Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society

Events Diary

Did You Know?

Our 41st show and the 5th time for "Pirates of Penzance". This was also our 40th anniversary having been founded in 1949. In the original company were two people who were still active Society members in 1989; John Whitehead, who was in the chorus, and Irene Richardson who was Pitti-Sing (the first production was "The Mikado"). However, far from being a little maid from school, all unwary, Irene was actually pregnant at the time. Both later became presidents of the society. In fact, Irene was the first lady to hold the position.

• This production was the first time we had Lorrayne Harrod as our Producer. At the time Lorrayne was a full-time performer and teacher, working with BBC Northern Singers, Granada and Merseyside TV (remember them?) and Opera North.
• The Dewsbury Arts Centre, where this production was performed, was not capable of accommodating a full orchestra (and would be somewhat deafening and capacity reducing if it were). Our Musical Director, Ray Wood, re-scored the whole operetta for an ensemble audience.
• Even by Gilbertian standards the plot of "Pirates of Penzance" is absurd and was probably inspired by an incident in his childhood when, in the care of his nurse, he was kidnapped and only released on payment of £25. Similar themes appear in "HMS Pinafore" and "Gondoliers". Gilbert was never shy in repeating a successful formula.