Torrevieja Information

A Brief History
The Society was founded in 1995, when in response to a newspaper advertisement, twenty six like minded people came together to produce, for public performance, the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan. The Societies aim was to produce each year a different operetta. To-date we have produced and performed twelve (two of them twice) of the major operettas. Cyril Willoughby was appointed Musical Director and Joan Rice provided piano accompaniment. Joan retired in 2001 and was succeeded in 2002, by Susan Brace Guest, who is now our full time accompanist.
In 1999, the Society became a fully registered association” with the Valencia authorities.
In 2005, the Society celebrated the tenth anniversary of its foundation.

Productions to-date :-
1996 - Trial by Jury.
1998 - Pirates of Penzance
1999 - The Mikado.
2000 - HMS Pinafore.
2001 - Trial by Jury.
2001 - G&S excerpts in Concert.
2002 - Iolanthe.
2003 - The Gondoliers.
2004 - The Yeomen of the Guard.
2004 - G&S excerpts in Concert.
2005 - Patience.
2005 - Grand Gala Concert.
2005 - St Cecilia Concert.
2006 - Pirates of Penzance
2006 - Autumn Concerts
2006 - St Cecilia Concert
2007 - The Mikado
2007 - St Cecilia Concert
2008 - The Sorcerer

The Society also performs Christmas Carol concerts at various venues.


Support for Charities
As a result of its productions, the Society has donated in excess of €29,500 to local and international charities. The following charities have received donations : Help Association Torrevieja, AEBE, AECC, ANDE, APENEE, Multiple Sclerosis, Spina Bifida, Caritas International, Caritas Española, Cruz Roja Española, Regidoria de Benestar Social Guardamar,  Alzheimers Association, "ASPANION" and Age Concern, Costa Blanca Sur.

Membership
a) Full Members
Full members, now in excess of sixty, pay an annual fee of 20 euros. This is necessary to help to pay for the cost of renting a rehearsal room and a storage facility for costumes and sets.

Our members have to be multi talented. Singing, Dancing, Acting, Stage & Music Direction, Musical Accompanist, Choreography, Costume Design, Sewing Machinists, Stage Electrics and Sound, Set Design and Construction, Stage Prompting, Front and In-House Staff. If you feel that you could offer your expertise in any of the above, we would like to meet you. For further information, please see under "Contacts"

b) Friends of the Society
Are you a lover of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and are you a regular supporter of the Gilbert and Sullivan?
Have you had difficulty in obtaining tickets for one of our productions?
Then why not become a "Friend of the Society"? For a donation of 6 euros per year, "Friends" will have the advantage of booking tickets in advance of all others!! "Friends" will receive an occasional Gilbert and Sullivan E-Mail information letter and occasional invitations to our social functions. If later you decide to become a full member, you will be made very welcome. For further information, please see under "Contacts" below.

Contacts
For any information about our Society, please contact :-
a) The Society Secretary, Christeen Ansell, on 96 671 8255, or email ansellchristeen@hotmail.com
b) The Society Publicity Officer, Ted Guest, on 965 725 731, or email tedguest@Gmail.com
c) The Society Social Secretary, Cindy Willoughby, on 966 785 877, or email cwillo.es@gmail
d) Friends of the Society Coordinator, Jeff Myers, on 966 714 445 or email Jeffanddallas@hotmail.com
e) Come along and meet us at our rehearsal venue, Casa Ventura, San Luis, Tuesdays or Fridays between 10am and 12 noon. You will be made most welcome.

Grand Gala Concert

The Town of Titipu, The Kingdom of Barataria, a South Pacific Island, Castle Ruddigore, The Tower of London, Penzance in Cornwall. This sounds like the itinerary for a grand and expensive holiday and cruise! No, its not! It is in fact locations chosen by Gilbert and Sullivan as the settings for some of their operettas. You would have visited all of these locations (musically speaking) when you came to see our Grand Gala Concert in November 2005.

This Concert was a very special occasion for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, as it concluded a year of events celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of its formation.

The Concert was performed at the new Centro Cultural, Virgen del Carmen, Torrevieja, on the 9th and 10th November 2005. On both nights the Concert was a complete sell out. Not a spare seat was to be found. It was truly international occasion with people in the audience from, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

The Concert was a resounding success and enjoyed by all. Many made diary notes of the dates for our performance of “The Pirates of Penzance”
Our Society is proud that it was able to present €2500, to “Age Concern, Costa Blanca Sur”, as a result of this concert.

The photo above shows Angela Keay, Age Concern, receiving a cheque for 2500€ from Cyril Willoughby, G&S Music Director. In the back row, left to right, are, Gwyneth Farrer, G&S Secretary, Les Ellis, Age Concern, Fund Raiser, Ted Guest, G&S Publicity Officer, Cindy Willoughby, G&S Social Secretary, Ross Ellis, Age Concern, Fund Raiser, Sue Brace Guest, G&S Piano Accompanist.

Our third performance of this Concert, was held at the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar del Segura, on Wednesday 16th November 2005.
The Concert was attended by a mixed Spanish and English speaking audience and was well received by all. This was a free entry Concert and was part of a week of events celebrating the festival of Saint Cecilia, the patron Saint of Music and Musicians. Our Society was the first non Spanish group to be invited to participate.
 

Christmas Concert
On Sunday 12th December 2005, we presented our annual Christmas Concert. This was a festival of Music, Stories and Carols. It took place in the Function Room at the Casa Ventura restaurant, San Luis, and was a sell out.
 

The Pirates of Penzance

The Pirates - Some History and the Plot

The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave to Duty, was first produced at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, in New York on 31st December 1879 and also, for copyright purposes one performance was given the previous day at the Royal Bijou Theatre, Paignton. The first performance in London, was not until 3rd April 1880, when it was produced at the Opera Comique. Sullivan described the libretto as ingenious, clever, funny and brilliant. He described his music as strikingly tuneful and catching.

In The Pirates of Penzance, Frederick was as a child apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, orphaned pirates by his nurse who, being hard of hearing, had mistaken her master´s instructions to apprentice the boy to a pilot. Frederick, upon completing his 21st year, rejoices that he has fulfilled his indentures and is now free to return to respectable society. But it turns out that he was born on February 29th in a leap year, and he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st *birthday*. By the end of the opera, the pirates, a Major General who knows nothing about military strategy, his large family of beautiful but unwed daughters, and the timid constabulary, all contribute to a cacophony that can only be silenced by Queen Victoria´s name.

Some photos below, of some of our cast in costume.

After Show Report - Pirates of Penzance

On the 15th, 16th and 17th March 2006, the Society presented “The Pirates of Penzance” at the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar. From the moment the curtains opened, the audience cheered and clapped in delight when they saw the fantastic stage set and magnificent costumes.

The very knowledgeable audience responded to all of the splendid songs presented to them, particularly the superb solos of Don Woods, Tom Pargeter, Cedric Senior, John Gardiner, Alyson Horsfall, Moira Raines and Katy Pargeter.
The splendid Chorus work of the Daughters, Maids, Chaperones, Pirates and Policemen, generated loud applause.

As the curtain closed at the end of the performance, the cast were given a standing ovation and loud calls for “More”.

The show was superbly Directed by Katy Pargeter. The Society Music Director, Cyril Willoughby, ever the perfectionist, extracted from the cast, a performance they can be proud of. Susan Brace Guest, the Society Accompanist, was magnificent.

Special thanks to the “backroom staff”, which includes Scenery Construction, Wardrobe & Costumes, Make-up, Props, Lighting & Sound, Hairdressing & Wigs, Prompt, Stage Management, Librarian and finally, Front of House Staff.

As a result of public support for this production, the Society donated €2934 to charities nominated by the Mayor of Guardamar.

Photograph below shows Ingrid Bouwer, Chairman, G&S Society, presenting a cheque to Maite Pérez Tevar, who was acting on behalf of the Mayor of Guardamar.

Autumn Concerts 2006

On the 10th and 11th October 2006, the Society performed their Autumn Concerts, at the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar. Despite an air-conditioning failure on both nights, which resulted in a very hot auditorium and an even hotter stage, despite this inconvenience, all present enjoyed a splendid Concert which featured excerpts from G&S Operettas, music by Franz Lehar, Vaughan Williams, together with other favourite English popular songs. Susan Brace Guest played two Piano solos:- Chopins- Polonaise in A Major and Mozarts- The Rondo in D Major.
500 people attended the Concerts. €1500 was raised for the Mayors charities.

Additional Donations to Charity

As a result of budgeting and good housekeeping, the Society was able to donate an additional €3,000 to charity.
Our members decided that “APENEE” and “ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION” would each benefit by €1,500. The presentation was made at La Siesta Church, on Friday 11th November 2006.

Photograph above shows from left to right, front row:-
Ingrid Bouwer, Chairman G&S; Debbie Payton, Matilda Sanchez & Jóse Luis of Alzheimers Association. Mike Davies; Marie Carmen & Marie Joy of Apenee.

Saint Cecilia Concert

This Concert took place on Wednesday 15th November 2006. There was no entry charge and the Concert was well attended. At the conclusion of the concert, Ingrid Bouwer, Chairman,
G&S, presented a cheque in the sum of €1500, to Gema Goméz, Presidenta Caritas Parroquial, and Franceco Argil, Concejal de Cultura,Guardamar. This donation was as a result of ticket sales at the two Autumn Concerts, held in October 2006.

Christmas Concert

On Saturday 16th December 2006 at 6pm, the Society presented a Christmas Concert. It took place at “The Function Room” Camping International, La Marina. There is no entry charge, but as the Concert was in aid of “ASPANION”, The Association of Parents of Children with Cancer, a collection of donations will be made. Please give generously.

Our second Christmas Concert took place at Rest. Los Rosales. Campo de Guardamar, on Monday 18th December 2006, starting at 6 pm.
Once again we are supporting ASPANION.
The two concerts raised €600.

The Mikado - Some History
G S Gilbert and A Sullivan

On the 14th March, 1885, at the Savoy Theatre, London, the first performance of “The Mikado” was staged. Exactly 122 years later, the G&S Society in Torrevieja, opened at the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar, with their fully costumed production of what has been rightly considered to be the very best of all G&S Operettas—“The Mikado”

The writing of the story for “The Mikado” saw a departure from the normal “Gilbertian” method in so far as it would not be another skit on the follies and foibles of his compatriots. He sought elsewhere for a subject suitable for his peculiar humour.

Inspiration came when one day an ancient Japanese Sword fell from a wall in his study, inspiring him to think of things Japanese. At this time a group of Japanese people had arrived in England and had set up their own village in Knightsbridge. As this was within one mile of his home, Gilbert made many visits.

These visits proved to be useful when he encountered difficulties with the Savoy actors and actresses, who, being used to performing with physical grace, elegant sway and dignity of action, which so distinguished the English stage, were having difficulty in adapting to the Japanese culture and ways.

Using his influence at the Japanese village, Gilbert, hired Japanese men and women to teach his company how to walk and dance, how to sit down and how to express their every emotion by the evolutions of the fan. All went well and as usual the ladies proved to be more apt pupils than the men.

Sullivan´s contribution to this operetta was to compose some beautiful music to extraordinary libretti written by Gilbert. Songs such as- “A Wandering Minstrel I”, “Three Little Maids from School are we”, “Here´s a How-De-Do” and “The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring”, have remained favourites for over one hundred years.
Sullivan was renowned for delaying the completion of his scores until the last possible moment. On the 5th March 1885, only nine days before The Mikado was due to open, he had only completed the first act. Never the less, all went well and the show opened on time.

The Mikado - After Show Report

For three days in March 2007, the G. & S. Society transported entranced audiences to the town of Titipu for a vibrant, hilarious, up-to-date version of The Mikado. The difficulties of dealing with full houses and un-numbered seats, were manfully overcome by front of house manager, Cindy Willoughby and her smart, good mannered team of helpers, who helped ease the trauma of the struggle up the unforgiving marble staircase in the Guardamar Casa de Cultura. Remaining complaints over seating arrangements were wafted away by fans provided by the G. & S. Society, and presented to each lady in the audience by two attractive Geishas - a touch of finesse typical of the approach which has made this Society outstanding in the area.

There were gasps of appreciation when the curtain went back revealing the chorus of Gentlemen of Japan, using their own, rather larger fans, in choreographed harmony. The G. & S. characters, well known to aficionados, did not lose their familiarity, but they appeared lively and up-dated.
Don Woods as Nanki-Poo made a heroic figure, and was entirely convincing, as was his beautiful bride (elected), Yum-Yum, played by Gwyneth Farrer. David Boardman succeeded in making pompous Pooh-Bah really rather loveable; Jeanne Walker as Katisha spoke and sang beautifully, and gripped the audience with her immense stage presence; the same goes for John Gardiner who must have been in Gilbert's mind when he wrote the part of the Mikado, he fitted it so well. John Wallace's interpretation of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, led us straight into the realms of the late Frankie Howard - an extraordinary performance, over-shadowing none of the brilliant cast, but pivotal, professional and energetic. Christeen Ansell as Pitti-Sing had a charisma of her own; and Norman Shelley as Pish-Tush and Marie Sills as Peep-Bo, performed their roles to such a high standard.

Throughout the men's and women's chorus sang and danced with professional, stylised, well-drilled step-sequences. All credit for this fantastic production must go to the Stage Director, Mava Bingham, who also led the brilliant team of costume makers; to the Music Director, Cyril Willoughby, who works tirelessly, and with skilful encouragement for his singers; to the Accompanist, Susan Brace Guest, whose playing appears effortless, though I'm sure it's not.

Congratulations to the back stage team of Scenery Constructors led by Ted Williams - the result of their work was self-evident.
As a consequence of this combined effort, the Society was able to make a presentation of 5,000€ to Guardamar Ayuntamiento, Cruz Roja Española, and Caritas Española.

The cheque was handed over by Trevor Ansell, Chairman of G&S Society, and received by, Antonio Puigcever and Jesús Ontemente, representing the Mayor of Guardamar.

St Cecilia Concert 2007
At exactly 8pm, on Wednesday 14th November 2007, at the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar, the curtains opened at the start of the G&S St Cecilia Concert.

The audience, estimated at 340, were then treated to a feast of fine choral music interspersed with magnificent solos, duets, trios and quartets of songs from many G&S favourite operettas, also popular songs from shows such as “Porgy & Bess”, “Kiss me Kate”, “My Fair Lady”, “Oliver”, “Guys & Dolls” and “South Pacific”. The classical element was also included with the beautiful Duet “Give me Thy Hand” from Mozarts Opera “Don Giovanni”. Piano solos featured, “Fantasie-Impromptu” by Chopin and “Jesu,Joy of Man´s Desiring” by Bach.

The Concert concluded with a selection of music from the G&S Operetta “The Sorcerer” which will be a major production in the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar, on 16th, 17th and 18th April 2008. Full details of ticket sales will appear in the press nearer the event.

A very happy audience left the Theatre having enjoyed one and a half hours of top class entertainment. Many asked if they could book tickets for the next production.

Christmas Concerts 2007
The Gilbert and Sullivan Concert Singers presented two Carol Concerts this year. The first at the Casa Ventura, San Luis,the second at Restaurante Los Rosales, Campo Guardamar.
The aim of the concerts was to raise money and public awareness of the needs of the charity “Asociacion de Epidermolisis Bullosa de España” (Butterfly Children). This disease affects the skin of babies and young children. It is incurable and often fatal.
Both Concerts were well attended, and an enjoyable time was had by all. The Concert Singers were led by our MD Cyril Willoughby and Susan Brace Guest, our Society piano accompanist played the music.
The audience joined in and sang many of the well known and favourite carols. There enjoyment was well demonstrated by magnificent donations totalling €690.
On Tuesday 11th December 2007, at the Casa Ventura, San Luis, The G&S Society presented their cheque in the sum of €500 to Anne Wylie, Manager of “The Butterfly Charity Shop” Pueblo Bravo, Rojales. This increased the total raised for the charity to €1,190.

Our picture above shows-front row left to right- Cyril Willoughby, Anne Wylie. G&S Society Chairman, Trevor Ansell and Susan Brace Guest. In the background are some of the Concert Singers

The Sorcerer - April 2008
The Sorcerer, sometimes given the alternative title “The Elixir of Love”, is a two-act comic opera. It was Gilbert and Sullivan´s third opera together. On 17th November,1877 it opened at the Opera Comique in the Strand, London, where it ran for 178 performances. In 1884, the opera was revived, with an abridged ending to Act 1, and a new opening to Act11. It is in this form that the opera is usually presented today. This was the first G&S operetta to be presented at the new Savoy Theatre, London, where it ran for 150 performances.

The story of the opera centers on “John Wellington Wells”, a dealer in magic and spells, whose love potions work havoc upon all who drink them, causing everyone to fall madly in love with the wrong partner. The results, in the opera, as can well be imagined, are truly Gilbertian.

The opera satirizes early Victorian customs, and the now out of date idea of the delicate curate who was supposed to receive slippers and other somewhat effeminate articles from kind-hearted maiden ladies.

The Sorcerer After Show Report

G. & S. Society Production of ‘The Sorcerer’ April 2008.
“Thoughts from Prompt Corner” by Diana Peper
For a prompter on the last night of any production, prompt corner, home for three nights, becomes an alien place inhabited by backstage staff packing up and waiting impatiently to get you out of the way. Cast members have retired to their dressing rooms for the transformation from the kaleidoscope of colourful characters who have entertained so well, to actors and singers already looking forward to their next production. The words “well done” echo around as I gather up my redundant script, and it’s as simple as that – every facet of the production, from the costumes, the scenery, the technicians in the lighting box, the backstage and front of house staff, in fact the coordinated whole was simply the best. This production of ‘The Sorcerer’, perhaps one of the lesser known G. & S. operas, was beautifully staged, with light-hearted music skilfully handled. As always with the Torrevieja G. & S. Society, the principal characters glittered, word perfect and practised in their stylized moves, leaving me free to concentrate on some of the minor parts, and what a lesson there was to be learned by those of us in other amateur dramatic groups who complain when given small parts. What a joy to see Gwyneth Farrer, playing a lowly housemaid, emerge for a swift flirtation with the Vicar, showing us, in the space of one minute, what flirting with Vicars is all about. Norman Lee, as an old, bronchial retainer, is a scene stealer - like fluffy dogs and small children, he is the type lead actors want to avoid. Applauded every time he came on, he carried all before him, including a mop, a chamber pot, and eventually the above mentioned Gwyneth. John Manning, in the part of an old, deaf, Notary, was another who showed us how to make the most of a small part; he cackled away tunefully and developed a convincing stoop that I hope will not be permanent. He was supposed to be 67 years old, which was a great comfort to us all who have long passed that mark and are still relatively upright. The chorus was exceptional; so often in amateur shows there are some chorus members who sneak around hoping not to be noticed - not these, they all acted and reacted – a task made easier by their delightful costumes. ‘The Sorcerer’ was directed by Mava Bingham with great charm and understated skill. Cyril Willoughby directed the music, and with accompanist Susan Brace Guest, the Society is blessed with a great team.

The programme thanked the Director and Staff of the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar del Segura, and at the end of the show a delightful young lady representative of the Ayuntamiento was presented with a cheque for €2,500; she seemed very happy with the amount and kissed every single cast member/male or female who were on stage for the finale.

Forthcoming Attraction The Mikado - November 2008
The Society has been asked by the authorities in Torrevieja to revive our 2007 production of “The Mikado” and present it over two nights, in November 2008, at the Municipal Theatre, Torrevieja. Negotiations are underway and full details will be published when known. All profits from this production will go to the CBN Breast Cancer Scanner Appeal.

HMS Pinafore - March 2009
In March, 2009, the Society will be presenting, HMS Pinafore, at the Casa de Cultura, Guardamar. Dates and times yet to be agreed.

HMS Pinafore - Some History
HMS Pinafore, or “The Lass that Loved a Sailor” was the fourth operatic collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan. It is a comic opera in two acts. With its infectious tunes and well-constructed libretto, it has rightly been described as the first big “hit” for G&S.

Opening at the “Opera Comique” London, on 25th May 1878, it ran for 571 performances. The opera´s gentle satire reprises and builds upon a theme introduced in “The Sorcerer”- love between members of different social classes. The opera pokes good natured fun at the “Royal Navy”, “Parliament”, “Politics” and the rise of unqualified people to positions of authority.

The plot revolves around a naval captain´s daughter who loves a common sailor, even though her father intends her to marry the First Lord of the Admiralty, the cabinet minister in charge of the Royal Navy. As with most of the G&S operas, a surprise twist exchanges everything dramatically near the end of the story.

HMS Pinafore was pirated so much in the USA (over one hundred unauthorized productions sprang up). Despite strong efforts made by Gilbert & Sullivan to control American performance copyrights over their operas, they met with little success.

Social Scene

Messrs:Gilbert and Sullivan (alias John Gardiner and Cyril Willoughby), extend a warm welcome to Society Members, Friends of the Society and to anyone interested in the works of G&S, to the Society Social Scene. In addition to learning, rehearsing and presenting various productions, the Society has a very active Social Scene.

a) We pride ourselves in being supportive of each other and also enjoy an excellent social life. The year 2007, ended with forty three members and friends spending Christmas at a Benidorm Hotel. The food was lavish and plentiful as was the wine. On Christmas Day, before lunch, we all gathered at pool-side to welcome Mr & Mrs Christmas. Gifts were given to everyone.
We then sang Christmas Carols, much to the delight of hundreds of other guests who watched and joined in with the singing, from the comfort of their room balcony. Our photograph shows Gladys Walker, who will be 97 years old in June 2008, receiving her Christmas Gift.

b) So far in this year 2008, social events for members and friends have included:-
A fun Skittles Night with a buffet afterwards; Dinner and Show at Benidorm Palace; a crazy meal after the last night of “The Sorcerer”; the official “After Show Party” with speeches and dancing; a coach trip to Ricote Valley which included lunch in a Spanish restaurant, after which, slightly tiddly from the wine and soaking wet from the rain, we got even wetter at Fortuna Spa Baths.

c) On Sunday 18th May 2008, a rain swept evening, members of the G&S Society presented a Soiree to entertain “Friends of the Society”
The event took place in the function room at The Restaurant Casa Ventura, San Luis.
Almost one hundred “Friends”, Members and Guests were entertained to a feast of singing, music, acting and monologues, performed by Members of the Society. Songs included items from, Carousel, The Desert Song, My Fair Lady, HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe, The Pirates of Penzance, Summertime, Irish and Scottish Folk Ballads, and much more. On the keyboard we heard music from Scott Joplin and Mozart. Play-lets, Sketches, Monologues and Odes completed a fine evening of entertainment. During the interval we all enjoyed a fine finger buffet and a glass of wine. Top class entertainment enjoyed by all.

If you would like to become a “Friend”, give Jeff Myers a call on 966 714 445, or email jeffanddallas@hotmail.com

d) From now on throughout the Summer months our members will hold pool parties and BBQs at their homes, and of course once again there will be, what has now become a tradition, an evening beach picnic party.

e) With the Summer months approaching, we cease rehearsals at the end of June and recommence in the first week of September. New social events are being planned for September onwards.

Our thanks to Cindy Willoughby, our Social Secretary, for her hard work in organizing these events.

Any enquiries concerning the Social aspects of our Society should be directed to Cindy on 966 785 877 or by email to:- cwillo.es@gmail.com

Hope to see you soon,
Regards,
Ted Guest
Society Publicity Officer
Tel: 965 725 731
Email tedguest@gmail.com

If you would like an association, charity, club or society for the Torrevieja area to have it's own dedicated page on this website, similar to the above, free of charge, just email the details to SocialScene@TorreviejaInformation.com