Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company returns to Malvern Theatre

On the agenda for the festivities from 5th to 7th September 2024 are acclaimed productions; The Gondoliers and Trial by Jury on the 5th, The Pirates of Penzance on the 6th, and The Gondoliers on the 7th.

These productions, directed by Simon Butteriss, Bradley Travis and Bruce Graham, are accompanied by the National Festival Orchestra.

Tickets are available from the Malvern Theatre Box Office or online.

Dedicated to the work of the renowned Victorian-era librettist W S Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, these productions commemorate the duo responsible for an extraordinary contribution to English operetta and musical theatre.

Their collaboration birthed fourteen comic operas between 1871 and 1896, embodying wit, satire, memorable musical scores and unique depictions of Victorian society.

Marriage of Gilbert’s ingenious lyrics and Sullivan's harmonious music birthed works appreciated far and wide.

Critics often note the seamless blend of humour, wit, and melody as what makes their work so immersive and enjoyable.

This remarkable mix of spoken dialogue, melodious tunes and engaging narratives shaped musical theatre significantly.

Such is the influence of the duo's work that several expressions and quotations have found their way into English language, courtesy of Gilbert's clever wordplay.

Lines like "it's love that makes the world go round" and "let the punishment fit the crime" are woven into the cultural fabric due to their continuous echoes in our daily conversations.

Producer Richard D'Oyly Carte played a pivotal role in this collaboration, fostering the partnership and unveiling their joint works at the Savoy Theatre, which he built in 1881.

These performances have since been labelled as the 'Savoy Operas'.

The upcoming performances at the Malvern Theatre offer a unique opportunity to relive the magic of Gilbert and Sullivan's work, appreciated for their timeless humour, satirical insight and captivating melody.