HEREFORD Gilbert and Sullivan Society take to the stage later this month with their production of Iolanthe, the story of a fairy who committed the capital offence of marrying a mortal.
On the condition that Iolanthe left her husband and never saw him again, her sentence was commuted to lifelong exile. Her son, Strephon, meanwhile, has grown up as a shepherd, half fairy, half mortal, and has fallen in love with Phyllis, a ward of the Court of Chancery. Strephon’s fidelity is called into question when he is seen with Iolanthe, who, being a fairy, hasn’t aged as a mortal might...
This year is the 130th anniversary of the first performance of Iolanthe, one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s bestknown works, and the 65th birthday of the award-winning HGSS.
It will be a packed year for the society, a non-profit making local community musical society dedicated to showcasing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, with a special concert to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and, as part of this year’s Three Choirs Festival, a revival of its sellout production of Trial by Jury, on July 21. It was performed in 2010 in court number one at Hereford Crown Court.
And the celebrations aren’t limited to performances, with the society having produced its own 2012 commemorative calendar and a recipe book containing dishes based on G&S characters, with plans for a commemorative book and/or DVD detailing the society’s history.
For its anniversary year, the society welcomes Matt Hunt – head of music at Kingstone School and Classic FM’s new music teacher of the year – as guest conductor.
He brings a brand new orchestra to The Courtyard for Iolanthe, and continues the society’s commitment to actively encouraging young people to get involved, both on stage and as audience members.
Sixteen-year-old Hannah Roper, already well-known as an enormously talented violinist, shows off an impressive soprano voice to play Iolanthe, joined on stage by her father Ian (playing her son, Strephon) and her younger sister Rachel playing Fleta.
There are seven other under- 21s in the 32-strong cast.
Stage direction will once again be in the hands of award-winning director Alistair Donkin, under whose direction the society has twice won best musical production in Herefordshire, for Mikado in 2009 and The Sorcerer in 2010.
Next year, the society will be performing The Gondoliers at The Courtyard, while for 2014, the cast was given the opportunity to vote for the show it wished to do, and chose Princess Ida.
Iolanthe is at The Courtyard from Wednesday until March 31. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here