The first rehearsal of a sparkling, funny operetta, this is a perfect chance to get in on what promises to be a fantastic show. The story is of two brothers who discover one of them is really a king – only no one knows which one it is. It doesn't help that they are both republican, nor that the king (whoever he is) was married as a baby to a very young duchess – not easy to explain to the women they've just married. However, until the unlikely plot is sorted out in Gilbert's usual unlikely way, there is plenty of singing, dancing and characters to keep everyone entertained.
As this production has a variety of small and large parts for all kinds of voices, there is an excellent chance of getting a role, so come and get a look in before the auditions on 15th December. New chorus members are also extremely welcome.
The Society was founded 46 years ago, starting as a small group performing Gilbert and Sullivan at St Joseph's School, before moving to the Mechanics Institute in 1969 where we were renamed the Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Since then we have also played in the Wyvern Theatre, the Steam Museum, and have now finally settled in the Arts Centre in Old Town. During that time, we have played all of Gilbert and Sullivan's works, though amazingly we have only interpreted The Gondoliers five times. There are always new interpretations of the shows, and the timeless humour and beautiful music keep both our members and our audience fascinated. The pair stopped writing well over a hundred years ago, but still entertain.
Not only do we have an annual show, we also have concerts in and around Swindon: from the first night of the Calne Music and Arts festival to a smaller concert at the Cheriton Care Home, to a evening of Madrigals from a number of shows. There is something for everyone with the Gilbert and Sullivan society.
Rehearsals will be held at Wroughton's Working Men's Club on every Tuesday from the 3rd December at 7.45pm. Phone Swindon 337906 for more information.