What we do, and where we do it!
If you are interested in joining us for the next show,
or to help backstage, or to assist in the designing and building of the set, or to make the tea, OR ANYTHING AT ALL, then please get in touch with us via the Contact Page |
Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society are a performing society. It states in the original Rules of the Society that
"The Objects of the branch shall be.... to stage and perform the works of Gilbert & Sullivan..." We strive to bring the delightful works of William Schwenck Gilbert and Arthur Seymour Sullivan to as wide an audience as we can, by performing an opera every year, and by having a Concert Series in the spring/early summer every year. We meet to rehearse twice a week, currently at the Performing Arts Centre, behind the Thwaites Empire Theatre, at Ewood in Blackburn; although in the run-up to a show, it can be more often, and in the concert run-up it may only be once a week. Since 1993, we have done a non Gilbert & Sullivan opera every third year or so, due in part to the fact that audiences were decreasing. So in 1993, it was Strauss...The Gipsy Baron, in 1996, Strauss again...Pink Champagne, and in 1999, Carmen (the Musical) by Bizet. This was our greatest success of recent years, with a capacity house every night of the run, in 2002, The Merry Widow, by Lehar, and then The Gipsy Baron again in 2007. In 2004, back home in Blackburn after a quarter of a century, we gave The Sorcerer, the first full length operetta written by Gilbert & Sullivan, "brokered" by the single-minded and determined Richard D'Oyly Carte. |
Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society Main Activities
Our main activity is a week’s production of an operetta normally at the end of February every year. Usually a Gilbert & Sullivan one but sometimes we change to a non Gilbert & Sullivan show.
Rehearsals start in early September to learn the music followed by the start of movement in November. The annual show is staged at the very lovely Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn which acts as the base of the society.
For a view of the theatre go to www.thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk
During the rest of the year we have other activities such as concerts and social events. The latter can be anything from a darts and dominoes evening to a quiz, a meal out or a trip to an interesting venue such as the annual Gilbert and Sullivan festival.
Before the rehearsals start we normally conduct a DVD night showing the next years production just to familiarise the society members with the show. This is a social event with a buffet afterwards provided by the members.
Yes there is plenty of activity in the society and we have something for everyone during the year. We are a friendly society that has been in existence for over 50 years. We must be doing something right.
