The Gilbert and Sullivan Convention, Manchester 2027
We are delighted to announce that Manchester Society are organising an exciting Convention for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and our Affiliates in May next year.
The Convention will run over the weekend of 21st – 23rd May and be held at Pinewood Hotel in Wilmslow, a 4 star Best Western Hotel set in landscaped gardens. The Hotel is easily reached by car or train, with Wilmslow being on the main London to Manchester Line. It is also accessible with a lift to upstairs.
Taking into account that 2027 marks the 150th anniversary of the first performance of The Sorcerer, this will feature in the events and there will be emphasis on young people who perform Gilbert and Sullivan.
Go to our What's On page to see the programme for the weekend and to Manchester Society on www.gandsmanc.org to book your place/s for next May.
Congratulations to Julian Light Opera (Ealing Affiliated Society)
JLOS has received three NODA London awards at the regional awards event (June 2026). The London region covers London and parts of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Essex and Kent.
Their production of The Gondoliers, directed by Zena Wigram with Jamie Naylor as MD, won the Dorothy Lawson award for the best production of a G&S, opera or operetta.
Alex Kirstukas and Ben Hancox-Lachman, (Giuseppi and Marco Palmieri) won the London region Malcolm Rose award for the best male character in a G&S, opera or operetta.
In addition, the Society won the District 2 Flame award for inspirational contribution to the pursuit of excellence in theatre. (District 2 covers an area of west and north-west London). The award citation reads "for consistently performing G&S and operetta to a high standard over many years. They are to be congratulated in (sic) keeping the flame of this genre alive and thriving and in particular for bringing imaginative twists to their productions to keep them interesting and fresh for new audiences." Thank you to Fraser Grant, Jessica Dalton and Zena Wigram for your wonderful productions.
JLOS will be producing The Pirates of Penzance from the 8th - 10th October this year at The Questors Theatre.
Brian Morris
16th September 1951 - 23rd June 2026
We were extremely sorry to learn of the death of long-standing Life Member, Brian Morris in June.
Brian joined the Grosvenor Light Opera Company at the age of 17 singing in many of their productions over the years, both in the chorus and in smaller supporting roles, perhaps one of his most notable being Arac in Princess Ida. He kept up his singing of Gilbert and Sullivan despite his work taking him to many places, including abroad. Thus he was a member of the Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society and the Brussels Light Opera Society. Once retired, he became a regular patron of the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, spending a week each year attending performances and lectures both in Harrogate and latterly in Buxton. His last public appearance was as a sailor in the Bus Pass Opera production of H.M.S. Pinafore.
Brian was also very knowledgeable of and enjoyed Arthur Sullivan’s other musical creations. Fittingly, his funeral included a rendering of 'The Lost Chord'. He has left quite a collection of prints, books, programmes etc. to the Society, which will help us continue the memory of William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.
In addition, he was an enthusiast member of the Society and although in recent years did not attend events as much as previously, it was always good to see his striking figure in Buxton and to hear from him occasionally, usually to praise the work of the Society or the Gilbert & Sullivan News. A lovely person who we will certainly miss.