Batley
Gilbert & Sullivan Society
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Affiliated to the
National Operatic and Dramatic Association
About Us
Contents
History
The society began life in 1949 as the Augmented Choir of Hanover Street Congregational Church, inspired by Stanley Lockyer, an ardent Gilbert and Sullivan fan, who encouraged his fellow choir members to have a go. We are delighted that one of those individuals, Irene Richardson, also a founder member of the society, is a life member of the society today.
In those days, amateur entertainment was at its height and due to popular demand, the society had to open its ranks to non church members who were subjected to an interview by the entire committee before joining.
In 1951 the society changed its name to the Batley Congregational Operatic Society but remained at Hanover Street until the church closed in 1973, the society’s 25th anniversary. Cross Bank Church schoolroom became the new home for the society.
The society adopted its present name of Batley Gilbert and Sullivan Society in 1977. Cross Bank Church closed in 1982 which meant the society had again to find a new home as well as venue for its productions. St. Andrew’s Church Hall became the new rehearsal venue and continues to be the society’s home. Productions were staged at the Batley Town Hall until 1988 when the society transferred to its current venue - the Dewsbury Arts Centre, now known as the Dewsbury Little Theatre at Batley Carr.
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The Annual Production
We perform one of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas each year, usually around the third week of April at Dewsbury Little Theatre. Music rehearsals commence in October and floor rehearsals in February.
Auditions for principal parts, which are initially only open to members, take place in November.
We are also looking for non-singers to help backstage with set construction, scenery painting, organising props. During show week we need front of house staff to welcome the audience, sell programmes and serve refreshments. Show week can be very hectic but lots of fun!
Our production for 2010 is Utopia from 26th April to 1st May 2010. Rehearsals are now underway. See the Society Zone for more details.
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Concerts
As a change from Gilbert & Sullivan, the society also performs concerts during the Summer / early Autumn presenting a range of popular and classical music. We are also proud to be part of the Batley Jubilee Chorus, along with Batley Amateur Thespian Society and Carlinghow Theatre Company.
Where are we
We rehearse on Wednesdays at 7.30 at:
St Andrew's Church Hall,
Dennison Street,
Purlwell,
Batley,
West Yorkshire
WF17 7NU
We believe in having fun at Batley and keeping ourselves entertained with a variety of activities during the year - anything from pizza nights, theatre trips, ten-pin bowling. See the Society Zone for details of forthcoming events.
Membership
If you are interested in coming to join us, please contact our Secretary, Mrs Lyndsay Hall on 01924 525417 or come along to a rehearsal. You will be made most welcome.
Founder members - Stanley Lockyer
and Irene Richardson as Sir Joseph
Porter and Cousin Hebe
(HMS Pinafore 1954).