QUARRY BANK Operatic Society are currently in rehearsals for their production of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera The Pirates of Penzance, with the lead roles taken by Richard Cope and Alex Detheridge. The Society's Public Relations officer Julia Siviter has been in touch to tell us more, and to make an appeal for a bit of help along the way ...
"The Society are busy rehearsing for their next production 'The Pirates of Penzance, but Musical Director Richard Ganner and cast member Lawson Siviter decided to publicise the show in the Caribbean whilst on holiday.
They certainly gathered a crowd on the beach but unfortunately did not find Johnny Depp.
“Richard is a well-known piano and vocal coach who lives locally and is Musical Director of various local societies. As well as advertising for the show QBOS are desperately in need of a sponsor to purchase a new keyboard for the production. Unfortunately the keyboard is about to 'walk the plank' and die.
“Would anyone willing to help in funding this important piece of equipment please contact Julia Siviter on 07948 394579.
"The production is a fresh take on one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic operas; this updated version of The Pirates of Penzance took New York by storm when it premiered in Central Park in 1980, leading to a subsequent smash hit Broadway run.
Irreverent "Wacky, irreverent and entertaining, The Pirates of Penzance spins an hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dimwitted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric Major-General, all morally bound to the often ridiculous dictates of honour and duty. The beauty, wit and whimsy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic music is suffused with a modern sensibility, and makes The Pirates of Penzance an excellent choice for Quarry Bank Operatic Society’s 52nd production.
"The venue is the Netherton Arts Centre from Tuesday 25th September to Saturday 29th September. Tickets are available from Linda Raybould on 01384 820902 and are priced at £10 to £13 (concessions for Senior Citizens and group bookings). Visit our website for more: www.qbos.org.uk”.
