Events Diary
- 22 AprilThe Gondoliers
- 23 AprilThe Gondoliers
- 24 AprilThe Gondoliers
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25 April
MatineeThe Gondoliers
Did you know?
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This was our 21st Anniversary production and the first and only time, in our history, we have performed "The Grand Duke".
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In 1969, having served as our accompanist for a number of years, Ronald Whittam became our Musical Director. He continued to serve in this role for 12 years becoming our longest serving MD (to date).
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The production (as the Batley News reported before the show started) saw 5 teenagers taking their first principal roles. One of these, Stephanie Kitson (now Stephanie Roe), is still performing with the Society.
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"I never want to see the ugly, misshapen little brat again" said WS Gilbert after the 1896 premiere of this, his final collaboration with Arthur Sullivan. His wish was granted, and indeed barely anyone has had the opportunity to see it. Our production served as one of those rare occassions.
The Grand Duke, or The Statutory Duel opened on March 7, 1896 at the Savoy Theatre, London. This last G&S opera ran for only 123 performances.
Producer/Director :
Vera Stubbs
Musical Director :
Ronald Whittham
Cast
| Rudolph : (Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfennig): | Allan Haigh |
| Ernest Dummkopf : (A Theatrical Manager) | Malcolm Buncher |
| Ludwig : (his Leading Comedian) | Clive Moul |
| Dr. Tannhauser : (A Notary) | Geoffrey Greenwood |
| Prince of Monte Carlo : | Alan Wilson |
| Viscount Mentone : | Eddie Thompson |
| Ben Hashbaz : (a Costumier) | Frank Burton |
| The Princess of Monte Carlo : (Betrothed to Rudolph) | Denise Coupland : |
| The Baroness Von Krakenfeldt : (Betrothed to Rudolph) | Margaret Whitaker : |
| Julia Jellicoe : (an English Comidienne) | Judith Haller |
| Lisa : (a Soubrette) | Glenys Bretherick |
| -- Members of Ernest Dumpkopf's Company -- | |
| Olga : | Lesley Spence |
| Gretchen : | Helen Stakes |
| Bertha : | Audrey Oldroyd |
| Elsa : | Anne Colbeck |
| Martha: | Stephanie Kitson |
Chamberlains, Nobles, Actors, Actresses etc.
LADIES CHORUS: P.Spurr, S. Clegg, M. Coupland, D. Exley, C. Whittham, J. Hartley, J. Milnes, B. Clegg, B. Newell, M. Greenwood, E. Exley, G. Clegg, M. Harrap, D. Coupland.
GENTLEMEN'S CHORUS: G. Haller, D. Gill, P. Newell, A. Wright, E. Thompson, F, Burton, T. Chamberlain, D. Goddard, B. Pearson, P. Godfrey, D.Bateman.
