'Now let the loyal lieges gather round'

A Convention weekend for members of The Gilbert and Sullivan Society and our Affiliated Societies and Organisations organised by Manchester G&S Society.   An exciting programme of speakers and performing artistes plus the Manchester 95th anniversary dinner.

Dates:                       Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd May 2027

Venue:                      The Pinewood Hotel, Winslow, Manchester

Details:                     www.gandsmanc.org  for on-line booking

For full details  and booking, please see your fliers in the Summer 2026 Gilbert & Sullivan News or visit the Manchester Society website.  

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The Convention Programme

Friday 21st May
19.00  Manchester Society 95th  Anniversary Dinner with pre-dinner music by
Chris Browne and David Wheeler
21.30  After-dinner entertainment  with baritone Matthew Kellet (engagements permitting)


Saturday 22nd May
10.00 Welcome
10.15  'A View from the Podium'  International conductor James Hendry draws on
his professional experience to reflect on the pleasures and challenges of conducting Gilbert and Sullivan in the 21st century.
11.15 Tea / Coffee
11.45 'The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Family'  an overview by Jim Stebbings, author of ‘The Lost Heirs:  the story of Lucas and Michael D’Oyly Carte'.
13.00 Buffet Lunch
Gilbert and Sullivan Treasure Hunt during the afternoon
14.30  Celebrating some of the dedicated individuals who made live recordings of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and their piratical activities. Presented by Andrew Percival and David Lawton.
15.30 Tea / Coffee
16.00  At the piano with David Mackie who explores some unexpected aspects of
Sullivan’s music.
16.30  Free time
18.30  Dinner
20.00  Gala Concert.  A quartet of performers, including the current RNCM students
sponsored by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Kitty Casey (soprano) and Oscar Bowen-Hill (tenor).


Sunday 23rd May
09.30   'Songs of Praise from Ploverleigh Church'. Introduced by John Balls and
Arthur Barrett accompanied by David Mackie.
10.15  The Sorcerer at 150: Marking the 150th Anniversary of its first performance,
Paul Taylor presents an illustrated talk on the background to the opera and its
subsequent history. Assisted by John Coates and Ray Walker.
11.15  Tea / Coffee
11.45  Sale Gilbert and Sullivan Society  perform a selection of items from The
Sorcerer, including some ‘lost music’ from the opera.
13.15  Buffet Lunch