G&SSociety

A note from the chair

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to the Gilbert and Sullivan society's 2007 production of "The Pirates of Penzance"! This year has yet again served up a heady mix of jam packed rehearsals combined with some slightly crazy socials, including trips to the Willow, a pudding party, a treasure hunt and some scarily competitive quizzes.

We have, however, had to make one major change to the very fabric of the society this year: due to Langwith bar having reduced opening times we have been forced to move our weekly after-rehearsal drink to Derwent. This initially placed a tremendous strain on the society, but we eventually recovered and I feel that it has made all of us stronger people!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the directors, it has amazed me the amount of energy, time and effort the four of you have managed to put in for the entire 5 months of rehearsals. I would also like to thank my committee for putting up with me for a year and for all doing a fantastic job to keep the society running.

Finally I would like to thank everyone for coming and I hope you enjoy the show!

35th Anniversary celebrations

This year marks 35 years since the society's first production - which coincidentally was The Pirates of Penzance. This makes us one of the longest-running student societies on Campus, and to celebrate this achievement, the coriety will be holding a special reunion to which all members past and present are invited. The event will include a G&S "rehearsal" in the afternoon, followed by a formal dinner and ceilidh, and will take place on Saturday 10th March. For more information, see the Friends of Gilbert and Sullivan (FOGS) stand in the foyer, or email us at fogs@gsyork.co.uk

Directors' notes

Directing perhaps Gilbert and Sullivan's most loved collaboration was always going to present us with a unique series of challenges: how to marry the spirit of Gilbert's witty and moving dialogue, and of Sullivan's most vibrant music, with our own unique take on life? How to treat respectfully the memorable and well-known show-stoppers without allowing familiarity to breed contempt? How to stave off the omnipresent cultural reference to Capt. Jack Sparrow? And how, dear Lord, to do all this for less money than the cost of a second-hand Skoda? We've given it our best shot, and we're really rather proud of it. We'd love to hear your thoughts too though - please email your fulsome praise, constructive criticism, abuse or threats to pirates@gsyork.co.uk. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy Zombie Cowboy Robot Vampire Pirates of Penzance...

• On fire!
• On ice!
• On a plane!
• In space...

J. Mark Pim

Mark has been in the society one year less than far-too-long but at least one year more than sanity allows. He can usually be found telling naughty jokes to people who should tell him to shut up (or buy him a drink as hush money, hint hint). He lives in South Bank with two printers and a rapidly dying house-plant. His party trick is describing the colours he associates with people's names.

Chris J. Charlton

Chris has spent the last year peddling himself as a venerable sage to any member of the society foolish enough to confuse longevity with wisdom. He has a high tolerance for good red wine and a low tolerance for Mark's jokes. This year, his house in Fulford will not be used for the after-show party, which excites him. Chris affects an air which many mistake for arrogance; he is, in fact, just better than other people.

Robbie Berryman

After almost 3 years of improving his crossword solving as rehearsal pianist, Robbie became MD last summer. He is also chair of the university Concert Band, where he plays cornet and horn. In his spare time he does a physics degree.

Principals

Andrew Lawson (Major-General Stanley)

This is Andrew's 5th show with the society and despite many testing times he must be enjoying it because he's now risen through the ranks to be our chairman. This has been Andrew's most testing role to date due to the fact that he doesn't get fawned over by the female chorus: we attempted to rectify this but then realised that the female chorus were playing his daughters and the show wouldn't pass health and safety.

Jim Durdin (The Pirate King)

Jim "The Dandy" Durdin, though naturally a rough man, leading a rough life, has masqueraded as a charismatic, charming, suave, witty, handsome, intelligent... (continued in autobiography pages 16-94) ... egomaniac and Gilbert and Sullivan fan. This man of stone has still be known, however, to feel the tender stirrings of love, whenever a mirror is to be found.

James Knowles (Samuel)

James (Knowles, as there seems to be too many to count this time round!) has spent the last year making the most of his life expanding his horizons literally, metophorically, spiritually and chemically. This mainly consisted of several hours pursuing fast-moving vehicles and out-staring posters. James is very happy with the development of the current G&S performance, especially as it has reduced his community service by half...

Matt Ferguson (Frederic)

Matt has been preparing for this role by standing in the shower singing. This is so he can learn his songs, and also how to be a complete drip.

James Duckworth (Sergeant of Police)

Accidentally delivered in 1986, James has managed to imbibe sufficient dramatic skill to pass himself off as a trained thespian, and has been stealthily acting his way through a series of murky theatrical productions. Currently residing in a Lake District hovel (when not "acting" or "singing"), James wants the finest wines available to humanity and he wants them now.

Emma Bradley (Mabel)

Having escaped the clutches of a sax-playing penguin of the 5th dimension, Emma hoped to retire to a peaceful life on a tropical island. Instead she was blown off course by a renegade North Sea hurrican and ended up stranded in York, where she decided to take up a job as a mime. Being just too bubbly for mimehood, she was lured into the G&G Society with promises that she wouldn't be persecuted for her melodious bellowing.

Julia Weatherley (Edith)

Julia studied at the Junior Royal Academy of Music before starting her music degree at the University of York. Past solo performances include singing on BBC radio, being the lead role in the filming of the American opera 'The Face on the Barroom floor' and recital performances at The Irish Embassy and London fashion week. Future solo performances include a concerto with the University of York Symphony Orchestra.

Lauren Mathews (Kate)

Lauren discovered her diva personality at the tender age of six when she appeared on stage as a very cute fox cub. She has since combined a successful stage career with her covert ambition to become society Femme Fatale. Known for her sophisticated demeanour, Lauren delights in the company of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, all of whom she considers to be absolutely fantastic... especially the men.

Frankie Thomas (Isabel)

Having directed last year's show Patience, Frankie is back on the stage for her 5th show with the society. She combines the role with keeping the society running smoothly as the highly efficient secretary.

Fiona Constantine (Ruth)

Fiona's ambition is to stand on the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in a Union Jack dress and sing Rule Britannia. While waiting for that to happen, she is working for the government, trying to prevent cows going mad.

Images

Cast

Major-General Stanley:

Andrew Lawson

The Pirate King:

Jim Durdin

Samuel (his Lietenant):

James Knowles

Frederic (the Pirate Apprentice):

Matt Ferguson

Sergeant of Police:

James Duckworth

Mabel:

Emma Bradley

Edith:

Julia Weatherby

Kate:

Lauren Mathews

Isabel:

Frankie Thomas

Ruth (a Pirate Maid of all Work):

Fiona Constantine

Chorus

• Pirates & Police:
  
  • James Gaughan
  • Nigel Holdsworth
  • Michael Houston
  • Nick Lay
  • Thomas Newby
  • James Quelch
  • Stuart Roberts
  • Bill Ruddock
• Major-General Stanley's Daughters:
  
  • Siobhan Barrass
  • Helen Bourne
  • Eve Branston
  • Megan Bryan
  • Ellen Cain
  • Lois Cross
  • Leah Duffield
  • Alison Foster
  • Morven Hamilton
  • Helen Lay
  • Christine Lees
  • Danielle Neville
  • Hannah Nierstrasz
  • Sally Rowe
  • Jacqueline Smithers
  • Lauren Wade

Orchestra

Violin I:

Alice Bartosinski

Ed Kendall

Harry Lund

Violin II:

Esi Amonoo-Kuofi

Michelle Garner

Viola:

Jenny Miles

Cello:

Heather Laws

Becca Scourse

Double Bass:

Sam Barton

Flute:

Frances Charlwood

David Hiley

Oboe:

Tim Olive-Besly

Clarinet:

Rachel Baguley

Jennifer Paley

Bassoon:

Beth Hughs (Thurs/Fri)

Richard Byrne-Smith (Sat)

Horn:

Michael Slater

Gavin Whitworth

Trumpet:

Carys Hyden

Tom Keene

Trombone:

Philippa Bellis

Matt Fuller

Percussion:

Adam Leith

Acknowledgements

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society thank you for coming - we hope you enjoy watching the show as much as we enjoy performing it! We return in the summer with our annual non-G&S show, and of course next year - same time (roughly), same place for more G&S shenanigans. If you've liked what you've seen tonight and are itching to be involved or would like to be kept informed of future performances please contact us.

We'd also like to thank everyone involved in this production for their support and in particular, we would like to thank:

• Andrew Boyes of Boyes
• The Willow Restaurant
• Mr and Mrs Duffield
• Patrick and Linda Couzens for their generous donation
• The York Annals Fund
• Ollie Nash
• Jill Stead
• all University of York Porters
• Carol Backhouse for all her work with the set
• Nick Lay for printing the orchestra parts
• Des from Silverscreen Graphics
• Dave and all at Reprotech Studios
• George Hyde
• SU Finance Office
• all at room bookings and central reservations