AN AMATEUR operatic group is planning a November show filled with comic music and romantic follies.
HMS Pinafore, and Sullivan and Rowe’s one act operetta, The Zoo, will be performed by Earley based Mostly G&S.
As their name suggests, the company predominantly performs light operas by Gilbert and Sullivan.
“But we perform works by other composers and librettists too,” said David Wilson, treasurer and singer with Mostly G&S.
The group performs two concerts annually at Woodley’s Allan Cornish Theatre, in April and November.
Their next show features unlikely stories of ridiculous comic love struggles.
The Zoo, a one act operetta, follows the complicated affairs of two couples.
In the first, a nobleman woos a pretty kiosk girl at the zoo, and tries to impress her by buying and eating all the snacks.
In the other, a chemist panics when he believes he has poisoned his lover by accidentally mixing up her peppermint with her father’s medicine.
HMS Pinafore, set on board ship, is the story of a captain’s daughter Josephine, in love with a lowly sailor.
When her father insists on her marrying respectably, the couple declare their love and plan to run away, until a plot twist reveals a seismic shift of status, and fortunes.
“There are about 20 or so performers in any one of our performances,” said Mr Wilson.
“We have a range of people and experience in the group, and it’s always a fun challenge to work on the shows.
“Often there are four part harmonies to contend with, and at some points there can even be eight different groups of singers performing symultaneously.
“And with Gilbert and Sullivan, there is always a patter song, which has to be performed very fast.”
Mostly G&S performs in concert fashion, with additional props and costume.
They are currently rehearsing their November show on Wednesday evenings at Brookside Church, Earley.
Performances will be at The Allan Cornish Theatre, Woodley, from Thursday, November 2, to Saturday, November 4, at 7.30pm.
Tickets are on sale, costing £14.
For information and to book, visit: www.mostlygands.co.uk call: 07514 423 894 or email: mostlygandsboxoffice@gmail.com
