Batley Gilbert & Sullivan Society

Events Diary

Did You Know?

This was the seventh time the Society had presented "Princess Ida" (alternatively known as "Castle Adamant"). For our President in 2016, Stephanie Roe, this was her fifth time. This production also welcomed back Graham Weston as the producer, his 13th show with the Society.

• The Society was sad to hear of the recent death of Mary Newell. Although Mary did not perform with us, she was a member of the Church at Hanover Street (where it all started) and she was involved with their dramatic Society. She provided invaluable assistance in catering for many years and only retired from that role when failing health prevented her from attending the theatre. She was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her contribution to the Society.
• "Princess Ida, or Castle Adamant" opened on 5 January 1884 at the Savoy Theatre and ran for 246 performances. It is the only three act Gilbert and Sullivan Opera and the only one with dialogue in blank verse. By Savoy Opera standards, Princess Ida was not considered a success due, in part, to a particularly hot summer in London in 1884 (the theatre was closed in August because of the excessive heat).
• From Gilbert's Bab Ballads:
  The Disagreeable Man