals is currently being assembled and a James Andrew tour programme put together that already includes visits to New Brighton, Dartford, Preston, Wycombe, Norwich, Malvern and Darlington. The tour begins immediately Harrogate closes and runs through to the beginning of October. The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company perform regularly throughout the course of the Festival and you can see all the shows over the final Bank Holiday weekend including a special accommodation package. See pages 23 and 29 for details. A fantastic line-up of principals is also being assembled for Haddon Hall and in the New Year we will be auditioning for prospective members of the amateur chorus. Music rehearsals will be in the Leeds/Sheffield area over three or four weekends in June and July with concentrated floor rehearsals in Buxton between July 28 and the first performance on Thursday, August 2nd. If you would like to be considered please email neil@gsfestivals.org and we will let you have the exact dates of the audition, and the rehearsals pre-Buxton. 15

THE MAGIC THAT IS GILBERT&SULLIVAN the

Everyone who comes to our Festival recognises the Magic that the Gilbert and Sullivan operas offer. For 25 glorious years this unique theatrical partnership charmed their audiences with a range of unforgettable characters often poking fun at the British establishment and at the same time proving to be in perfect harmony with the magnificent music that emanated from Sullivan's mind. This is the Magic that is Gilbert and Sullivan. Five years ago we celebrated that magic with a special three day event digging deeper into the personality and background of two very different partners. As part of our Silver Jubilee celebrations we are repeating the event and adding on a special day which hopefully will be of particular interest to the academic community. This year’s event has already received the enthusiastic support of many G&S experts in various areas of their life. The first three days Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 17-19 should be of interest to everyone and speakers are urged not to be "too academic” in their presentations. However on Monday, August 20 we have a full academic day.

As in 2013 we will publish a book of the conference which will include hopefully all the papers to be presented. You can register for half day sessions (£25 per session) or full day sessions on Friday and Saturday at £50 per day which also includes a sandwich lunch. We also have a special accommodation package for those people wanting to come to the entire event. You can find full details on pages 23 and 29. Friday morning , August 17 – The Life and Times of Gilbert and Sullivan. We take a closer look the circumstances and often the difficulties under which they worked. The reality of the Victorian theatre; the early costumes selected by the D'Oyly Carte Opera company; scenic design; Gilbert the playwright and the director and the importance of choreography to the finished products. Friday afternoon August 17 -Setting the Scene to the Savoy Operas. This afternoon we are in the Royal Hall. Our host is Dr David Russell Hulme one of the world's leading experts on the Sullivan overtures. He will paint a fascinating picture of how these introductions to the operas were developed. On stage we have the National Gilbert and Sullivan Orchestra and the man with the baton is Maestro James Hendry returning to the Festival from his triumphant time with the Royal Opera House. There is music for every occasion and every mood in the overtures. Judge for yourself. 16

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THE MAGIC THAT IS GILBERT & SULLIVAN

Saturday morning August 18 – In this College Useful Knowledge. This morning we take a survey of the Gilbert and Sullivan scene in universities and colleges; look back to the early children's productions of the original D'Oyly Carte; we hear what students think and why they ﬁnd G&S helpful to the student studies, and we take a look at the Festival's role in developing success for quite a number of professional performers. Finally we welcome back Russian born pianist and lecturer Dr. Jana Poljanovskaja who takes an illustrated look at Sullivan and his teachers.

Saturday afternoon August 18 – If you give me your attention… Speakers are currently being finalised for this afternoon's programme which is taking a closer look at Gilbert. We examine the 1862 South Kensington exhibition and how this fascinating and spectacular event may have influenced Gilbert's views on asceticism, design and Japanese culture; we look at law in the Savoy operas and Gilbert's innovative development of the "art of traditionalist innovation”, and the links between Gilbert’s stories and the Operas. Sunday afternoon August 19 – Seated one day at the organ… We have seven speakers this afternoon examining Sir Arthur and the great Leeds conspiracy; Sir Arthur and Mrs Reynolds; Sir Arthur – a famous visitor to the Church in Pontresina; Sullivan's operas during the last 10 years of his life after his break with Gilbert; "hideous and bad music?" – Arthur Sullivan and the early years of recorded sound; the semitone slide in the Golden Legend; and a look back at some of the echoes of the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. The total cost of registration for the 3 day "Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan event" is £125 and this includes two sandwich lunches on Friday and Saturday and a copy of the book which will be published. You can register for the accommodation package and for the full conference package on pages 29 and 31. Monday, August 20 – An Academic look at Gilbert and Sullivan. A fascinating full day programme with speakers from America, Germany and the UK examining "a genuine English Ring – legend, icons and history in Sullivan stage works; realising the Savoy piano reductions: a performer’s perspective; the Variorum of Gilbert and Sullivan volume 1; Asceticism; Gilbert and Sullivan's philosophy of life. The full day registration for this programme including sandwich lunch is £50. If you are booking the whole four day package (value £175) we have a special offer of £150. You can reserve your place now on page 31. With more than 30 international speakers already confirmed "the Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan" promises to be a highlight of our Silver Jubilee Festival for anyone and everyone who is fascinated and interested in the life, the times and the works of these two captivating individuals.

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BOOKING YOUR TICKETS

There is more choice than ever this year for you to book your tickets to our Silver Jubilee Anniversary Festival. To ensure the best possible seats you should join our “Friends of the G&S Festival” charity. You can join for just £35 per annum. See page 35 for details. If you are a benefactor, patron, partner or life member you can select the seats you would like to sit in from our first priority draw on December 4th. Individual, joint and family members will be entitled to their own priority allocation on Friday, January 5 with a final draw (prior to tickets going on open sale) for members and non-members on January 31st. Tickets go on open sale from Monday, February 5. You can then book online at www.gsfestivals.org or phone the box office on (01422) 323252.

1 2 3 4

Tickets for all performances at the Harrogate Theatre are available from either our website (www.gsfestivals.org) or our box oﬃce (01422 323252) or alternatively direct from Harrogate Theatre: Box Oﬃce 01423 502 116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk. We are delighted to have the support once again of the Tourist Information Centres in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. You can book your tickets there for any of the Royal Hall performances from Febuary 5 onwards.

HARROGATE THEATRE Tickets for all performances at the Harrogate Theatre are available from either the G&S Festival website or box office or alternatively direct from Harrogate Theatre. Please note: Only tickets for performances in the Harrogate Theatre can be bought at the Theatre itself. Harrogate Theatre box office Box Office: 01423 502 116 Website: www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk All tickets £15 No Concessions

Seating Plan

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Seating Plan

THE ROYAL HALL DRESS CIRCLE

4 5 6 1 2 3

1 1 1 1 1

13 14 15 7 8 9 10 11 12

1 1 1 1 1

8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7 6 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7

11 12 11 12 11 12

RAISED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12”

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

6”

B A

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

6 5 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

E D C B A

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

£25.00 £37.00

31 32 33 34 31 32 33 34 31 32 33 34

BOXES B, C, D, E, G, H, J (for two people)

31 32 33 34 31 32 33 34 31 32 33 34 30 31 32

£60.00 £85.00

30 31 32 24”

STAIRS 18”

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

GRAND CIRCLE & GRAND HALL RAISED

31 32 33 34

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

£20.00 £25.00

12” 6”

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

BOXES A & F (for two people. Restricted view)

£46.00 £60.00

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

ORCHESTRA EXITS

STAGE

ACCESSIBLE SEATING

STAGE 19

BOX G BOX F

8 9 10 11 12

N M L K J H G F

DRESS CIRCLE

FLAT

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

J H G F E D C B A

GRAND HALL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

FLAT

BOX E

11 12

11 8 9 10 3 4 5 6 7

18”

E D C

Professional performance prices in RED

BOX J BOX H

BOX C BOX D

11 12

16 17 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 15 14 13 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 15 14 13 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 15 14 12 13 15 16 12 13 14

24” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

STAIRS

G F

11 12 13 14 15 16

RAISED

BOX A BOX B

11 12 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 10 9 8 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 7 8 9 10 1 2

GRAND CIRCLE

8 9 10

13 14 15 16 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 2 3 4 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 9 8 5 6 7 2 3 4 13 14 15 16 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 2 3 4 14 15 16 13 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 2 3 4 14 15 16 13 12 11 8 9 10 5 6 7 2 3 4 13 14 15 12 11 10 9 8 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

1 1

FRONT GRAND HALL

£23.00 £30.00

www.gsfestivals.org janet@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

WE’RE OFF TO SKIPTON...

Saturday August 11th oﬀers Festival visitors a trip to the “Gateway to the Dales.” Skipton's unique appeal lies in its happy marriage of olde-worlde charm and the hustle and bustle of a living market town which has evolved naturally over the centuries and consequently retained its many historic features. With its bustling market, medieval castle, canal and thriving shops, pubs and cafes, Skipton provides something for everyone. Wander down the many alleyways, or 'ginnels', to savour the town's history and character; explore the side streets where you will ﬁnd interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. Our visit includes a 60-minute journey up the Leeds-Liverpool canal on a specially chartered barge. You will quickly discover why Skipton is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the North of England at any time of the year and why many people return again and again. Book your ticket now on page 30.

...AND TO RICHMOND FOR IT’S FAMOUS GEORGIAN FESTIVAL Saturday August 25th. Sign up for another great day out. 10am we leave the Royal Hall by coach for Richmond. Founded by the Normans in 1071, Richmond is a leafy, vibrant market town with an impressive castle keep, a vast cobbled market place and an elegant Georgian district. Our visit coincides with Richmond’s annual Georgian Festival and we are delighted our own G&S Festival will be “starring” in the town’s famous theatre. The Georgian Theatre Royal is a theatre and historic Georgian playhouse. It is among the oldest of Britain's extant theatres. Your visit includes a ticket for a special matinee concert presented by festival favourites Nick Sales and Sarah Helsby Hughes. The coach returns in time for dinner and a great evening performance. Another great day out. You can book either trip on the booking form on Page 30 20

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES

Great Hotels! Great Prices!

HOTELS, THEATRE TICKETS, FRINGE EVENTS & FESTIVAL CLUB!

YOUR COMPLETE FESTIVAL PACKAGES FOR 2017 Our specially tailored accommodation packages are just the ticket if you would like to sit back and let us do all the work. We are using some fantastic Harrogate hotels – each within easy reach of the Royal Hall and our “Utopia” Festival attraction and this year we have included MORE theatre and fringe tickets to ensure you have everything you need for a wonderful break in glorious Harrogate. So let’s get packing! THE CROWN HOTEL is just a couple of minutes walk from the Royal Hall, Turkish Baths, Betty's Tea Rooms, Valley Gardens and the picturesque town centre with its antique stores, Victorian arcades and boutique shops. The Crown Hotel Harrogate is the perfect location. Free wiﬁ available throughout the hotel. CROWNE PLAZA is an 11 storey building with plenty of underground car parking spaces. The train station is a 10 minute walk and the hotel is centrally located and close to the Royal Hall, Betty's Tea Rooms, the stunning Valley Gardens, Harlow Carr Gardens, and the luxurious Turkish Baths. All guests receive complimentary use of the Academy Health Club. 21 THE MAJESTIC HOTEL is set in 8 acres of grounds and is located one mile from Harrogate train station and 12 miles from Leeds Bradford Airport and has 170 bedrooms. It is ideally situated adjacent to The Royal Hall. Leisure facilities include a health club and swimming pool. Free Wi-ﬁ is also available for all guests. THE OLD SWAN HOTEL is just a short walk from the town centre and the Harrogate Royal Hall, it combines Victorian splendour with contemporary luxury. From its revolving doors to its famous glass-ceilinged Wedgwood restaurant, The Old Swan Hotel Harrogate exudes romance and mystery. 21

Great Value

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES for Money!

MORE THEATRE TICKETS THAN EVER INCLUDED Here are our traditional three, four and seven night accommodation packages. This year we have many more. Look out for our special “Magic of G&S Symposium” Package on page 29 and our National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Weekend featuring all 2018 productions. A special 25th Anniversary package has also been arranged for BUXTON in Derbyshire this year and includes a ticket to our celebration dinner and concert and a visit to the real Haddon Hall. See pages 27, 28 and 34.

3 NIGHT HARROGATE PACKAGES 3 nights bed and breakfast in a standard room 3 best theatre tickets in the Grand Circle in the Royal Hall (or choose your own seats subject to availability) 1 ticket to a matinee performance of your choice in Harrogate Theatre or Utopia Theatre 1 ticket to morning fringe event of your choice (excluding the Symposium) 3 Festival Club tickets including after-show cabaret “Welcome to the Festival” pre-show wine reception

4 NIGHT HARROGATE PACKAGES 4 nights bed and breakfast in a standard room 4 best theatre tickets in the Grand Circle in the Royal Hall (or choose your own seats subject to availability) 2 tickets to matinee performances of your choice in Harrogate Theatre or Utopia Theatre 1 ticket to morning fringe event of your choice (excluding the Symposium) 4 Festival Club tickets including after-show cabaret “Welcome to the Festival” pre-show wine reception

7 NIGHT HARROGATE PACKAGES 7 nights bed and breakfast in a standard room 6 best theatre tickets (choose your shows) in the Grand Circle in the Royal Hall (or choose your own seats subject to availability) 3 tickets to matinee performances of your choice in Harrogate Theatre or Utopia Theatre 3 tickets to morning fringe events of your choice (excluding the Symposium) 7 Festival Club tickets including after-show cabaret “Welcome to the Festival” pre-show wine reception 25th Anniversary Souvenir Programme 22

Great Value

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES for Money!

SPECIAL G&S OPERA COMPANY FOUR NIGHT PACKAGE ARRIVAL FRIDAY 24 AUGUST DEPARTURE TUESDAY 28 AUGUST What’s included 4 nights bed and breakfast in a standard room 4 best theatre tickets (choose the shows you want to see) in the Grand Circle, Royal Hall Day excursion to Richmond including coach and theatre ticket for our special performance in the Georgian Theatre, Richmond on Saturday afternoon, 25 August (if you prefer to stay in Harrogate you can see the NGSOC performance of Trial by Jury and The Sorcerer in the Royal Hall at 2.30pm) 1 ticket to a morning fringe event of your choice 4 Festival Club tickets including after-show cabaret Bucks Fizz Reception on Sunday evening 26 August 25th Anniversary Souvenir Programme

SPECIAL “MAGIC OF G&S SYMPOSIUM” PACKAGE ARRIVAL THURSDAY 16 AUGUST DEPARTURE MONDAY 20 AUGUST What’s included 4 nights bed and breakfast in a standard room Thursday 16 Aug: Patience performed by SavoyNet Performing Group, Royal Hall Friday 17 August: Morning - Symposium and lunch. Afternoon - Overture Concert in the Royal Hall (2.30pm). Evening – Haddon Hall, NGSOC in the Royal Hall (7.30pm) Saturday 18 August: Full day Symposium and lunch. Evening – Iolanthe, NGSOC in the Royal Hall (7.30pm) Sunday 19 August: Half-day Symposium and lunch. Evening – The Pirates of Penzance, NGSOC in the Royal Hall (7.30pm) Monday 20 August: Full day Symposium and lunch. 23

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES

THE COST

SEE PAGE 21 FOR HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS The prices indicated below are per person sharing a twin/double room on a bed and breakfast basis in a standard room. Room upgrades, twin rooms for single occupancy, suites and garden views (subject to hotel choice and availability) are available. Additional nights and extra theatre tickets are also available on request. Please call 01422 323252 for details. THE CROWN

3 NIGHTS 4 NIGHTS 7 NIGHTS G&S Opera Co - 4 Night Package Magic of G&S - 4 Night Package

£400 £500 £750 £560 £650

CROWNE PLAZA THE OLD SWAN THE MAJESTIC**

£430 £515 £775 £585 £675

£430 £515 £775 £575 £675

Single nightly supplements are as follows: Crown Hotel-£20 Majestic Hotel-£20 Crowne Plaza-£20

£430 £515 £775 £675 Old Swan-£15

** THE MAJESTIC HOTEL: please note there is a surcharge of £15 per person for guests staying at the Majestic Hotel on any Saturday night during the Festival. (Single occupants upgrading to a twin room for sole occupancy and including a Saturday night will incur a surcharge of £30).

UPGRADES Please call 01422 323252 if you would like to upgrade your room to a deluxe room or suite. The following charges are a guide (subject to availability)

THE MAJESTIC HOTEL Upgrade from standard double room to deluxe: £20 per room per night; Upgrade to deluxe Garden View £45 per room per night

Upgrade from single room to double/twin for sole occupancy: £10 per night CROWN Upgrade from single room to double for sole occupancy: £10 THE SWAN Upgrade from standard double room to executive room: £20 per night

CAR PARKING CHARGES Please note that the following charges apply. CROWNE PLAZA - £7 per overnight stay MAJESTIC HOTEL - £8 per 24 hours. 24

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES HARROGATE THREE NIGHT PACKAGES Wednesday 8 August – Depart Saturday 11 August PACKAGE Arrive Your Royal Hall programme includes: The Mikado(WWOS); Princess Ida (Peak

3/01

PACKAGE

3/02

PACKAGE

3/03

PACKAGE

3/04

PACKAGE

3/05*

Opera); Iolanthe (Ploverleigh Savoy Players) Arrive Sunday 12 August – Depart Wednesday 15 August Your Royal Hall programme includes: Trial by Jury & The Sorcerer (NGSOC); Iolanthe (Savoy Company, USA); The Gondoliers (Fraser Valley G&S Society, Canada) Arrive Wednesday 15 August – Depart Saturday 18 August Your Royal Hall programme includes: Ruddigore (Cape Town G&S Society); Patience (SavoyNet Performing Group); Haddon Hall (NGSOC) Arrive Sunday 19 August – Depart Wednesday 22 August Your Royal Hall progamme includes: The Pirates of Penzance (NGSOC); Utopia Ltd (Winchester Operatic Society); Patience (New London Opera Group) Arrive Wednesday 22 August – Depart Saturday 25 August Your Royal Hall programme includes: Ruddigore (NGSOC); The Yeomen of the Guard (Bus Pass Opera); The Grand Duke (Trent Opera) THIS PACKAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MAJESTIC HOTEL

FOUR NIGHT PACKAGES Arrive Thursday 9 August – Depart Monday 13 August

PACKAGE Your Royal Hall programme includes: Iolanthe (Ploverleigh Savoy Players);

4/01

PACKAGE

4/02

PACKAGE

4/03

PACKAGE

4/04

Princess Ida (Peak Opera); Ruddigore (NGSOC); Trial by Jury and The Sorcerer (NGSOC) Arrive Monday 13 August – Depart Friday 17 August Your Royal Hall programme includes: The Gondoliers (Fraser Valley G&S Society, Canada); Ruddigore (Cape Town G&S Society); Patience (SavoyNet Performing Group); Haddon Hall (NGSOC) Arrive Sunday 19 August – Depart Thursday 23 August Your Royal Hall programme includes: The Pirates of Penzance (NGSOC); Utopia Limited (Winchester Operatic Society); Patience (Ploverleigh Savoy Players); Ruddigore (NGSOC) Arrive Wednesday 22 August – Depart Sunday 26 August Your Royal Hall programme includes: Ruddigore (NGSOC); The Yeomen of the Guard (Bus Pass Opera); The Grand Duke (Trent Opera); HMS Pinafore (Charles Court Opera) THIS PACKAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MAJESTIC HOTEL

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES SEVEN NIGHT STANDARD PACKAGES PACKAGE Arrive Wednesday 8 August – Depart Wednesday 15 August

7/01

Pick the SIX shows in the Royal Hall you would like to see between these dates.

PACKAGE Arrive Tuesday 14 August – Depart Tuesday 21 August

7/02

Pick the SIX shows in the Royal Hall you would like to see between these dates.

PACKAGE Arrive Tuesday 21 August – Depart Tuesday 28 August

7/03

Pick the SIX shows in the Royal Hall you would like to see between these dates. (THIS PACKAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MAJESTIC HOTEL)

FOUR NIGHT STANDARD PACKAGES MAGIC OF G&S SYMPOSIUM PACKAGE

PACKAGE Arrive Thursday 16 August – Depart Monday 20 August

SYMP/01

Your Royal Hall programme includes: Patience (SavoyNet Performing Group); Overture Concert (National Festival Orchestra); Haddon Hall (NGSOC); Iolanthe (NGSOC); The Pirates of Penzance (NGSOC) G&S OPERA COMPANY WEEKEND

PACKAGE Arrive Friday 24 August – Depart Tuesday 28 August

NGSOC/01 Pick the 4 shows you would like to see between these dates.

(THIS PACKAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MAJESTIC HOTEL)

ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES

BUXTON

HOTELS, THEATRE TICKETS, FRINGE EVENTS & FESTIVAL CLUB!

Join us in Buxton to celebrate 25 glorious years of the Festival. We have devised a magical four-night package in either the Old Hall or the Palace Hotel with some exciting events and a trip to the real Haddon Hall prior to the performance in Buxton Opera House on Thursday 2 August. Haddon Hall is a light opera with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by Sydney Grundy. The opera is set in the magniﬁcent Haddon Hall, only half an hour’s drive from Buxton and dramatizes the legend of Dorothy Vernon's elopement with John Manners. Haddon Hall remains in the Manners family to the present day. Our Buxton package includes: Ticket to the opening dinner and concert (Monday July 30) in the Pavilion Arts Centre. 4 nights bed and breakfast in either the Old Hall Hotel or Palace Hotel, Buxton. Coach trip to Haddon Hall including a talk about the house and the production. Three Dress Circle tickets in Buxton Opera House for the National G&S performances of: The Pirates of Penzance; Ruddigore and Haddon Hall. Pimms Reception at Buxton Opera House

THE COST The cost per person sharing a twin or double room in THE OLD HALL HOTEL – £550 THE PALACE HOTEL - £575 Single Supplement in The Old Hall Hotel is £10 per night. There is no single supplement in the Palace Hotel. YOU CAN BOOK YOUR BUXTON ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE ON PAGE 34 27

BUXTON PACKAGES

Great Hotels! Great Prices!

Old Hall Hotel The Old Hall Hotel in Buxton is reputed to be the oldest hotel in England. As well as its long history and connections to Mary Queen of Scots, visitors return time and again because of its charm, good food and individuality. Located across the road from Buxton Opera House, at the heart of the town you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Palace Hotel

Since 1868, The Palace has been an important building in the spa town of Buxton. Situated in over 5 acres of stunning landscaped gardens, the hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The hotel has an indoor pool, bar, health and leisure club, conference rooms and the Dovedale restaurant, serving delicious hot and cold food all year round. The hotel is also dog friendly, making it a perfect rest stop for travellers with pets. With spacious rooms, attractive décor, on-site parking and easy access to all local transport routes, The Palace Hotel is an ideal base to explore both the local area and locations further aﬁeld, such as Manchester, which is only 25 miles away.

BUXTON, DERBYSHIRE FOUR NIGHT PACKAGE PACKAGE

BUX/01

Arrive Monday 30 July – Depart Friday 3 August Silver Jubilee dinner and concert (Pavilion Arts Centre). Your Buxton Opera House programme includes: The Pirates of Penzance; Ruddigore; Haddon Hall (All performed by the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company).

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR BUXTON ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE ON PAGE 34 28

YOUR PULL OUT BOOKING SECTION HARROGATE ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES To secure your booking, please complete the form below and return with a £75.00 per person non-refundable deposit. The balance payment will be due in May 2018.

Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms) First Name ..................................... Last Name ......................................... Address ...................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................. Postcode ...................................................... Tel/Mobile ............................................................ E-mail .......................................................... Signature .............................................................. Date ............................................................. Please reserve for me: Twin Room(s) ..............................Single Room(s) .................................. Dates (Arrive - Depart)

Code

Wed 8 – Sat 11 August (3 nights)

Ref:3/01

Crown Hotel

Crowne Plaza

The Old Swan

Majestic Hotel 14

Sun 12 – Wed 15 August (3 nights) Ref:3/02 Wed 15 – Sat 18 August (3 nights)

Ref:3/03

Sun 19- Wed 22 August (3 nights)

Ref:3/04

Wed 22 – Sat 25 August (3 nights)

Ref:3/05

Thur 9 – Mon 13 August (4 nights)

Ref:4/01

Mon 13 – Fri 17 August (4 nights) Ref:4/02 Sun 19 – Thur 23 August (4 nights) Ref:4/03 Wed 22 – Sun 26 August (4 nights) Ref:4/04 Wed 8 - Wed 15 August (7 nights)

Ref:7/01

Tues 14 - Tues 21 August (7 nights) Ref:7/02 Tues 21 - Tues 28 August (7 nights) Magic Symposium Package Thur 16 – Mon 20 August (4 nights) G&S Opera Weekend Fri 24 – Tues 28 August (4 nights)

Ref:7/03 Ref: Symp/01 Ref: NGSOC/01

I enclose a deposit in the sum of £…………............... (payable to Theatrical Adventures Ltd) or please charge my credit/debit card Card Number Security No. Expiry Date

Security Number:

Signature ....................................................................... Date ..............................................

RETURN THIS BOOKING SECTION TO:

Gilbert and Sullivan Festivals, The Old Vicarage, All Souls Road, Halifax, HX3 6DR. Tel: 01422 323 252 Email: janet@gsfestivals.org Visit: www.gsfestivals.org

Sunday August 12 Monday August 13 Tuesday August 14 Wednesday August 15 Thursday August 16

Thursday August 9 Friday August 10 Saturday August 11

DATE

Ageing in the G&S Operas - Adriane Berg, USA Mad Margaret’s Minstrels present “The Curse Re-visted” Planning the trip of a lifetime - From Vancouver to Harrogate UNI Fest Cambridge University “Iolanthe” A pudding full of plums - Ups and Downs of Ian Smith UNI Fest York University “The Mikado” More recollections from Roberta Morrell Bruce Montgomery “Thespis” Workshop Stephen Turnbull & Martin Yates - The History of Haddon Hall UNI Fest LOPSOC University (Show to be ﬁnalised)

Visit to Skipton including Leeds, Liverpool Canal Trip

In Conversation with Tony Finnegan, Festival Adjudicator Putteridge Bury O.S. present “The Gondoliers” Stephen Turnbull tells us all about “Ruddigore” “Trial” and “The Sorcerer” Opera North Youth Group - “The Pirates of Penzance” FILM: First Ever Opera Company Production “Yeomen” 1994 UNI Fest Royal Holloway University “The Gondoliers”

PROGRAMME

(UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00

(UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 £30.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00

VENUE & PRICES

No. of Tickets

TOTAL

KEY: HT (Harrogate Theatre) UT (Utopia Theatre) HL (Heritage Lounge) Morning Programmes 10:30 Afternoon 2:30pm

BOOK ALL YOUR TICKETS HERE Ticket HARROGATE THEATRE & FRINGE Order

Sunday August 26 Monday August 27

Monday August 20 Tuesday August 21 Wednesday August 22 Thursday August 23 Friday August 24 Saturday August 25

Sunday August 19

Saturday August 18

Friday August 17

From Candles to Computers, Ken Robertson Scott Taverners Theatre, “Ages Ago” Taking a closer look at Iolanthe, Stephen Turnbull Ronald Orenstein play reading: “The Learned Judgement” The Echoes of our Festival - Ian Smith Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Concert

Sightseeing Richmond + Concert, Georgian Theatre

The Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan “Keep the home ﬁre’s burning” A tribute to WW1 from the USA The Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan The Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan Stephen Turnbull introduces us to The Pirates of Penzance Youth Production “The Sorcerer” The Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan Church Service St Peter’s Parish Church, Harrogate The Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan Registration for three day “Magic of G&S” Symposium Full day Academic Symposium UNI Fest Newcastle University, The Pirates of Penzance Pleasures and pitfalls of annotative G&S - Ian Bradley UNI Fest Birmingham University, Iolanthe 32 On Stage with the Met and G&S - Richard Holmes UNI Fest Kings College London, Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore The Carpet Quarrel - Christopher Cann GLOC “Princess Ida” The History of the Trumpet - Anthony Thompson Mr Siveter Regrets...!

TOTAL TO PAY

(UT) £25.00 (UT) £125.00 (UT) £50.00 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (UT) £15.00 £30.00 (UT) £7.50 (UT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (UT) £15.00 (UT) £7.50 (UT) £15.00

(UT) £25.00 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £25.00 (UT) £25.00 (UP) £7.50 (HT) £15.00 (UT) £25.00

The Mikado IOLANTHE PRINCESS IDA RUDDIGORE

Thur 23 Fri 24

Mon 20 Tue 21 Wed 22

Sun 19

G&S Festival Orchestra (m)

WWOS (e) Ploverleigh (e) Peak Opera (e) National G&S Opera Co. (m) National G&S Opera Co. (e) National G&S Opera Co. (m) National G&S Opera Co. (e) Savoy Co. USA (e) Fraser Valley, Canada (e) Cape Town G&S Society (e) SavoyNet Performing Group (e)

National G&S Opera Co. (e) National G&S Opera Co. (m) National G&S Opera Co. (e) TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER National G&S Opera Co. (m) THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE National G&S Opera Co. (e) UTOPIA Ltd Winchester Operatic Society (e) PATIENCE New London Opera Group (e) The PIRATES OF PENZANCE National G&S Opera Co. (m) RUDDIGORE National G&S Opera Co. (e THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD Bus Pass Opera (e) THE GRAND DUKE Trent Opera (e)

Sun 12 TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER Mon 13 IOLANTHE Tue 14 THE GONDOLIERS Wed 15 RUDDIGORE Thur 16 PATIENCE Fri 17 SULLIVAN OVERTURES HADDON HALL Sat 18 IOLANTHE

Wed 8 Thur 9 Fri 10 Sat 11

HARROGATE ROYAL HALL AUGUST 8 - 27, 2018 m = matinee performance at 2.30 pm e = evening performance at 7.30 pm OTHER PERFORMANCES

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES AND PRICES HIGHLIGHTED IN RED

ROYAL HALL PROGRAMME

£25

Grand Circle & Grand Hall Raised £37.00 £25.00

£25

Front Grand Hall £30.00 £23.00

£25

Dress Circle £25.00 £20.00

£50

Boxes B,C,D,E, G,H,I £85.00 £60.00

£50

£60.00 £46.00

Boxes A&F

Restricted view

Ticket Order TOTAL COST

Joint /Family Members 2 x £1.00 oﬀ per show PLUS 1 FREE Festival Club Ticket for every £50.00 you spend on this form

GRAND TOTAL

MEMBER DISCOUNTS

LESS CONCESSIONS

ROYAL HALL TICKETS

Expiry Date

Card Number

Please debit my: Maestro

Issue Number (Maestro)

Mastercard

£ £ £ £

Last 3 digits on the back of the card

Tickets will go on open sale Monday February 5th 2018

GRAND TOTAL

HARROGATE ROYAL HALL HARROGATE THEATRE & FRINGE BUXTON OPERA HOUSE OTHER

TOTAL VALUE OF ALL TICKETS

Security Number

Visa

EMAIL............................................................................................................

POSTCODE .................................. TEL............................................................

......................................................................................................................

ADDRESS.......................................................................................................

LAST NAME ..................................................................................................

FIRST NAME .................................................................................................

Children under 16 50% discount on all seats Senior Citizens (60+) and Registered disabled £2.00 oﬀ ALL SEATS EXCEPT FOR THE BOXES

ROYAL HALL CONCESSIONS

PLEASE QUOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER HERE

Single Member £1.00 oﬀ per show

Valid on bookings received in Halifax prior to January 4th 2018

G&S MEMBER DISCOUNTS ON ALL TICKETS FOR THE ROYAL HALL

TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER National G&S Opera Co. (m) HMS PINAFORE Charles Court Opera (e) Sun 26 IOLANTHE National G&S Opera Co. (m) RUDDIGORE National G&S Opera Co. (e) Mon 27 RUDDIGORE National G&S Opera Co. (m) THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE National G&S Opera Co. (e)

Sat 25

Ticket Order

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES AND PRICES HIGHLIGHTED IN RED

Restricted BUXTON OPERA HOUSE Mid Stalls Front & Dress JULY 2018 & Upper Rear Stalls View & Upper Circle Circle sides m = matinee performance at 2.30 pm Circle & Gallery £37.00 £30.00 £27.00 e = evening performance at 7.30 pm £18.00 £25.00 £23.00 £12.00 £20.00 OTHER PERFORMANCES Tue 31 THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE National G&S Opera Co. (e) RUDDIGORE Wed 1 National G&S Opera Co. (m) RUDDIGORE National G&S Opera Co. (e) HADDON HALL Thur 2 National G&S Opera Co. (e) THE MIKADO Fri 3 Derby G&S Company (e) TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER Sat 4 National G&S Opera Co. (m) TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER National G&S Opera Co. (e) RUDDIGORE Sun 5 National G&S Opera Co. (m) THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE National G&S Opera Co. (e) CONCESSIONS FOR BUXTON OPERA HOUSE ONLY: Senior Citizens, Registered Disabled, JSA Card holders, Students: £2 oﬀ Front & Rear Stall seats (rows A-B & P-Q.) Children Under 15 - enjoy 50% discounts on ALL seats. You can view the seating plan online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/buxton-opera-house

TOTAL COST

OPERA HOUSE TICKETS LESS CONCESSIONS LESS MEMBER DISCOUNTS GRAND BUXTON TOTAL

BUXTON ACCOMMODATION To secure your booking, please complete the form below and return with a £75.00 per person non-refundable deposit. The balance payment will be due in May 2018. Dates (Arrive - Depart)

Monday 30 July to Friday 3 August (4 nights)

Code

BUX01

OLD HALL

PALACE HOTEL

TWIN DOUBLE SINGLE

I enclose a deposit in the sum of £…………............... (payable to Theatrical Adventures Ltd) or please charge my credit/debit card FIRST NAME ................................................................. LAST NAME ................................................................ ADDRESS ........................................................................................................................................................... POSTCODE .................................. TEL ............................................ EMAIL ....................................................... Please debit my: Maestro

Mastercard

Visa Last 3 digits on the back of the card

Card Number Expiry Date

Issue Number (Maestro)

Security Number

TICKETS WILL GO TO OPEN SALE MONDAY FEBRUARY 5TH 2018 34

BUXTON BOOKINGS SILVER JUBILEE DINNER AND CONCERT Dates

Monday 30 July

VENUE Pavilion Arts Centre

COST PER TICKET £40.00

NO. OF TICKETS

TOTAL

NO. OF TICKETS

TOTAL

VISIT TO AND TOUR OF HADDON HALL Dates

Wed 1 August Wed 1 August

ACTIVITY Haddon Hall Lecture Coach + Entry Fees

COST PER TICKET £7.50 £25.00

MAKE YOUR CHEQUE PAYABLE TO: GILBERT&SULLIVAN FESTIVALS

JOIN OUR FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL FRIENDS BENEFACTOR LIFE MEMBER

Single £35 Single £100 Single £1000

Joint £50 Joint £150 Joint £1500

Family £75 Student £25 PARTNER Single £350 Joint £500 PATRON £1,000 or more: £________

MAKE YOUR CHEQUE PAYABLE TO: International G&S Association

MUSICAL COLLECTABLES ORDER REF

ITEM DESCRIPTION AND COLOUR

DVD FORMAT QUANTITY PAL - UK NTSC - USA

COST

SUB TOTAL UK POSTAGE AND PACKAGING CHARGE - £3.25 OUTSIDE THE UK - £7.25 P&P

MAKE YOUR CHEQUE PAYABLE TO: MUSICAL COLLECTABLES TOTAL Alternatively you can pay for any of the above credit or debit card FIRST NAME ................................................................. LAST NAME ..................................................................... ADDRESS ............................................................................................................................................................... POSTCODE .................................. TEL ............................................ EMAIL ...........................................................

Please debit my: Maestro

Mastercard

Card Number Expiry Date

Visa Last 3 digits on the back of the card

Issue Number (Maestro)

Security Number

Signature ....................................................................................... Date .................................. 35

DELIGHTS OF VIENNA WEEKEND JANUARY 6 - 8 2018 Please make the following bookings on my behalf:

Ticket Order

Full accommodation package (Crown Hotel) Including social programme, meals and tickets: ……………….. Twin/Double Rooms at £270 per person. ……………….. Single Room at £340 each (Incuding single supplement) Saturday January 6th 7:30pm Musical Delights of Vienna Theatre tickets ……………….. £34 each (Grand Hall and Grand Circle) ……………….. £25 each (Dress Circle) (Note: Concessions 60+ £2 oﬀ; Children under 16 half price) Special rates for groups of 10+ Call 01422 323252 for details

Sunday afternoon 2.30pm Ballroom, Crown Hotel ……………….. Tickets £15 each Ross Leadbeater and The Great British Songbook. (No concessions) FIRST NAME ................................................................. LAST NAME ..................................................................... ADDRESS ............................................................................................................................................................... POSTCODE .................................. TEL ............................................ EMAIL ...........................................................

Payment: You can pay by the following methods. 1. By cheque made payable to Theatrical Adventures Ltd 2. By credit/debit card:

Mastercard

Visa

Maestro

Name of Cardholder .................................................................. Signature ........................................... Card Number Security Number …… ..…….…… (Last 3 digits on the back of your card) Expiry Date ..…… ……/……..……

Issue Number

……….….. (Maestro Only)

THEATRICAL ADVENTURE CRUISES I/We are interested in the following Theatrical Adventures. Please send us by return the brochure and itinerary for the following trips: (please tick as appropriate)

Silver Jubilee Danube Cruise Munich - Budapest return

Cruise the Nile Luxor- Aswan return

March 7 - 17, 2018. MS Ariana. Price range £900 to £1750 per person. October 6 - 15, 2018. MS Nile Dolphin. Price £1450 - no single supplment

Please send me full information pack for: Silver Jubilee Danube Cruise Cruise the Nile

(Please ensure you have included your name and address) 36

A TASTE OF

Vienna

It's going to be the New Year Party to beat all New Year Parties. After all it is the start of our Silver Jubilee Year and we need to kick off with a big bang! So mark the dates now - Saturday and Sunday, January 6 and 7th, 2018 We begin by bringing Vienna – the world capital of classical music to Harrogate’s Royal Hall for a New Year Celebration on Saturday January 6th! There will be all the trimmings – Bucks Fizz Reception ; singing from the Gallery; our own augmented National Festival Orchestra on stage; some superb soloists including Nick Sales and James Cleverton from our National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and Sarah Helsby Hughes from Heritage Opera. The conductor is Irish Maestro Aidan Faughey who has a particular affinity with the Viennese repertoire. Festival Director Ian Smith is your host and Master of Ceremonies. A block of accommodation has been reserved at the nearby Crown Hotel which will host a full Sunday programme including a special morning Sullivan presentation; New Year Sunday lunch; and a special Crown Ballroom treat in the afternoon. On Sunday afternoon Ross Leadbeater, a musical director, classical-crossover pianist, singer, vocal coach and presenter who works extensively in theatre, film, television and radio is bringing his award winning “Great British Song Book” to entertain us. The book features many old time favourites. Ross is bringing two nationally known soloists to join him in this fantastic event. He is a regular on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4 and his television appearances include The Royal Variety Show, Classical Brit Awards, Proms in the Park and The One Show. And if you are able to stay for the whole weekend we have more treats in store – a reception and dinner on Sunday evening followed by a semi-staged Pot-Luck HMS Pinafore with Festival favourites taking the principal roles and the chorus – chiefly yourselves.

We are very excited about the weekend and hope to see many of you there! The cost including the entire programme and two nights in the Crown Hotel in twin rooms on a bed and breakfast basis is only £270 per person with a single room supplement of £70

Vienna the birthplace of the waltz and the operetta was home and workplace for more composers and musicians than any other city. Operas, concerts, and theatrical performances have played a major part in Viennese life for centuries, and today the streets resound regularly with the melodies of the Imperial era.

On January 6th you can hear them in Harrogate’s magniﬁcent Royal Hall. BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE OR THEATRE TICKETS ON PAGE 36

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We rely on the generosity of our Friends and supporters to sustain the Festival as well as our other work throughout the year. Eighty-five per cent of our income comes from ticket sales. Whilst this is an amazing achievement in itself it also poses an amazing risk. Four years ago our move to Harrogate saw our ticket sales drop quite significantly. Whilst not a surprise – it took us nearly ten years to really establish ourselves in Buxton – it meant we had to make up the difference from other sources which have now run out! This means that in the future to meet these costs, we are largely reliant on those individuals who choose to support our work and underpin the Festival’s continuing development. Please help us keep this wonderful Festival going and join our fantastic family of supporters. You can join on page 35 or online at www.gsfestivals.org with the following benefits:

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All Friends together. Rehearsing “The Mikado” on our Theatrical Adventure up the Danube! 38

www.gsfestivals.org janet@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

WELCOME BACK!

James Hendry Conductor/Repetiteur “I am having a wonderful time at the Royal Opera House, it is truly an incredible and inspiring place to work and learn about opera. I have have had the pleasure of working with Sir Antonio Pappano on many projects but I would have to say that my highlights have been Madama Butterﬂy and La Boheme both of which are by my favourite composer Giacomo Puccini. “Other highlights include conducting my own concerts and operas with the young artists and the South Bank Sinfonia, and also getting to conduct the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House which was a great honour! “After two incredible seasons with the Royal Opera (and hopefully many more to come) I am extremely excited to be coming back to where I learnt my craft, conducting some wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. It will be a fantastic way to both ﬁnish my time on the young artists programme but also to start the next chapter in my career!”

Tony Finnegan Adjudicator Tony, is lucky enough to be able to split his time between acting and directing in equal measure. In 2014 Tony was the creative director for two “TV Specials” ﬁlmed by the BBC for PBS America. One of them won 4 Emmy’s in the USA in 2015. He is co-director of Festival Productions which produces quality musicals in the National Concert Hall, Dublin and the newly appointed Wexford Opera House. Tony is considered Ireland’s foremost director in working with children. For the last 4 years, he has been the director of the Grand Opera House’s Summer Project. This year he directed Oliver! for the opera house; and had the usual 240 kids in the show! He has adjudicated the Waterford International Festival and the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. In 2013 he returned to the Festival in Buxton performing in The Mikado (Pooh Bah) for Lyric Opera Productions, Dublin. Tony has been associated with winning the G&S Festival four years in a row – performing in all four winning shows and co-producing the 3 Festival Productions, and directing the winning Pirates of Penzance for New Lyric Opera Company in the 4th year.

WELCOME BACK! 39

IT’S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO BRING A GROUP TO THE FESTIVAL! TWENTY DAYS, TWENTY-NINE ROYAL HALL PERFORMANCES, FOURTEEN PERFORMING COMPANIES, OUR OWN NATIONAL G&S FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA, FABULOUS COSTUMES, A JAM-PACKED FRINGE PROGRAMME, ALL IN THE MAGNIFICENT SURROUNDINGS OF HARROGATE’S OPULENT ROYAL HALL. WE OFFER A FIRST RATE CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH EXCELLENT DISCOUNTS AND EASY CANCELLATION AND PAYMENT OPTIONS AND BECAUSE WE NOW OPERATE OUR OWN, INDEPENDENT BOX OFFICE IT MAKES THE WHOLE PROCESS EVEN MORE EFFICIENT. “Our customers found the festival very well organised, providing first class entertainment and an unforgettable evening along with the fabulous surrounds of Harrogate. Many expressed interest in returning and we are delighted to feature the festival again for 2018”. - Grand UK Holidays The Festival offers a great day or evening out for your group, or why not come and spend a few days in Harrogate and see the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside and some of our local stately homes and gardens? Enjoy excellent discounts with the best seats in the house too! Just let us know if you would like us to help you with accommodation and any sightseeing tours. We can hold seats for you until an agreed date without any deposit or cancellation penalty. And remember, we are here to help you fill your bus in any way we can. If you would like us to help promote your trip we are happy to include details in our e-newsletters and on our website. To make your group booking, email janet@gsfestivals.org or call Janet Smith on 01422 323252.

GROUP DISCOUNTS GROUPS BETWEEN 10 AND 29 PEOPLE ENJOY A DISCOUNT OF 10% OFF THE TICKET PRICE AND GROUPS OF 30+ RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT. THE SENIOR CONCESSIONS OF £2 OFF ANY SEATS ALSO APPLIES.

G&S2018

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Wednesday

August 08 7:30pm

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

THE MIKADO

WWOS

Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

It is one of only two “Mikados" in this year's international competition – and this one is presented by WWOS (formerly West Wycombe Operatic Society) making their sixth appearance at the Festival. They were international champions in 2014 and runners-up in both 2013 and 2015. It promises to be an exciting, opening evening to this year's Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Thursday

August 09 10:30am

Meet our Adjudicator!

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Tony Finnegan's reputation goes before him. He has an outstanding knowledge of theatre as an actor, director and adjudicator. What he doesn't know isn't worth knowing! He is in our “In Conversation" session this morning.

1.00pm 2.30pm

Lunchtime Entertainment THE GONDOLIERS

Utopia Pavilion FREE

Putteridge Bury G&S Society Harrogate Theatre £15.00

Putteridge Bury Gilbert & Sullivan Society, or PBGS for short, was founded in 1971 performing musicals and operetta as well as their staple Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, and giving concerts both to raise much needed Society funds and for charity. This will be their fifth visit to the Festival and they are sure to get our matinee programme off to a flying start.

7:30pm IOLANTHE Ploverleigh Savoy Players Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00 Ploverleigh are a relatively new G&S group. Their name associates itself with their ﬁrst production of “The Sorcerer” which was set in the village of Ploverleigh. It literally swept the board of awards at the 2016 Festival. Last year they were ﬁrst runners-up with Ruddigore. You can be sure that their director Shane Collins will be looking to go one better this year!

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 41

Friday August 10

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am Introduction to Ruddigore, Trial and The Sorcerer Utopia Theatre £7.50 Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society is one of the world's leading experts on Sullivan's music and the G&S repertoire. He is our ideal commentator on the history and background of the operas and this morning he will take a close look at Ruddigore, Trial by Jury and The Sorcerer which are the ﬁrst three productions of our National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Opera North Youth Group Harrogate Theatre £15.00 We are delighted to welcome Marie Lemaire who is Opera North’s - Youth Ensemble Manager and who will introduce a special performance of her youth group’s production of The Pirates of Penzance directed by John Savournin. John of course has been involved with the Festival from the start. Marie will give a brief introduction to the very impressive educational projects undertaken by Opera North.

7:30pm PRINCESS IDA

Peak Opera

£20.00 - £30.00

Peak Opera was founded in 2005 especially to perform at our Festival in Buxton – hence the name "Peak" Opera! Over the years they have gone from strength to strength bringing performers from a wide variety of sources. They were runners-up in 2014 and 2016 and we are certainly looking forward to this year's production of the magical "Princess Ida."

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 42

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Saturday August 11

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:00am Sailing to Skipton! (back in Harrogate by 5pm)

£30.00

Join our sightseeing trip to Skipton, a historical market town on the fringe of the Yorkshire Dales, voted the UK’s best small town market in 2017. It also boasts an award winning High Street, which is a shopper's delight. With an array of restaurants, pubs and cafes, Skipton caters for all taste. You have time to browse, shop and eat before joining our 60-minute private cruise up the picturesque Leeds/Liverpool canal. Skipton was voted the happiest place to live in UK. Come and see for yourself. Back to Harrogate in time for a meal and the evening show.

10:30am The Yeomen of the Guard - Film

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Were you there? The ﬁrst ever pro-am production at the 1994 Festival. It starred so many D’Oyly Carte favourites – Kenneth Sandford, Patricia Leonard, John Ayldon, Geoﬀrey Shovelton, and Alistair Donkin supported by an amateur cast. This morning we are taking a nostalgic look back at this outstanding production conducted by David Steadman.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment 2.30pm THE GONDOLIERS

Utopia Pavilion FREE

Royal Holloway University Harrogate Theatre £15.00

UNIFest has become an important component of our Festival. It features Gilbert and Sullivan groups from universities who compete for a range of awards. We are delighted to welcome the Savoy Opera Society from Royal Holloway University, London. This will be their ﬁrst visit to Harrogate

2.30pm and 7.30pm RUDDIGORE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 There is no doubt that the critics choice for best show at this year's Festival went to the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and its production of "Princess Ida." It certainly had the "wow" factor and we are delighted that the same production team of Vivian Coates and Mary MacDonagh are returning with a brand-new look at Ruddigore. The opera is a parody of the stock melodrama — the villain who carries oﬀ the maiden; poor-but-virtuous-heroine; the hero in disguise, and his faithful old retainer who dreams of their former glory days; ghosts coming to life to enforce a curse. Don’t miss what is sure to be a memorable production!

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 43

Sunday August 12

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am Love, looks and laughter as G&S take on ageing.

Utopia Theatre £7.50

The next time an actor complains that there are no roles for older performers, refer them to G&S. In this unique review of the canon as it treats men and women of a certain age, you will get insights on how the Victorians viewed ageing, Gilbert's betrayal of the ﬁerce older woman who unaccountably gets the man, and the older man depicted as formidable and wise. But G&S also displays a fair mix of the pain of physical decline, ridicule and uselessness of the old by the young, and the pathos of love in old age. Adriane Berg, an Emmy award-winning broadcaster and host of the American radio show Generation Bold, the Fountain of Truth about ageing, discusses the topic with videos of some of the most beautiful and comical songs to illustrate the enduring issues of ageing as presented by Gilbert and Sullivan.

1.00pm

Lunchtime Entertainment

2.30pm Mad Margaret’s Minstrels: The Curse Re-Visited

Utopia Pavilion FREE Harrogate Theatre £15.00

Mad Margaret’s Minstrels will be back in Harrogate next summer. Following their hilarious “Harrogate or Bust” from 2016 the author, Margaret Amey has come up with a sequel. The Curse Revisited, tells how the company fulﬁlled their dream and attended The G&S Festival in Harrogate. The sequel is a show that extends and indeed magniﬁes the satirical plots and wonderful songs of the G&S operettas. Margaret tells us she is well on the way to production and that it will “equal or indeed even better Harrogate or Bust!”

2.30pm and 7.30pm TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company return with a great double bill. John Savournin fresh from his various triumphs with Opera North and his own Charles Court Opera Company takes a new look at "The Sorcerer." After the early and resounding success of their one-act opera Trial By Jury in 1875, Gilbert and Sullivan, and their producer Richard D'Oyly Carte, decided to produce a full-length work - The Sorcerer. Gilbert expanded on one of his earlier writings based on a favourite operatic theme to create a plot about a magic love potion that would result in everyone falling in love with the wrong partner. Festival Director Ian Smith will direct a totally traditional “Trial by Jury.”

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 44

Monday August 13

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am Planning the trip of lifetime - Vancouver to Harrogate Utopia Theatre

£7.50

“Our ﬂights and accommodation are all booked. We arrive Friday, August 10th into Manchester Airport at 11:30 am on Air Transat and depart on the morning of Friday, August 17th. So far there will be approximately 70 of us traveling together with an additional 10 or so who will meet us in Harrogate.” This was part of our latest email from Margaret Kennedy who is co-ordinating a 15,000 km round trip journey for her Fraser Valley G&S group. This morning she tells the story of planning this adventure.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm IOLANTHE

Cambridge University

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

Another welcome return to our UNIFest competition. Cambridge University have always been ﬁrm favourites with Festival audiences and we are delighted to welcome them back with their production of "Iolanthe." The Society exists to put on as many as ﬁve high quality productions of (mostly) the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan, and to provide an opportunity for lovers of singing, dancing, acting and terrible puns to meet and socialise!

7:30pm IOLANTHE

Savoy Company USA Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

“I’m pleased to advise that the board of the Savoy Company, Philadelphia met this evening, and voted unanimously to send a Savoy troupe to the 2018 Festival. We’ll be bringing Iolanthe.” This was the message we received a couple of weeks ago. The Savoy are America’s oldest performing G&S group. They were the ﬁrst overseas society to perform at the ﬁrst Festival in 1994 – and it is indeed a great pleasure to welcome them back.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 45

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Tuesday August 14

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am “Life’s a Pudding full of plums!”

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Ian Smith, Festival Founder, Chairman and Artistic Director has, or is about to, launch a light-hearted look back on a fairly unusual life! Blown up in Paris. Escaped San Francisco's biggest earthquake. Mugged in Brussels. Working with Princess Grace in Monaco and a day away from meeting President Gorbachev in Russia. This morning he is telling his story.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm THE MIKADO

York University

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

It is really good to see cooperation between University groups and local amateur societies. After all it is the university students who will ultimately carry the torch for G&S in the future. York University do exactly that – cooperate with the local York amateur society. York are regular performers in UNIFest. You could say they were a little bit like the Duke of Plaza Toro. They do not follow fashion they lead it! This afternoon they have promised us a non-traditional Mikado. Don’t miss it!

7:30pm THE GONDOLIERS

Fraser Valley G&S Society, Canada Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

Imagine making a 15,000 km round trip for one presentation of “The Gondoliers” at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. After two years of planning, 70 members and friends of the Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be spending a week in Harrogate at next year's event. This will be their third visit to perform at the Festival. The Society has spent the last 30-plus years bringing musical theatre to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The G&S, as the society has become known, is a stalwart of high quality amateur theatre. The productions, whether light opera, English pantomime or Broadway musical, are hilarious, fast-paced fun.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 46

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Wednesday

August 15

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am More Revelations from Roberta Morrell

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Roberta is a highly respected ﬁgure in the global G&S community, and was recently appointed the honorary president of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan society. Ex-D'Oyly Carte, director, author – in fact it is more than likely that anything relating to Gilbert and Sullivan has at one stage or another been tackled by Roberta. She will be telling more of her life and experience with the D'Oyly Carte.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm A Thespis Workshop

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

This is probably the nearest that the Festival will get to including the entire G&S canon in one single event. And it was so close to a performance! Enthusiasts from around the Delaware Valley, USA struggled valiantly to come together with a coordinated performance of Thespis by Gilbert and Montgomery. Monty was a very prominent musical aﬁcionado in this region. They didn't quite make it but many of them will be in Harrogate for an illustrated workshop, with music, demonstrating Monty's "feel" for what we had lost in Sullivan's music.

7:30pm RUDDIGORE

Cape Town G&S Society, South Africa Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

The Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society, South Africa serves the community theatre of Cape Town by staging both Gilbert and Sullivan operas and West End Broadway musicals to critical acclaim, both in Cape Town and overseas, providing opportunities for young performers, singers, dancers and technical crew to develop and hone their skills in a high performance environment. Founded in 1947 this will be their ﬁfth visit to the Festival. We are delighted to welcome them back with what is sure to be a special production of "Ruddigore."

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 47

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Thursday August 16

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am The History of Haddon Hall

Utopia Theatre £7.50

The preparation of the ﬁrst Pro-Am production of Haddon Hall in more than a hundred years deserves special recognition. This morning it gets it. Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society paints a historical background and Martin Yates, the Chairman of the Society, discusses the music and the score of the piece which certainly has deserved much more attention.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm LOpSoc Present ....

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

This afternoon we welcome back LOpSoc, the award-winning University of Southampton Light Opera Society. LOpSoc are the current UNIFEst champions and brought an outstanding production of The Mikado at the 2017 Festival. They have not ﬁnalised their production for 2018 but it will be a cracker! LOpSoc have the reputation of a friendly group with a strong community of members who all share a great enthusiasm for their work. They put on at least two shows and a tour each academic year and also have regular socials, and workshops for members and recitals within the society. The chorus is not auditioned. Everyone is welcome to join. Members also have the opportunity to audition for lead roles, be part of production teams, join the orchestra and much more!

7:30pm PATIENCE

SavoyNet Performing Group Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

SavoyNet Performing Group have presented a full length show at the Festival every year since 1999 and rehearse in Harrogate for a full week prior to their single performance. In 2014 SavoyNet completed the full 14 opera canon with a production of Thespis – the only group to have done so at the Festival. This year's cast is expected to ﬂy in to the UK from all around the world for their annual reunion and a production of Patience.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 48

Friday August 17

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am The Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan

Utopia Theatre £25.00

This morning we are looking at the Life and Times of Gilbert and Sullivan – the reality of Victorian theatre, early costumes, scenic design and how Gilbert directed and introduced the dance to the Savoy operas. See Page 16.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm Keep the Home Fires Burning

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

This salute to the music of the World War 1 era is being produced by New Yorkers Carol Davis and Richard Holmes. Featuring well-known baritone Mr Holmes and other wonderful singers, this is a nostalgic, humorous and aﬀecting look at the music of 100 years ago.

2.30pm SULLIVAN OVERTURES The Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan

Royal Hall £25.00

The National Gilbert and Sullivan Festival Orchestra has been described as the world's ﬁnest specialist G&S "band." This afternoon from the stage of the Royal Hall they will play all 13 G&S overtures and more - music for every occasion. We are delighted to welcome James Hendry back to conduct this special event. Dr David Russell Hulme, Director of Music at Aberystwyth University is known for his research and publications on the music of Arthur Sullivan. He is a particular expert on these overtures and will host and introduce the programme.

7.30pm HADDON HALL National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 Sarah Helsby-Hughes of Heritage Opera directs her first National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company production of Haddon Hall. It is probably the first professional/amateur cast since it since it was first produced in 1892. Haddon Hall is a dramatisation of a nineteenth century legend: Dorothy Vernon's elopement in 1563 with John Manners, son of Thomas Manners, 1st Earl of Rutland. For the opera, Grundy moved the story forward to about 1660, adding the conflict between the Royalists and the Roundheads as a backdrop to the plot.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 49

Saturday August 18

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10.00am - 5.00pm MEMORABILIA FAIR

Utopia Pavilion

10:30am Introduction to The Pirates of Penzance

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society is one of the world's leading experts on Sullivan's music and the G&S repertoire. He is our ideal commentator on the history and background of the operas and this morning he will take a close look at The Pirates of Penzance.

10:30am The Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan

Utopia Theatre £25.00

“In this college useful knowledge...” Our topic this morning covers a range of speakers looking at Gilbert and Sullivan’s contribution to education – early children’s productions; a look at the G&S scene in Universities and Colleges and what G&S has meant to the actor growing up. See page 16.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm The Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan

Utopia Theatre £25.00

“If you give me your attention...” This afternoon we take a close look at Gilbert; Law in the Savoy Operas, the art of traditionalist innovation, Gilbert as an Absurdist” are just three of the topics we will be examining. See page 16.

2.30pm THE SORCERER

Youth Production

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

Always a highlight of the Fesival is our annual youth production. Children aged between 9 and 19 travel from home and overseas for a week of intensive rehearsals with a professional director and conductor. The fruits of their labour – an outstanding new production. This year it is “The Sorcerer”, directed once again by Sarah Helsby Hughes. Don’t miss it!

2.30pm and 7.30pm IOLANTHE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 Cav Vivian Coates (Director) and Mary MacDonagh (Choreographer) scored a massive success in August with two outstanding productions – Ida and Pirates. This year we are delighted to welcome them back with a brand new Iolanthe For Richard Gauntlett (Lord Chancellor) it is a special show and means he has now performed all the “patter” parts of the G&S canon.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 50

Sunday August 19

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am Morning Church Service

St. Peter’s Parish Church

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2:00pm The Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan

Utopia Theatre £25.00

“Seated one day at the organ...” A full afternoon programme takes a look at Sir Arthur and the great Leeds conspiracy; Sir Arthur and Mrs. Reynolds; Arthur Sullivan and the early years of recorded sound; and his visits to Pontresina. We also look at Sullivan’s operas after his break with Gilbert; and the echoes of our Festival on the future of G&S. See page 16

2.30pm TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 What a magical musical double bill. Gilbert and Sullivan’s ﬁrst collaboration “Trial by Jury” followed by a magical Sorcerer with the National Gilbert and Sullivan Festival Orchestra and a superb cast. Don’t miss it!

7.30pm THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 And to complete a great day at the Festival enjoy a new look at arguably the best known of all the operas, The Pirates of Penzance, directed by and starring Richard Gauntlett.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 51

Monday August 20

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am (Full Day) Academic symposium

Utopia Theatre £50.00

This is a new addition to the Magic of G&S. Everyone is welcome but it will be contain heavier academic content. Over the course of the full day event, speakers will include Meinhard Saremba, from Germany, discussing “a genuine English Ring – legend, icons and history in Sullivan’s stage works.” English Prof. Clive Woods, now living and working in the USA looks at realizing the Savoy piano reductions from a performer’s perspective; Mark Shepherd discusses his Gilbert and Sullivan Variorium and Ian Bradley “Takes Life as it comes”, examines Gilbert and Sullivan’s philosophy of life. See page 16

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Newcastle University

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

Founded in 1952, they are one of the oldest societies and the longest continuously running society in the University. They put on two shows a year, a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta in February and a smaller show in the summer. In February they are performing 'The Pirates of Penzance', in Newcastle, the show they will bring to UNIFest in August. There are no auditions for the chorus and students do not need to have any experience to join in the fun of this talented and enthusiastic group

7:30pm UTOPIA LTD

Winchester Operatic Society Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

Remember the hilarious and very clever Festival productions by Pocket G&S? Many of the performers will be back this year with Winchester Operatic and a full scale production of Utopia Ltd. Winchester have always had a very good reputation (Sir Malcolm Sergeant was an ex-MD). Their show will feature leading G&S enthusiasts from the Southampton area including many of the Pocket group. Sounds like a good Silver Jubilee night out!

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 52

Tuesday August 21

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am The Pleasures and Pitfalls of annotative G&S

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Ian Bradley reﬂects on 35 years spent annotating the Savoy operas with anecdotes and stories galore and examples of interesting and unusual discoveries.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm IOLANTHE

Birmingham University

Harrogate Theatre £15.00

They are known as the University of Birmingham's award-winning comic opera society, always on the lookout for enthusiastic singers. So, whether you are a seasoned performer, or you've never been on stage before, there will be a place for you in one of their shows. Alongside two fully staged productions each year, the group enjoy various concerts, socials and charity fundraisers. Every summer they come to the Festival in Harrogate, where they have won awards including Best Female and Male Performers, Best Character Actress, Best International Chorus and the Adjudicators Award - ''G&S Camp has become a highly anticipated event for members,” they write.

7:30pm PATIENCE

New London Opera Group Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

A runner-up in this year’s Festival with an outstanding "Yeomen of the Guard” we are delighted to welcome the new London Opera Group back to Harrogate with their "Patience." Founded in 2003 by members of the disbanded University of London Opera Group, newLOG enjoy a busy annual programme including visits to their second home at the Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre in Lincolnshire.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 53

Wednesday

August 22

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am On stage with the Met Opera, New York and G&S

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Richard Holmes has lived a legendary life at the Metropolitan Opera: More than 9000 appearances, acting, speaking, singing, but before he began his astonishing 53 year career at the Met, he fell in love with Gilbert and Sullivan at the age of 6, knowing every word of Iolanthe by the time he saw it. While becoming friends with opera legend Dame Joan Sutherland and getting a kiss from Birgit Nilsson on his ﬁrst night at the Met, he has performed 27 roles in the Savoy canon including his home company for 37 seasons, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. Richard will take you on a backstage tour of his life. An event full of laughter and legends!

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm TRIAL BY JURY & HMS PINAFORE

Kings College London Harrogate Theatre £15.00

Kings College London G&S Society are celebrating their 30th birthday this year – and they plan to do it in style! The season will include a fully-staged version of Iolanthe at the end of February in the Greenwood Theatre – KCL’s very own Oﬀ-West-End theatre venue, as well as a concert in Term 1 to give everyone the chance to perform! Then into rehearsals for their visit to UNIFest with a double bill of Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore.

2.30pm THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 We oﬀer a great Festival matinee where you can enjoy a new look at arguably the best known of all the operas, The Pirates of Penzance, directed by and starring Richard Gauntlett.

7.30pm RUDDIGORE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 Time to go to the Utopia Pavilion for high tea and then back to the Royal Hall for tonight’s performance of Ruddigore featuring a super strong cast directed by Vivian Coates, choreographed by Mary MacDonagh and conducted by James Hendry.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 54

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Thursday August 23

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am The Carpet Quarrel

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Christopher Cann combines his duties at the Royal Opera House with his love of Gilbert and Sullivan. He was the founding artistic director of the New London Opera Group (NewLOG) who return to the Festival this year with a performance of “Patience.” This morning he will present “A Beginners Guide to the Carpet Quarrel”

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

2.30pm PRINCESS IDA

Utopia Pavilion FREE

Grosvenor Light Opera Company Harrogate Theatre £15.00

We are delighted to welcome back to the Festival GLOC (Grosvenor Light Opera Company) a nonproﬁt community theatre organization in London, established in 1949 to study and perform the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. It is the only amateur operatic society both to rehearse and perform in Central London and as a result attracts a membership largely of young professionals who work in the centre of town, together with some students attending one of London's universities and colleges. They will present a full matinee performance of Princess Ida.

7:30pm THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

Bus Pass Opera Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

Established exclusively for the over 60s this will be Bus Pass Opera's ﬁfth production and there is no doubt their audience support grows year by year. The performers themselves boast an amazing pedigree of experience in performing Gilbert and Sullivan and they certainly demonstrate that age is no barrier to the clear delivery of Gilbert's words and articulation of Sullivan's music. A show to look forward to.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 55

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Friday August 24

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am The History of Trumpet

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Anthony Thompson has been a member of the Festival Orchestra for over a decade as principal trumpet. Away from the theatre Anthony is an active member of his local Salvation Army and today he will be giving us an illustrated talk on the history of the trumpet from the time of the bible to modern day. He will play various incarnations of the instrument including a 19th century cornet that would have been the type used by Sullivan.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm Mr. Siveter Regrets...

Utopia Theatre £15.00

Matthew Siveter has been delighting audiences with his unique brand of comedy and musical delights around the country, and his new show “Mr. Siveter Regrets...” promises to be equally as zany as the rest.

7:30pm THE GRAND DUKE

Trent Opera Royal Hall £20.00 - £30.00

Trent Opera bring this year's international competition to a close with The Grand Duke – the ﬁnal collaboration of Gilbert and Sullivan. Previous international winners Trent are certain to want to send their audience away with happy memories of their evening at the Royal Hall. Directed and conducted by Andrew Nicklin you can be sure of a special night out.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 56

DAY TO DAY GUIDE

Saturday August 25

www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:00am visit to Richmond and its famous Georgian theatre

SEE PAGE 20

10:30am From Candles to Computers

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Ken Robertson Scott was employed by the original D'Oyly Carte Opera Company prior to establishing a successful career in television with the BBC. His presentation shows how the D'Oyly Carte moved from candles to computers as they moved from theatre to theatre.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm Taverners Theatre

Utopia Theatre £15.00

Taverners Theatre, a new amateur operetta society founded in August of this year, are bringing their ﬁrst production to the Festival so that they can share it with a wider audience. The show is Ages Ago, by W. S. Gilbert and Frederic Clay. As opposed to the traditional casting of this show, in which each actor plays two of the ﬁve roles, Taverners have put together a revival featuring ten experienced G&S performers aged between 20 and 30, all of whom are based in and around Hull.

2.30pm TRIAL BY JURY & THE SORCERER National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 It's the start of Bank Holiday weekend and your last opportunity to see all the Opera Company 2018 season productions. We begin with Ian Smith's "Trial by Jury” followed by an exciting "Sorcerer” produced by John Savournin.

7:30pm HMS PINAFORE

Charles Court Opera Royal Hall £24.00 - £44.00

Charles Court Opera have been described as one of the leading and most versatile chamber opera and music theatre companies in the UK. Founded by John Savournin 13 years ago we look forward to their annual appearance at our Festival as do their growing number of admirers.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 57

Sunday August 26

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am Taking a Closer look at Iolanthe

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society Stephen Turnbull, returns with some fascinating insights into this afternoon's National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company performance of Iolanthe

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm THE LEARNED JUDGEMENT - a new and original play

Utopia Theatre £15.00

This afternoon we have something rather special. An Entirely New and Original Play in One Act entitled, 3THE LEARNED JUDGEMENT or Gone Abroad! It has been written by Canadian G&S enthusiast Ronald Orenstein and features some well known G&S characters including Sir Despard Murgatroyd, Minister of Education; Phyllis, a ward of court, aged eight; Aline, Bailey Barre, law clerk to the Lord Chancellor and many other. Festival performers will present a staged reading and we will complete the afternoon with some of Gilbert’s Bab Ballads.

2.30pm IOLANTHE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 Cav Vivian Coates (Director) and Mary MacDonagh (Choreographer) scored a massive success in August with two outstanding productions – Ida and Pirates. This year we are delighted to welcome them back with a brand new Iolanthe. For Richard Gauntlett (Lord Chancellor) it is a special show and means he has now performed all the “patter” parts of the G&S canon.

7.30pm RUDDIGORE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 Vivian Coates’ dramatic production of Ruddigore returns to the Royal Hall this evening. Great music. Great cast and great atmosphere for a show that is enjoying increasing popularity wherever it plays.

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 58

Monday August 27

DAY TO DAY GUIDE www.gsfestivals.org info@gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252

10:30am The Echoes of our Festival

Utopia Theatre £7.50

Ian Smith the Festival Founder and Artistic Director plans to launch his new book featuring a lifetime of Gilbert and Sullivan and in particular 25 years of the Festival. For all the ups and downs he believes that "the echoes of our Festival shall rise triumphant overall." A ﬁtting climax to our Silver Jubilee celebrations.

1.00pm Lunchtime Entertainment

Utopia Pavilion FREE

2.30pm Our Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Concert

Utopia Theatre £15.00

During the lifetime of the Festival we really have “sailed the ocean blue” taking G&S to San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Gettysburg, Lanzarote, Eastbourne, Buxton and Harrogate. Our ﬁnal concert in 2018 features G&S highlights and memories of 25 happy years.

2.30pm RUDDIGORE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 Vivian Coates’ dramatic production of Ruddigore returns to the Royal Hall this evening. Great music. Great cast and great atmosphere for a show that is enjoying increasing popularity wherever it plays.

7.30pm THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Royal Hall £25.00 - £42.50 Hold tight for an evening full of good humour and laughter as we set sail with Richard Gauntlett's saucy "Pirates of Penzance." Richard not only directs but stars as the dotty Major General with a handful of beautiful daughters captured and captivated by some handsome pirates who end up ﬁghting the British Constabulary!

10:00pm Late night Festival Club and Cabaret Utopia Pavilion £3.00 59

JOIN US ON AN UNFORGETTABLE

UP THE NILE OCTOBER 6 - 15 2018 Imagine… Eight days sailing up the world's longest River and exploring where one of the world's oldest civilisations began. Imagine two additional nights relaxing in a five star luxury hotel. Imagine 10 days of guaranteed warmth and sunshine. Imagine sharing this with G&S and music enthusiasts on your own exclusive five star boat! Well you can! Theatrical Adventures are chartering a fantastic five star deluxe river cruiser to take us from Luxor to Aswan and back. Join fellow G&S and operetta enthusiasts on a never to be forgotten holiday. And if you want to do your own special add on to Cairo we can arrange it before or after the cruise.. This holiday is fully ATOL protected and we can organise the best flights for guests travelling from the United Kingdom including home to airport pickup to save you more hassle. The cost is significantly cheaper than our european river cruises and if you pay your deposit by December 15 you will enjoy an amazing £100 discount per twin cabin And we are offering 30 single cabins with no supplement.

ITINERARY Saturday October 6 - Arrive Luxor and enjoy a relaxing 48 hours in the Steigenberger 5* Nile Palace hotel, joining our 5* deluxe boat on Monday afternoon October 8. Tuesday After breakfast we visit the East Bank of Luxor and walk among the colossal temple of Amun Ra and the Avenue of the sphinxes between the Karnak and Luxor temples - an experience you will never forget. Back on board for lunch and we then sail to Edfu. Wednesday Discover the huge temple dedicated to the God Horus. We travel by horse carriage with your guide and visit the colourful local bazaars. Lunch on board. Sail on to Kom Ombo. Thursday We arrive in Aswan with offshore visits to the gigantic high dam, the unfinished obelisque and the splendid Philae Temple of Isis the mother goddess Friday Enjoy a free day at leisure with an optional trip to Abu Simbel. In the afternoon you will discover more beauty of the Nile by felucca boat and visit the botanical gardens – a paradise of shady trees, beautiful flowers hosting colourful exotic birds on Kitchener island. Saturday In the early morning we sail back to Kom Ombo where you will visit the unusual double deck temple dedicated to the Crocodile Gods Sobek and the God Haroeris. Sunday After breakfast it is time to focus on the West Bank of Luxor and explore the great valleys of the Kings and Queens where generations of Pharaohs and nobles were buried in crypts cut into the cliffs and guarded by the two huge Colossi of Memnon. Monday Checkout after breakfast and then at leisure in Luxor prior to transferring to the airport.

THE COSTS Including 2 nights in the Nile Palace Hotel in Luxor, our charter for seven nights on a full board basis; all sightseeing throughout the cruise; transfers from Luxor airport and back in an air-conditioned bus; horse carriage ride for the visit to Edfu temple; private Egyptologist tour guide throughout; all meet and assist at airports. And if you book and pay your deposit by December 15 you enjoy £100 per twin cabin discount.

The cost per person, £1450 each – with no single supplement on the ﬁrst 30 cabins booked. You will love it! 61

Gifts for Christmas! THE MIKADO HMS PINAFORE PRINCESS IDA THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS ABBOTS LANGLEY G&S SOCIETY THE GONDOLIERS FIRST RUNNERS UP PLOVERLEIGH SAVOY PLAYERS RUDDIGORE

SECOND RUNNERS UP NEW LONDON OPERA GROUP THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

SPECIAL National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company Boxed sets are available for Christmas. Buy all four 2017 Opera Company productions – The Mikado; HMS Pinafore; Princess Ida and The Pirates of Penzance for just £60. Save almost £20 Order Ref: BSOC/17

THE WINNERS – 2017 Buy the boxed set of the three 2017 winners for just £39.99 – save £15 International Champions, Abbots Langley G&S Society with their performance of The Gondoliers; runners-up Ploverleigh Savoy Players with Ruddigore and in third place, New London Opera Group with The Yeomen of the Guard All the 2017 productions are available to buy online at www.gsfestivals.org or by phone: 01422 323252. Order Ref: BSWS/17 GILBERT & SULLIVAN FESTIVAL 2018 CALENDAR ONLY £5 IF YOU SPEND £60 OR MORE IN ONE TRANSACTION! Celebrate 25 years of the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival with our anniversary 2018 calendar. Chart the history of this remarkable Festival with delightful memories of 25 fun-ﬁlled years. Size: A4 £8.99 (or £5 if you spend £60 or more in one transaction) Order Number: CAL18/001 62

CHRISTMAS CARDS – SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER Pack of 6 Christmas cards with envelopes, designed exclusively for Musical Collectables Size: A5 Message: “Seasons Greetings” £4.99 Order Ref: BAU/XC17

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S CHRISTMAS compiled by John van der Kiste The perfect Christmas gift. A charming selection of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Christmas creations – from Gilbert’s articles and stories to carols and seasonal songs which Sullivan set to music. Writings from some of their associates and contemporaries are also included. Order No: BKGSX/17 Was £9.99 now only £6.99 (limited stocks!)

John Reed, A Pictorial Biography Ian G Smith SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER – HALF PRICE WHILE STOCKS LAST! This delightful book traces the three stages of John Reed’s life – the pre-D’Oyly Carte Years; D’Oyly Carte Years and Post D’Oyly Carte . The story is as told to the author Ian Smith and includes notes from John and his partner Nicki along with some fascinating interviews which were given over the last 30 years. Softback : £4 Order ref: BKJR/SB Hardback: £6 Order ref: BKJR/HB

ORDER NOW ON PAGE 35 63

2018 is our Silver Jubilee anniversary and to celebrate we are planning an exclusive and special magical river cruise full of the sounds of music, joy and laughter. The music is from opera, operetta, musical theatre and of course our own Gilbert and Sullivan. We will be on board the wonderful MS Ariana cruising from Passau on the German Austrian border. This will be our best cruise to date. Entertainment from such celebrities as Nick Sales, Sarah Helsby Hughes, Ross Leadbeater, Ian Bradley and the very exciting American director and performer Gary Slavin of Blue Hill and SavoyNet fame. There will be “fun” keep ﬁt sessions and a party night when any of our guests can present their party pieces. But of course in addition we have the holiday itself beginning and ending in Munich – the exciting capital of Bavaria. One night’s accommodation is included as well as a sightseeing tour of some of its more famous landmarks. We transfer to Passau where the Ariana awaits. Seven glorious days along the Danube. All meals (including wine, beer or soft drinks) are included as well as tips to the crew. We visit the amazing Benedictine monastery at Melk; Esztergom the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church and on to the fantastic city of Budapest with full sightseeing tour included and a ticket to the famous Budapest Operetta Theatre. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia is on our itinerary. This charming old town is well worth a gentle stroll. Then on to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Its legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Our sightseeing tour takes in the many wonderful city highlights. And we have not ﬁnished yet. We visit Linz and have the opportunity of an optional half day visit to the storybook city of Salzburg with its UNESCO listed Alstadt and its mosaic of graceful domes and spires. Then back to the Ariana. It’s Gala Night and our own performance of Patience. Next day we are back by coach to Munich. A silver jubilee Theatrical Adventure worthy of the celebration.

Book your cabin and pay your deposit by December 15th and we will oﬀer you a £100 discount per twin cabin. (Sorry we can’t include single cabins in this oﬀer) The full costs are: Twin cabin (top deck) £1,750 per person; middle deck £1,650 per person. Single cabin lower deck £900; middle deck £1,650 BOOK YOUR CABIN NOW ON PAGE 36