Halifax Gilbert and Sullivan Society Newsletter
December 2004

Christmas is here again, and another show has been put to bed. The Society doesn't have much time for sleep, though, with rehearsals already under way for another concert season. All dates arranged so far are listed in a separate leaflet that you can keep in a handy place, so that you won't forget to come along!

Another closing, another show ...

Iolanthe played to very appreciative audiences back in November. For the first time since 1986 we put on a matinée, and were rewarded with 100 in the audience. We had been made aware that many people do not like to come into central Halifax in an evening, and that performances may finish too late for parents who wish to bring children along. We intend to continue with matinées for the foreseeable future.

Our regular production team gave the cast plenty to enjoy. Margaret Schofield produced a very distinctive set of fairies, and a set of peers even more distinctive than she had perhaps intended (who can forget her despairing but vain cry of “Remember, less is more!”). Once again her imagination was made reality by John Worrilow, Trevor Roberts and Mike Whitwam, and if anybody needs three revolving bar-stools for a concert or function, you know where to ask. We would also like to record our thanks to The Savoyards and Tom Mills for providing the First Act "greenery" at a very reasonable rate.

Colin Akers' rapport with the orchestra was as good as ever, and the overture in particular produced some memorable moments. We are very lucky to have the services of these players, and look forward to our next association with them.

We welcomed a number of new faces on stage this year. Hannah Brian and Michael Templeton made their Society bows as the Fairy Queen and Strephon, while Penny McGoverin, Jane Hanmer, Louise Moore and Ian Hillis (the latter two in their first stage appearances) were valuable members of the chorus (Pat Dean only missed out on doctor's orders – we hope she can make good next time). In the meantime, Gemma Saul made an unforgettable transition from selling raffle tickets to the audience to pouring whisky-and-sodas for the peers.

Ticket sales were better than they had been for a number of years, and it can be no coincidence that this followed a carefully planned campaign by our new Publicity Team, headed by Peter Sugden and Paul Matthews. The Piece Hall was host to a protest march in support of the House of Peers, posters were strategically positioned on all roads leading into Halifax, and Gordon Sampson's telephone line at the Courier must have been melting by the end of October.

In the July newsletter we reported Mike Whitwam's contretemps with his dog, which resulted in his not having to learn any moves for the show, since he was pushed everywhere in his wheelchair by Trevor Roberts. During show week another mishap was suffered by Christine Johnson, who sustained a badly bruised forearm when a flat fell on her in the wings during dress rehearsal. Our indefatigable Publicity Officer was immediately on the phone to the Courier, and a photograph duly appeared later in the week. No publicity is bad publicity, although unfortunately it failed to mention the starting time and ticket availability for the matinée!

Two weeks after the show, following a rehearsal for the Patrons' Evening, Richard Buxton failed to avoid a patch of ice in his front garden and fell heavily on to a step, which resulted in a broken fibula just above the ankle and six weeks off work (three down, three to go at present). Not content with that, the same weekend Leyland Smith stepped in a hole while walking and ended up with a broken tibia (that's the full set, then). Once again the newshounds were on the trail, and Leyland appeared in the Courier in time to publicise the Mytholmroyd concert.

We seem to have avoided any further mishaps since then, but should mention Life Vice-President and former Business Manager Reg Horner, who was operated on to have an eye removed earlier in the year. We were delighted to see him in good spirits at the show, and wish him and Angela the very best for the future.

From Savile Park to Mytholmroyd ...

• August 14^th saw the Society take a stall at Halifax Show. It provided very good publicity with the Name-a-Fairy competition among other things, and even gained us a member of the men's chorus. Many thanks to Jane Fellows for taking this initiative.
• Three weeks later, Savile Park saw the annual bunfight interspersed with a little cricket. It was a hot afternoon, so the tea lasted even longer than usual, but a nominal bit of exercise was enjoyed by all.
• Ken Rothery came along to the Playhouse Bar on September 26^th to give another of his delightful talks on some of the hidden byways of musical humour. A full house showed its appreciation.
• A small group gave an after-lunch concert to members of Halifax Probus Club and their ladies, at Elland Cricket Club. This kind of function brings in useful income for the Society, and anyone who can suggest contacts for further engagements should get in touch.
• The Iolanthe programme gave notice of two events which have since taken place. The Patrons' Evening was revived as a means of keeping supporters in contact between the Show and Christmas. This year it comprised a selection of pieces with at least one from each of the thirteen G & S shows, and a sizeable audience helped to sing the choruses.
• The final event of the year was our joint concert at Mytholmroyd Community Centre as guests of Hebden Bridge Brass Band. Another full house heard a selection from Iolanthe as well as some seasonal fare from the Choir, together with the band's offerings. This seems to be a worthwhile venture for both organisations, and may well slot into the regular calendar in future.

In the meantime, rehearsals are in progress for the Spring 2005 concert season. The last rehearsal this year is Friday December 17^th, and they recommence on Friday January 7^th. If anyone wishes to join us, they will be very welcome!

Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!