24th International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival WHAT’S ON GUIDE 2017
4th - 20th August 2017 Royal Hall Harrogate
Box Office 01422 323 252 www.gsfestivals.org
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Proud Supporters of The 24th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
Box OďŹƒce 01422 323 252
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WELCOME TO THE 24th FESTIVAL
Welcome to "The Greatest Gilbert and Sullivan Show on Earth!" From August 4th to 20th 2017, Harrogate will be alive to the sounds of The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, The Mikado … and the other jewels from this quintessentially English theatrical partnership that laid the very foundation for today's musical theatre.
You will be rubbing shoulders with fans who have travelled to Harrogate from as far afield as Honolulu, Los Angeles, British Columbia, Portland Oregon, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Cape Town, Dunedin New Zealand, Melbourne Australia – and Sydney. Thousands more are journeying from every part of the United Kingdom to enjoy this truly English phenomenon. There is no doubt the glorious music of Sullivan and Gilbert’s wonderful dialogue and outstanding political satire is as topical as ever. Just imagine what they would have made of Brexit and the drive for Scottish independence! We are very proud of what we have achieved over the last 24 years. This season fans will enjoy four brand-new productions from our own National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company; from the British Universities presenting their own innovative interpretation of the works; and from Bus Pass Opera (for the over 60s) recapturing their magical theatrical moments.
The Festival has been built on a simple premise. We offer you Gilbert and Sullivan "from morn to afternoon - from afternoon to night - from seven o'clock to two - from two to eventide - from dim twilight to ‘leven at night” – it need not quit your sight!
Here is your complete guide. Enjoy your visit.
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
DIARY OF PERFORMANCES KEY HERITAGE LOUNGE
SAVOY THEATRE
THE ROYAL HALL
FRIDAY 4 AUGUST 7.30 pm IOLANTHE Derby G&S Company and Trent Opera
SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 10.30am FROM PINAFORE TO MIKADO Stephen Turnbull 2.30 pm HMS PINAFORE National G&S Opera Company 2.30 pm PRIVATE CONCERT FOR HARROGATE CARE HOMES 7.30 pm HMS PINAFORE National G&S Opera Company
SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 10.30am A D’OYLY CARTE ENIGMA Raymond Walker 2.30 pm THE MIKADO National G&S Opera Company 2.30 pm GILBERT - NO SULLIVAN The Foundry Group 7.30 pm THE MIKADO National G&S Opera Company
MONDAY 7 AUGUST 10.30am RICHARD SUART entertains “Friends of the Festival” 11.30am “FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL” ANNUAL MEETING 2.30 pm THE GONDOLIERS York University G&S Society 7.30 pm RUDDIGORE Ploverleigh Savoy Players TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 10.30am A NEW OUP YEOMEN Colin Jagger 2.30 pm JILTED - AND TRIAL BY JURY Harrogate G&S Society 7.30 pm THE SORCERER WWOS
WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 10.30am COLLECTING G&S MEMORABILIA David Lovell 2.30 pm THE SORCERESS Birmingham University G&S Society 7.30 pm THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE Peak Opera
Box Office 01422 323 252
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THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 10.30am A FAMILY AFFAIR Fiona Aucott 2.30 pm THE MIKADO Southampton University (LOpSoc) 7.30 pm THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD New London Opera Group
FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 10.30am SINGING THE SPAS Ian Bradley 2.30pm A TALE OF COCK AND BULL Stephen Godward and Mathew Siveter 7.30 pm ENGAGED Alan Borthwick and Friends
SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 10.30am D’OYLY CARTE: THE INSIDE STORY Roberta Morrell 2.30 pm PRINCESS IDA National G&S Opera Company 2.30 pm HMS PINAFORE Festival Youth Production 7.30 pm PRINCESS IDA National G&S Opera Company
SUNDAY 13 AUGUST 11.00am THANKSGIVING SERVICE West Park United Reform Church 12.45 pm FESTIVAL SUNDAY LUNCH The Crown Hotel 2.30 pm THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE National G&S Opera Company 2.30 pm THE GEISHA Opera Anonymous 7.30 pm THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE National G&S Opera Company 7.30 pm THE GEISHA Opera Anonymous
MONDAY 14 AUGUST 10.30am LIGHT OF THE WORLD Martin Yates 2.30 pm A COMEDY OF ERRORS Matthew Siveter 7.30 pm THE GONDOLIERS High Jinks Opera
The 24th International GILBERT&SULLIVAN FESTIVAL
WE ARE LOOKING FOR A BID WRITER
TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 10.30am SACRED SULLIVAN Ian Bradley 2.30 pm A PAIR OF SPARKLING EYES Nick Sales & Sarah Helsby-Hughes 7.30 pm IOLANTHE SavoyNet Performing Group
WEDNESDAY 16 AUGUST 10.30am THE IMPORTANCE OF DANCE IN G & S Michale Symes 2.30 pm THE SORCERER King’s College, London G&S Society 7.30 pm THE MIKADO Charles Court Opera
There are hundreds of trusts, foundations and organisations in Britain who could be interested in contributing as little as £1000 or as much as a hundred thousand pounds to our charity. And our objectives next year should be the easiest year yet for success. It is our Silver Jubilee Anniversary year. If you would be interested in helping us please email ian@gsfestivals.org with details of your experience and successes and an indication as to whether this could be voluntary job, paid on results or on hourly rates.
THURSDAY 17 AUGUST 10.30am THE MIKADO IN AMERICA Russ Sype 2.30pm RUDDIGORE Newcastle University G&S Society 7.30 pm PATIENCE Bus Pass Opera 10.00pm BUS PASS CABARET + PALM COURT DANCE ORCHESTRA
FRIDAY 18 AUGUST 10.30am RICHARD TEMPLE: A MAN OF THE THEATRE Stephen Godward 2.30 pm THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE Hull University G&S Society 7.30 pm RUDDIGORE (in Catalan) Egos Theatre PLUS TRIAL BY JURY Charles Court Opera
The success of such an appointment could guarantee the future of the Festival beyond 2018.
SATURDAY 19 AUGUST 10.30am FESTIVAL TRIBUTE TO THOMAS ROUND 2.30 pm THE MIKADO National G&S Opera Company 2.30pm FESTIVAL DIRECTOR Ian Smith and friends entertain 7.30 pm THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE National G&S Opera Company 5
SUNDAY 20 AUGUST 10.30am ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW - PRINCESS IDA Stephen Turnbull 2.30 pm PRINCESS IDA National G&S Opera Company 2.30 pm JAMES HENDRY SULLIVAN & THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE 7.30 pm HMS PINAFORE National G&S Opera Company
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
VENUES AT THE FESTIVAL Majestic Hotel
Utopia Pavilion
Heritage Lounge
Premier Inn
Holiday Inn
Savoy Theatre
Royal Hall
THE ROYAL HALL COMPLEX
The picture (above) shows what a compact Festival we have. You can see just how easy it is to get around. You can walk from the Utopia Pavilion straight into the Royal Hall and from the Royal Hall straight into the Savoy Theatre. From arriving in the morning you don’t need to leave the complex until early the following morning! And all the central hotels and guest houses are within a five minute walk.
It’s as easy as that.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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THE ROYAL HALL
This magnificent thousand seat Edwardian theatre certainly has the "wow" factor and is the U.K.'s only surviving Kursaal. The Box Office at the entrance to the Royal Hall is open between 6:30pm and 8pm each day of the Festival and from 1:30pm - 2:30pm for Saturday and Sunday matinees. During the daytime you can book or collect tickets from the Information Desk at the entry to the Utopia Pavilion next door.
The 24th International GILBERT&SULLIVAN FESTIVAL
THE SAVOY THEATRE
We want to make our customer experience easier and more comfortable. That is why this year we have again built our own portable 200 seat theatre at the other side of the Royal Hall. It will be prepared to the highest specification for actors, musicians and audiences alike. Tickets for all Festival events can also be purchased at the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Tourist Information Offices.
INFORMATION DESK
Tower Green - the striking entrance to our Utopia Pavilion. Throughout the Festival you can book tickets for any Festival event from our Box Office Information Desk which is situated here. It will be open from 9:30am until the end of the evening interval. You can book tickets before the Festival opens at www.gsfestivals.org; or by phone on 01422 323252. 7
THE UTOPIA PAVILION
Here we have our own Festival private bar, restaurant, cafe, cabaret club, cinema and shopping area. It is located immediately to the left hand side of the Royal Hall. You can enter through the front doors or directly from the Royal Hall. This is the place to be from 9:30am every morning until the early hours of the next day. And don’t miss our special ice cream van parked inside for your interval treat! Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Starring in this year’s Opera Company productions
Vivian Coates
Simon Wilding
Donald Maxwell
Andrew Nicklin
Aidan Faughey
Anthony Flaum
A cornerstone of this and every other festival since 1994 has been our unique National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. From a professional line-up of principals from the original D’Oyly Carte Opera Company including Kenneth Sanford, John Ayldon, Alistair Donkin, Geoffrey Shovelton, Patricia Leonard and Lorraine Daniels dressed in black tie and long dresses with a supporting amateur chorus staging "The Yeomen of the Guard,” the company has developed into one of the world's finest professional Gilbert and Sullivan performing groups, welcome in some of Britain's number one theatres.
Nothing of course stands still and this is the year we are delighted to introduce a line-up including many new faces – and others who are making a welcome return. Vivian Coates is the founder and artistic director of Lyric Opera in Ireland. He was awarded a knighthood from the Italian President for his services in promoting Italian opera in Ireland. He will direct two brand-new productions – Princess Ida and the Pirates of Penzance.
We welcome Michael McCaffery (Old Vic Company, National Theatre of Great Britain, Glyndebourne and the Bayreuth Festival). He has directed for many of the world's leading theatres and we look forward to his brand-new production of The Mikado. Festival favorite Donald Maxwell returns to direct HMS Pinafore and star in Princess Ida. Andrew Nicklin takes over the Musical Director baton for three of the four shows and Aidan Faughey conducts Princess Ida. Toby Stafford-Allen
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Emma Walsh
Natalie Montakhab
Mae Heydorn
Other frontline newcomers this year include Anthony Flaum who makes his mainstage debut with the English National Opera this year; Mae Heydorn the Swedish/German mezzo soprano who has starred with Glydebourne, Grange Park Opera and in the critically acclaimed West End production of the “Rinse Cycle” ( Katisha, Buttercup, and Ruth); Emma Walsh(Lyric Opera, Nevill Holt Opera, Winslow Hall Opera) will play Princess Ida, Josephine and Mabel; Natalie Montakhab, rising star with Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera and English National Opera is Yum Yum.
Toby Stafford-Allen is one of Britain’s leading baritones with a decade of critically acclaimed performances with English National Opera. He will play Pirate King, Pish Tush and Capt Corcoran. Simon Wilding was the youngest member of the Bayreuth Opera Festival and has also starred with English National Opera and Opera Holland Park. He is the Sergeant of Police, Pooh Bah and Dick Deadeye. When you add Richard Gauntlett (Major General, Sir Joseph and Ko-Ko); James Elliott (Ralph Rackstraw and Hilarion), Richard Suart (King Gama); Nicholas Sales (Cyril); James Cleverton (Arac) and Gaynor Keeble (Lady Blanche) you can understand why the production teams are excited at laying these new foundations as we move towards the Silver Jubilee Season in 2018. 9
Gaynor Keeble
“What a list of stars!” Richard Gauntlett (Ko-Ko)
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL & USEFUL INFORMATION
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. This year's programme has been simplified to avoid overlaps and features: 9.30am FREE EARLY-MORNING CINEMA - Utopia Pavilion each Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday 10.30am G&S RELATED FRINGE PRESENTATIONS - Heritage Lounge, Royal Hall 1.00pm FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT Utopia Pavilion 2.30pm MATINéE PERFORMANCES Savoy Theatre and Royal Hall 1.50pm & 10 MINUTE INTRODUCTIONS TO THE 6.50pm ROYAL HALL MATINEE & EVENING PERFORMANCES Utopia Pavilion 7.30pm PROFESSIONAL, SEMI-PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS The Royal Hall 10.00pm FESTIVAL CLUB AND CABARET Utopia Pavilion Box Office 01422 323 252
The 24th International GILBERT&SULLIVAN FESTIVAL
Tickets for every single event at this year's festival are available from the Festival Box Office – 01422 323252 or online at www.gsfestivals.org or from the Tourist Information Centres in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.
Whilst we anticipate that tickets will be available "on the door" for matinee and evening performances, the morning fringe programme in the Royal Hall Heritage Lounge has limited seating capacity and we strongly recommend that you pre-book the programmes you are interested in as early as possible. The Festival Shop, Information Desk and daytime Box Office is on Tower Green at the entry to the Utopia Pavilion and opens at 5pm on Friday August 4. It is then open daily from 9:30am to the end of the evening interval.
If you need any assistance or have any queries please do not hesitate to call the Festival office on 01422 323 252 or email faye@gsfestivals.org. We are here to ensure you have a wonderful and happy time in Harrogate!
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Royal Hall Seating Plan
Savoy Theatre Seating
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WILL YOUhelp BE Aus? FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL? Will you
The 23rd International GILBERT&SULLIVAN FESTIVAL
CALLING SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES DID YOU KNOW?
Your limited company pays less Corporation Tax when it gives any of the following to charity:
We rely on the generosity of our friends and supporters to sustain the Festival and our other work throughout the year. Eighty five per cent of our income comes from ticket sales. Whilst this is an amazing achievement it also poses a significant risk. Two years ago our move to Harrogate saw our ticket sales drop. This was not a surprise but it highlighted the fact that we were beginning afresh in a new location and it would take up to five years to get back to where we needed to be. This meant we had to make up the difference from other sources – primarily from increasing the membership of our Friends of the Gilbert and Sullivan Charity which, over the years, has contributed almost £250,000 to support our various youth initiatives.
Money Equipment or trading stock (items it makes or sells) Land, property or shares in another company (shares in your own company don’t qualify) Employees (on secondment) Sponsorship payments
You can claim tax relief by deducting the value of your donations from your total business profits before you pay tax. There are different rules for sole traders and partnerships.
You can join at one of four levels from as little as £35 to as much as you would care to donate. You can pay by standing order or annual direct debit. There are many benefits – but equally important you are helping to preserve the legacy and ensure a future for Gilbert and Sullivan.
WE ARE A CHARITY AND WOULD WELCOME YOUR CONSIDERATION
Join now online at: www.gsfestivals.org or at our “Friends of the Festival” desk in the Utopia Pavilion at the Festival
Charity number: 1103178
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Friday 4 August
IOLANTHE
Derby G&S Company and Trent Opera
What a fantastic way to kick-off the 2017 Festival. These two firm Festival favourites perform the first of over 35 full-scale productions in Harrogate next summer. Derby G&S Company remains one of the most highly acclaimed non-professional theatre companies. They have been performing the works of Gilbert & Sullivan since 1996 and won the Festival’s International Trophy more than any other performing group. Trent Opera have also won the coveted International Championship. This joint production will be directed and conducted by Andrew Nicklin, the Festival Adjudicator and will, of course be a non-adjudicated performance.
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening show.
Andrew Nicklin
Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Saturday 5 August GET IN SHAPE
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
FROM PINAFORE TO MIKADO
12.15pm Utopia Pavilion with G&S and Judith Savournin
Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
Stephen is secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society and is one of the world's leading experts on Sullivan's music and the G&S repertoire. He is the ideal introducer to the history and background of the operas and this morning he takes a close look at HMS Pinafore and The Mikado - the first two new productions this season from the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. His presentation will include rare recordings from his unique collection.
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
2.30pm Savoy Theatre
AN INTRODUCTION TO G&S
Private Function The Festival team are putting together a special introductory concert for residents of care homes and their carers across Harrogate and District. This is part of the Festival’s “participation” initiative with the local community. 18
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
HMS PINAFORE
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
The acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company sail back into Harrogate with the first of four brand-new productions for their 2017 season. HMS Pinafore is one of the most enduringly popular of Gilbert and Sullivan’s great comic creations, with many well-known songs. So get on board and book your tickets for this much-loved nautical comic opera. Richard Gauntlett stars as Sir Joseph Porter. 1.50pm & 6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13 Times 2.30pm 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £24 - £40 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
Simon Wilding (Dick Deadeye)
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the matinee and evening shows. 7.15pm The Royal Hall before the evening peformance
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 and enjoy! Be in your seats by 7.10pm if you want to join in. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Pot luck “Patience” Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Toby Stafford-Allen (Capt. Corcoran)
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Sunday 6 August
FREE EARLY MORNING CINEMA
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
A D’OYLY CARTE ENIGMA. WHERE DID ALL THE SCENERY GO?
9.30am Utopia Pavilion
Ray Walker Fresh scenery was commissioned by the D’Oyly Carte for most operas every fifteen years so what happened to those superb original sets? A trail of research for a new book on Scenic Design has provided some fascinating answers and reveals unexpected secrets of Carte’s working practices. Who was the shadowy artist that provided many of the 1920s sets yet was never credited? An untold story of the closing of the Scenery Stores and the truth about the dispersal of 17 full sets of scenery. Much of the internal information was thought to have gone to the grave yet can now be pieced together to give the complete picture.
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT 1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
GILBERT - NO SULLIVAN
The Foundry Group
The critically acclaimed professional Foundry Group present a rollicking adaptation of three outrageous, absurd and hilarious stories (plus two Bab Ballads) brought lovingly to the stage by David Mounfield (“Count Arthur Strong’s Radio Show” and “This is Jinsy”) and Brian Mitchell (“Those Magnificent Men” and “The Ornate Johnson’s ”). The perfect matinee for dedicated Savoyards and a great introduction for the uninitiated to one of England's wittiest writers. 20
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THE MIKADO
Times 2.30pm 7:30pm
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
A brand-new production by Michael McCaffery of the world’s favourite Gilbert & Sullivan opera. Join the acclaimed NG&SOC in their fun-filled romp in the fictional town of Titipu. Brimming with well-known tunes, this comedy classic is just the ticket for a fun-filled visit to the Festival.
The Mikado has decreed that flirting should be punishable by death. But when his son Nanki-Poo falls for the beautiful Yum-Yum, trouble is definitely on the horizon. Unfortunately for Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko the Lord High Executioner is also rather fond of Yum-Yum. Will heads roll or will Ko-Ko find a way to save the day? Make sure this show is on your ‘little list’.
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £24 - £40 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
Matthew Siveter (The Mikado)
1.50pm & 6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the matinee and evening shows. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Mae Heydorn (Katisha)
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Monday 7 August FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
10.30am Heritage Lounge Non-friends Tickets £5.00
“FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL” MORNING
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Our “Friends” help us keep the Festival alive. Thank you! This morning Richard Suart joins our friends for an entertaining hour in advance of the Annual Member’s Meeting.
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
11.30am Heritage Lounge
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Annual general meeting of the Friends of the Gilbert and Sulivan Festival. New members welcome! 2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
THE GONDOLIERS
York University Gilbert and Sullivan Society UNIFest
York University G&S Society are an inclusive society that rehearse and perform three musicals throughout the year including a 48-hour G&S show in autumn term that is cast rehearsed and performed over two days. This will be their third entry to our UNIFest competition and we are delighted to welcome them back.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
RUDDIGORE Ploverleigh Savoy Players
We can’t wait to see what last year’s International Festival Champions, Ploverleigh Savoy Players, will offer in 2017. Their fantastic production of The Sorcerer in 2016 was a joy.
Directed by the inimitable Shane Collins this will be one to watch! Ruddigore is a hilarious melodrama complete with evil baronets, ghosts coming to life, a witch’s curse and the crazy, Mad Margaret. The poor Baronet of Ruddigore is cursed – if he doesn’t commit a crime every day, his life will end in agony. He will certainly need to put his thinking cap on to get out of this one. Ruddigore is a G&S gem, full of lots of tricks and plenty of treats!
Shane Collins
Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show.
From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Tuesday 8 August
FREE EARLY MORNING CINEMA
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
A NEW OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS “THe YeoMen of THe Guard”
9.30am Utopia Pavilion
Colin Jagger A new Oxford University Press full score and vocal score of The Yeomen of the Guard, edited by Colin Jagger, Director of Music at Portsmouth University, was published earlier this year. Full and reduced orchestral parts will be available for hire. We are delighted to welcome Prof Jagger who will discuss his work on the score, with musical illustrations.
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT 1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
JILTED & TRIAL BY JURY
Harrogate G&S Society
Vic Golding has been a Festival supporter from the start. He loves his G&S – so much so that he wrote a “prequel” to Trial by Jury – “Jilted,” explaining what happens before the Trial. We find Angelina waiting at the Church with her family. Edwin doesn’t turn up! It is a most amusing 40 minutes and leads beautifully into “Trial.” The music of Jilted is largely Sullivan and we are grateful to members of Harrogate G&S Society who are presenting the programme directed by its author - Vic Golding. 24
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THE SORCERER WWOS
WWOS (West Wickham Operatic Society) are back in Harrogate in 2017 and we are delighted. WWOS were runners-up in their first visit to the Festival in 2013, won the coveted International Champion’s Trophy in 2014 and were runners-up again in 2015. They will be a hard act to follow. Audiences can expect a hilarious production from director Kevin Gauntlett along with some unexpected comic twists along the way.
Kevin Gauntlett
Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show.
From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Wednesday 9 August FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
GILBERT & SULLIVAN MEMORABILIA
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
David Lovell Following last year’s sell-out talk, David returns to take us on another tour of G&S memorabilia with items drawn from his extensive collection. Collectables range from early programmes, posters and sheet music through to ceramics and precious metals, with prices from a few pounds to many hundreds and even thousands. G&S is a collecting area to suit all pockets. A perfectly timed presentation in advance of our memorabilia fair on Saturday.
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
THE SORCERESS
University of Birmingham G&S Society UNIFest
Birmingham University G&S Society had an eventful visit to Harrogate last year. The coach driver thought he was taking them to "Highgate" and it was only when they joined the M1 at Watford that the students realised the mistake. Undeterred they turned around and brought an outstanding Patience to the Festival winning Best Male Performer, Best Female Performer, Best Character Actress and the Adjudicator's special award. This year they return with “The Sorceress.” The more familiar John Wellington Wells becomes Joan Wellington Wells! It will be a show well worth seeing.
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE Peak Opera
Expect a swashbuckling Pirates on peak form! Directed by Ian Henderson, Peak Opera was founded in 2005 and has gone from strength to strength bringing performers from a wide variety of sources. They have occupied “runners-up” position in 2014 and 2016.
Ian Henderson
The Pirates of Penzance is a madcap romp from start to finish and one of Times the best-loved of all the G&S operas. Hopeless, hapless policemen, tender- 7:30pm hearted pirates, a splendidly eccentric Major General and his bevy of beautiful daughters all make for simply wonderful entertainment. A delight!
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show.
From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Thursday 10 August FREE EARLY MORNING CINEMA
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
A FAMILY AFFAIR
9.30am Utopia Pavilion
Fiona Aucott Fiona Aucott, great-granddaughter of John Hollingsworth, tells the untold story of Richard D’Oyly Carte and his cousin in the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. After many years of research into family stories that had been handed down through the generations, Fiona has unearthed some fascinating family links within the early Opera Company. Presented with photos and illustrations she will tell of her journey of discovery and the new information that has confirmed the family lore. A must for those who are interested in the early days of the D’Oyly Carte and Gilbert & Sullivan story.
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT 1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
THE MIKADO
Southampton University (LOpSoc) UNIFest
LOpSoc have a strong community of members who share a great enthusiasm for all the work that they do – and in particular the two annual productions. The Society perform a great variety of light operettas from Gilbert and Sullivan to works by other composers including Noel Coward, Franz Lehar and Edward German. In addition, they occasionally perform original works written by students at the University. They have become regular visitors to the festival which is a highlight of their calendar. 28
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD
Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall
New London Opera Group
The New London Opera Group (known affectionately as “newLOG”) was founded in 2003 and although based in London, the group enjoys a very happy second home at the Riverhead Theatre in Louth, Lincolnshire, where the youth and energy of the company has given them a loyal following.
The Yeomen of the Guard, or The Merryman and His Maid is the most operatic of the Gilbert & Sullivan masterpieces. Set in the Tower of London it is the story of a prisoner on the brink of execution, two girls who love him and a sad and jilted jester. The mood is altogether darker than any of the other G&S operas. The music is said to be some of Sullivan’s finest.
Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Friday 11 August FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
SINGING THE SPAS
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
Ian Bradley Ian Bradley presents an illustrated talk on the ways that spa towns – and especially Harrogate – have been immortalised in song. There will be songs about taking the waters, choosing suitable hotels, spa diets and about the romances and dalliances that take place in the watering places of Europe that have been rightly described as the world’s last enchanted places.
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
A TALE OF COCK AND BULL
Stephen Godward anf Matthew Siveter
Matthew Siveter and Stephen Godward are Double Bass and this afternoon they will present 'A Tale of Cock and Bull.
'If you want to know who we are'; they are two 'imperfect ablutioners' who will take an often humorous swipe at the world in 'solo or duet' and in 'song and story' - 'ballads, songs and snatches' but not a dreamy lullaby in sight!
Matthew Siveter
Box Office 01422 323 252
Stephen Godward 30
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
ENGAGED
Alan Borthwick and friends
Here is an opportunity for something really special. It’s the first time at the Festival and is being brought by two of Scotland’s most famous Gilbert and Sullivan sons – Alan Borthwick and David Lyle.
Gilbert’s play “Engaged” was first produced in 1877 and was recognised as a Savoy Opera without music. When the Gilbert copyright expired in 1961 it provided the opportunity for two Bristol academics to turn it into a Savoy Opera with music! Festival director Ian Smith was at the first performance in Bristol. "I just felt that I was seeing a new Gilbert and Sullivan Opera. It was too long - but it was trimmed; and as soon as it became available for amateurs in the mid-60s I was delighted that my local group – The Shipley Wesleyan Reform Amateurs became one of the first to present the show in the UK. Now it has a one-night stand in Harrogate and I am amazed that it has not sold out already. Come and meet one of Scotland’s most experienced performing groups - and here’s a special offer - If you don’t enjoy it you can have a free ticket to any of the remaining shows at this Festival.
Alan Borthwick
Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall
Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour The adaptation uses lyrics and music from the four lesser-known G&S before curtain up
operas: Thespis, The Sorcerer, Utopia Ltd and The Grand Duke and from other scores. “Di Ballo” is featured as overture and thematically in the opera itself. The intention of “Engaged” was to assemble a characteristic Gilbert & Sullivan opera from existing and unfamiliar G&S material. It certainly worked. This is a rare opportunity to see this delightful production. Don’t miss it!
Box Office 01422 323 252
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6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show.
From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Saturday 12 August MEMORABILIA FAIR
10.00am - 5pm Come along and browse (and buy) a wide range of Gilbert and Sullivan memorabilia including early programmes, posters and sheet music through to ceramics and precious metals, with prices from a few pounds to many hundreds!
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT 1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
D’OYLY CARTE: THE INSIDE STORY
Roberta Morrell This new book written by Roberta Morrell looks at the life of the historic D'Oyly Carte Opera Company between 1950 and its sad demise in 1982. After thrilling audiences on both sides of the Atlantic from the time of Queen Victoria, the last great touring repertory company said farewell to its audiences after 107 years. This new book details the working life of every department of the famous company, from its London management to the wardrobe department, as told by Roberta Morrell, herself a performer with the company for 10 years. Having travelled all over the UK to interview her former colleagues, Roberta uses their stories and recollections to present an insight into the world of a theatre company on tour for 48 weeks of every year. Personal tales of travel, theatrical digs, mad-cap parties, on-stage disasters, overseas tours and glamorous occasions are told by singers, musicians, back-stage staff and senior managers proud to have been a part of the D'Oyly Carte story. 2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
HMS PINAFORE
Festival Youth Production There is no doubt that the annual Youth Production is a highlight of the overall Festival. Young people aged between nine and 19 enjoy a week of intensive rehearsals under the professional guidance of an experienced production team. You will be amazed by the energy, enthusiasm and talent that we see every year from these young people. There is no registration fee. If you have children or grandchildren who would like to participate email faye@gsfestivals.org
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
PRINCESS IDA
Times 2.30pm 7:30pm
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
Today we present the third new production this season from the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company and it will be a cracker! The women reign supreme at Castle Adamant where Princess Ida has opened an allfemale university to prove the superiority of her sex. Of course things don’t go to plan, as Prince Hilarion, who was engaged to Ida as a baby, dresses as a woman and breaks into the castle to claim his bride. Based on a poem, The Princess by Lord Tennyson, Princess Ida is the only G&S opera in three acts. We have assembled a fantastic cast for a show featuring some of Sullivan’s most delightful music and Gilbert’s wittiest lines. 1.50pm & 6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show.
7.15pm The Royal Hall before the evening peformance
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 and enjoy! Be in your seats by 7.10pm if you want to join in. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Book your Festival lunch tickets on: 01422323252
Sunday 13 August FREE EARLY MORNING CINEMA
11.00am West Park United Reformed Church
ANNUAL CHURCH SERVICE
9.30am Utopia Pavilion
FESTIVAL LUNCH
Ian Bradley This year's Gilbert and Sullivan themed Church Service moves along the road to the corner of Victoria Avenue and West Park Stray in a prime location overlooking The Stray and on the main A61 through the centre of Harrogate. We are delighted that our good friend the Very Rev Ian Bradley will be joining us for this service of thanksgiving at West Park United Reformed Church.
12.45pm The Crown Hotel We all enjoy our Sunday lunch, so why not join us at the Crown Hotel for a three-course traditional lunch. Good food and good company! Tickets: £20 from 01422323252
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
2.30pm & 7.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
THE GEISHA
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
Opera Annoymous
This is a rare opportunity to see the 1896 opera composed by Sidney Jones who served as deputy conductor and E flat clarinet for the Harrogate Municipal Orchestra over 120 years ago. The Geisha was wildly popular when first presented and continued to be performed by both professional and amateur companies until the 1970s. Here is a score brimming with humour and emotion. OPERA Anonymous fast forward the action to 1946 where Jolly Jack tars and gay little geisha ladies will do anything they have to do to survive. 34
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13 Times 2.30pm 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall
This is our fourth and final brand-new production for this year’s Festival from the profesional National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. Look Tickets out for a swashbuckling performance as the Pirates of Penzance sail into Harrogate today. A stellar cast takes to the stage in a brand-new £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 production of this all-time favourite.
half an hour before curtain up
1.50pm & 6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the matinee and evening shows. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Pot luck “The Sorcerer” hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Emma Walsh (Mabel)
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Monday 14 August FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
Martin Yates We are delighted to welcome back Martin Yates, Chairman of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society with a special talk and an introduction to the music of Sullivan’s “Light of the World.” This has been a major Sullivan Society project for 2017. The oratorio will be recorded in April and it is expected that the discs will be released later in the year. Martin will discuss the background to the oratorio and demonstrate some of Sullivan's music.
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
A COMEDY OF ERRORS
Matthew Siveter
By popular demand, Matthew Siveter returns with a new programme which he calls “A Comedy of Errors” featuring some of the more humorous material from G&S through to musicals including Coward and Lehrer. Matthew has "grown up" with the Festival. He began by performing in our youth productions; graduated to our international university production and last year auditioned and was accepted as a member of our National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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This year he will play the part of The Mikado with our professional Opera Company.
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THE GONDOLIERS
Times 7:30pm
High Jinks Opera
Remember Oxbridge Opera? They had a pretty long stretch back in the days of Buxton: a troupe founded by a group of friends based at the UK’s oldest universities soon morphed into a large scale operation that encompassed the very best.
Venue The Royal Hall
Tickets £18 - £28 Their productions were high quality, slickly paced, beautifully sung. But, Student Standby £5 they have moved on and Oxbridge Opera just didn’t seem to be right half an hour anymore. Hence High Jinks Opera emerges from the egg laid by the legacy before curtain up of Oxbridge. This performance of The Gondoliers will be bright, vibrant, not set on a spaceship in the twenty ninth century and most of all …. fun!
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
37
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Tuesday 15 August FREE EARLY MORNING CINEMA
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
SACRED SULLIVAN
9.30am Utopia Pavilion
Ian Bradley Ian Bradley explores the more serious side of Arthur Sullivan’s repertoire – the part that he himself said he wanted to be remembered for when he commented that ‘my sacred music is that on which I base my reputation as a composer’. Extracts from his sacred ballads, anthems and oratorios will be interspersed with some rousing hymns to sing along to and enjoy.
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT 1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
A PAIR OF SPARKLING EYES
Nick Sales and Sarah Helsby-Hughes
In fact four sparkling eyes – because that is what you get when Nick and Sarah are in concert together. They are firm festival favourites; the perfect entertainers on our Theatrical Adventure river cruises and of course widely sought after for their operatic repertoires. This afternoon they are in concert – especially for you – with a programme of our favourites from opera, operetta, musicals and of course Gilbert & Sullivan.
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
IOLANTHE
Times 7:30pm
SavoyNet Performing Group
Venue SavoyNet Performing Group first performed at the Festival in 1997 and has The Royal Hall presented a full-length opera every year since 1999, rehearsing for a week prior to the single performance. With its innovative production of Thespis in 2014, SavoyNet completed the full 14 - opera canon, the only group to have done so at the Festival. This year’s cast fly to the UK from all around the world for their annual reunion.
Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
39
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Wednesday 16 August 10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
10.30am Utopia Pavilion
THE IMPORTANCE OF DANCE TO THE G&S REPERTOIRE
SURVIVAL – A FREE WORKSHOP
Are Amateur Societies commiting suicide or are they encouraging students to ensure survival. For full information on this event visit www.gsfestivals.org or call Faye on 01422 323252.
Michael Symes A fascinating session highlighting the importance of dance to the G&S repertoire and how it so often "lifts" productions. He will discuss how dance as much as words and music led to the creation of the (especially American) musical. That will lead into a consideration of what can be considered ‘original’ or ‘traditional’ dances as far as we can ascertain. We hope this session may lead to something more focused for the major “Magic of G&S” symposium we plan in 2018.
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT 1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
THE SORCERER
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
King’s College London G&S Society UNIFest
Runners up in the UNIFest competition last year, King’s College London also won the Best Director award, shared the best musical director award and won the best female voice. This year they return with The Sorcerer. Now in their 29th year this is the only student based G&S Society in London. Each year they perform one of the operas. Gilbert himself studied at King’s College. The group audition for the lead roles but it is an open chorus as the society believes the shows are so much fun that everyone should have the opportunity of participating. 40
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THE MIKADO
Times 7:30pm
Charles Court Opera
Venue Make sure you book early for Charles Court Opera. Their triple bill in The Royal Hall
Harrogate last year was a triumph and a sell-out evening! Described as one of the leading and most versatile chamber opera companies in the UK, Charles Court Opera are one of the champions of the current reinvigoration of Gilbert & Sullivan. Expect the unexpected but be assured you will have a fantastic evening’s entertainment with this talented group.
Tickets £24 - £40 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Thursday 17 August FREE EARLY MORNING CINEMA
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
MIKADO IN AMERICA: CONqUESTS & CONTROVERSIES
9.30am Utopia Pavilion
Russ Sype The Mikado took America by storm in 1885 and took its place as a major fixture in the American theatre from that time forward. In 1910, H L Mencken noted that, “One night in October in this country alone, there were no less than 117 performances.” This presentation provides a history of The Mikado in America, ending with a discussion of the current controversies over the portrayal of the Japanese by largely white actors. These protests, and the responses to them, continue to keep Gilbert and Sullivan relevant.
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT 1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
RUDDIGORE
Newcastle University G&S Society UNIFest
Known familiarly as NUGSS, this is one of the oldest student societies in the University, established in 1952. They made their debut last year and we are delighted to welcome them back with the performance of Ruddigore. Each year the society perform one of the 14 G&S operas. During the spring term and in the summer they mount a smaller production – often an original libretto set to music by Sullivan and other composers of the Victorian and Edwardian period. This is very much a social society which meets regularly together and goes out of its way to support local groups and professional productions. 42
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THANK YOU ANDY!
We recognise faces but don’t always know the name. Andrew Criddle was a long time supporter of the Festival and many of its peripheral activities. His was a popular face in both Buxton and Harrogate. Sadly Andy passed away in September 2015. His family want to recognise his love of G&S and the Festival, and in his memory are sponsoring the next three productions of Bus Pass Opera.
PATIENCE
Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall
Tickets £18 - £28 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
Bus Pass Opera
This will be the fourth year that the Festival has mounted a “Senior Citizens” show – aptly named Bus Pass Opera – and it is beginning to acquire something of a cult following. Last year the combined ages of those on the Royal Hall stage exceeded 2500 years and what a fantastic performance of Iolanthe they gave us. It was hilarious, touching and some of those voices were simply superb!
But it just goes to show that you do not need to be written off just because you have reached a “certain age”. As some Canadian friends said, “Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking and more fun than working out”.
Box Office 01422 323 252
6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late. 43
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Friday 18 August FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
RICHARD TEMPLE – A MAN OF THE THEATRE
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Stephen Godward Stephen Godward has been performing at the Festival for 20 years – and won many prestigious awards. This morning he introduces us to Richard Temple – another man of the theatre. Richard Barker Cobb Temple (2 March 1846 – 19 October 1912) was an English opera singer, actor and stage director, best known for his G&S performances. Temple joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1877 and created most of the bass-baritone roles in the Savoy Operas.
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE
From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
Hull University G&S Society
Hull is the UK “City of Culture” in 2017 and we look forward to a cracking production of "Pirates of Penzance" from the Hull University G&S Society which won last year's UNIFest competition with an outstanding “Princess Ida.” In addition, they shared the award for Best Musical Director; they won the Best Chorus, Best Male Voice and Best Character Actor. All in all, an outstanding production. We can't wait to see what they do with Pirates!
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Pot luck “The Gondoliers”. Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
RUDDIGORE... Egos Theatre, Spain (in Catalan)
The talented group return with a full-scale performance in the Royal Hall. It first played for six successful months in Barcelona and has received much critical acclaim and awards including Best Musical (Barcelona critics award); Best show voted by the public (San Miguel award); best make-up and hair. They describe it as a “supernatural musical” full of love, death and betrayal. The magazine “Que Fem” described it as "a show full of Gothic terror and humour but played with excellent musical prowess" by this outstanding young professional company. The show is nothing quite like any G&S you will have seen before. It is non-traditional. It follows the Ruddigore story and it demonstrates the continuing popularity of G&S around the world. Don’t be frightened of the Spanish! You will recognise the music and the plot exactly as you did the Japanese Mikado
Times 2.30pm 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £18 - £24 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
...AND TRIAL BY JURY And to complement this talented
company we are delighted to welcome back Charles Court Opera with their equally interesting and hilariously funny production of "Trial by Jury." A fantastic evening. Make sure you book early.
SPECIAL FESTIVAL OFFER
Buy a ticket to any of the Opera Company productions on August 19th/20th and get a ticket to tonight’s performance for half price. Call the box office on 01422 323252 6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show
Box Office 01422 323 252
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Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Saturday 19 August FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
A TENOR ALL SINGERS ABOVE
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
A Festival tribute to Thomas Round You couldn't wish for a better title for a Festival tribute to Tom Round who sadly passed away in October 2016 only weeks away from his 101st birthday. Tom was a true Festival friend. He loved it. Year after year he visited Buxton – and he never wanted to go home! Ian Smith who worked closely with him for almost 20 years presents a tribute on film and in recordings of a true gentleman. It was just a great privilege to know him. Have you got a special memory of Tom that you would like to share? If so please email janet@gsfestivals.org or call 01422323252
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
THE MIKADO The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
AWARDS CEREMONY
5.00pm Savoy Theatre Join us for this year’s awards ceremony with awards to participants in the International Festival, UNIFest and the Youth Production
Box Office 01422 323 252
For its final appearances at this year’s Festival we have a matinee production of The Mikado, the world’s favourite Gilbert & Sullivan opera. Join the acclaimed NGSOC for a fun-filled visit to the Festival. Natalie Montakhab (Yum Yum)
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Times 2.30pm
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £24 - £40 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13
THE PIRATES OF PENzANCE
Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
Tickets £24 - £40 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
Join a swashbuckling performance as the Pirates of Penzance sail back into Harrogate this evening. A stellar cast takes to the stage in a brandnew production of this all-time favourite. Pure delight! 2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15.00
SONG AND STORY
Festival Director Ian Smith and some special friends entertain in “Song and Story”. 1.50pm & 6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show.
7.15pm The Royal Hall before the evening peformance
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 and enjoy! Be in your seats by 7.10pm if you want to join in. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
47
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
Sunday 20 August FREE EARLY MORNING CINEMA
10.30am Heritage Lounge Tickets £5.00
FREE LUNCHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
Stephen Turnbull We are pleased to welcome the return of Stephen Turnbull, Sir Arthur Sullivan Society secretary, who this morning paints a fascinating picture of the development of Princess Ida. Princess Ida is based on a narrative poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson called The Princess (1847), and Gilbert’s farcical musical play, based on the poem, in 1870. He lifted much of the dialogue of Princess Ida directly from his 1870 farce. You can be sure of many new, exciting and interesting twists to this presentation which will have a significant musical contribution.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRINCESS IDA
9.30am Utopia Pavilion
1.00pm Utopia Pavilion
FOOD & DRINK
Utopia Pavilion 09.30am - midnight Teas, Coffees & Snacks 12:00noon - 2:00pm Hot and cold lunches 5:00pm to 7:00pm Hot and cold high teas 10.00pm to midnight Festival Club suppers 11.30am - midnight Fully licensed bar
Box Office 01422 323 252
PRINCESS IDA The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
Gaynor Keeble (Lady Blanche)
Our final performance of Princess Ida. The women reign supreme at Castle Adamant where Princess Ida has opened an all-female university to prove the superiority of her sex. Of course things don’t go to plan, as Prince Hilarion, who was engaged to Ida as a baby, dresses as a woman and breaks into the castle to claim his bride. 48
Times 2.30pm
Venue The Royal Hall Tickets £24 - £40 Student Standby £5 half an hour before curtain up
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
HMS PINAFORE
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
See the seating plans on page 12 & 13 Times 7:30pm
Venue The Royal Hall
Richard Gauntlett is Sir Joseph
Join the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company as they sail away with the final show of the Festival - HMS Pinafore - one of the most enduringly popular of Gilbert and Sullivan’s great comic creations, with Tickets many well-known songs. Get on board and book your tickets for the last £24 - £40 time this year. Student Standby £5
half an hour before curtain up
2.30pm Savoy Theatre Tickets £15
JAMES HENDRY
Festival favorite James Hendry returns with an afternon of Hendry, Sullivan and the Royal Opera House
1.50pm & 6.50pm Utopia Pavilion free entry
PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
G&S expert Bernard Lockett introduces the evening’s show. From 10.00pm Utopia Pavilion Tickets on the door £3.00
FESTIVAL CLUB & CABARET
Hot and cold food is available and the bar is open until late.
Box Office 01422 323 252
James Hendry 49
Book online www.gsfestivals.org
SILVER JUBILEE “GRAND DRAW” Prizes worth £7500
To commemorate the start of our Silver Jubilee Anniversary we are delighted to announce the “grandest” of Grand Draws with prizes valued at more than £7,500. Tickets are only £2 each or you can have a book of six for £10. Here are some of the exciting prizes on offer: One twin cabin on our special Silver Anniversary Cruise, March 16-24, 2018 ( value £3,500) A day making your own ice cream on the Brymor Farm in the Yorkshire Dales Voucher of £150 for the Pure Collection, Cashmere Clothing Authentic Japanese kimono from The Japanese Shop Hamper of botanically brewed beverages from Fentimans Farrah’s Hamper Booths Hamper Taste of Bettys Gift Tin Keelham Farm Shop, Yorkshire Tea Taste Box Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to Harewood House Whitakers’ High Quality Chocolates Specsavers Voucher Meal for two at the Tannin Level Tea for Two at Fodder Voucher for a side of salmon from Bleiker’s Smoke House 8 bottles of Whittaker's Gin in a basket filled with botanicals 25 prizes of a pair of tickets to the show of your choice at the 2018 Festival in the Royal Hall Harrogate Plus a further 25 prizes of a pair of tickets to the show of your choice at our 2018 performances in Buxton Opera House ... and many more prizes - Nestle Chocolates +++
DON’T MISS THESE GRAND PRIzES FROM THIS GRANDEST OF GRAND DRAWS! All proceeds will go to the Gilbert & Sullivan Association (Charity number: 1103178)
Draw tickets will be available from Tuesday July 25th during the Gilbert and Sullivan season in Buxton Opera House and then at the International Festival in Harrogate. The draw will be made during the Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday August 19th in the Savoy Theatre, Harrogate.
Bringing Music and the World to Life
November The Magical River Rhine 3-10 2017 Voyage of Musical discovery. explore amsterdam,
March 16 - 24 2018
November 6-13 2017
May 10 - 17 2018
dusseldorf, Koblenz and the amazing rhine gorge to rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg and back.
The Spirit of Portugal
The river douro in Portugal is known as the “ rive of Gold” a uneSCo’s World Heritage Site.
Wonders of the Danube
Join our Silver anniversary celebration cruise from Munich to Budapest via Slovakia, austria and Germany.
Budapest, Bratislava and Warsaw
Three fascinating countries. Great sightseeing and great participating entertainment.
Get your free brochure from: The Old Vicarage, All Souls Road, Halifax, HX3 6DR or visit the Theatrical Adventures stand in the Utopia Pavilion