Leeds G&S Productions: Light Opera and Musical Theatre
A Long History of G&S Tomfoolery
Broadening Our Horizons into Musical Theatre
Broadening Our Horizons into Musical Theatre
Our history is steeped in Light Opera - in fact we were first known as Hunslet St Silas Choral and Operatic Society in 1909. For 50 years between 1954 and 2014 we mostly performed Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. The G&S cannon gave us a rich choice of shows full of vibrant music, great ensemble singing, and plenty of tomfoolery.
Their works stay firmly in our hearts. We performed The Mikado in 2018, we were scheduled to offer HMS Pinafore in 2020, we did a semi-staged Trial By Jury in 2022, and in 2023 created a new concert showing how the words of Gilbert have influenced some of the greatest satirical song writers of the last 100 years (Satirical Silliness).
Broadening Our Horizons into Musical Theatre
Broadening Our Horizons into Musical Theatre
Broadening Our Horizons into Musical Theatre
Since 2013 we have also added choice light opera and musical theatre shows to our programming. We have brought Orpheus & The Underworld, Kiss Me Kate, Guys & Dolls, Sweeney Todd, and others to the Leeds stage . In short, we love shows where we get to challenge ourselves with shows that need full singing and dramatic acting.
When we can, we run smaller second shows. This gives us a chance to explore shows we would not put on the main stage. It also opens up more opportunities for members of the society to start taking on roles, learn about directing, or develop new passions. Examples include.
- Into The Woods
- 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
- She Loves Me
Relive Our Most Recent Production
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame
In April 2023 we brough Disney's The Hunchback Of Notre Dame to The Carriageworks Theatre.
This was an epic musical, with a large cast, an addition 30-strong choir, and a full band.
Every show feels distinct in a some way. This show felt unique in a specific way. Here is Anita in the programming explaining, "We have tried very hard to create the wonder and epic nature of this story by adding a 30-piece choir to our ranks...". In addition to a fair sized ensemble on stage, the show is written with an off-stage choir - integral to the musical soundscape of the piece, but separate from the action. This gave us the opportunity to welcome back many old friends (performers from previous shows), who may not have had the time or inclination to get on stage. Also, it offered a chance to bring lots of new faces into the group. Many fingers were crossed after the curtain came down that both the old friends and the new friends would return to join us on-stage for future shows.
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Registered Charity
Leeds Gilbert & Sullivan Society is a registered charity.
number: 500738
