Gilbert & Sullivan Society Of Southport

The Hoghton Players Gilbert & Sullivan Society Of Southport is presenting the ever-popular Pirates Of Penzance, directed by Ian Mackley, for a four-night run at The Richard Colmer Theatre In Southport College, Mornington Road, Southport, from Wednesday, March 19 until Saturday, March 22.
Theatre reviewTheatre review
Theatre review

All performances begin at 7.30pm. Book early for tickets from Ray Dutton on 01704.578232

This year, the society welcomes two soloists from the Royal Northern College of Music in the lead roles of Mabel and Frederic.

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American soprano Lisa Newill Smith brings a stunning vocal virtuosity to one of the more challenging of Sullivan’s female leads and tenor Tyler Cooper is sure to have audiences melting in the warmth of his lyrical rendition of Is there not one maiden here?

Other members of the cast include Ian Dunning as the Pirate King, Andrew Lamb, making a welcome return to the society, is singing the role of the Sgt of Police and well-known local actress, Elspeth Fisher playing Ruth.

The line-up is completed by Keith Cawdron singing the eponymous role of the Major-General.

Following the tremendous success of last year’s production of Evita, the Sdc Youth Theatre present The Railway Children by E Nesbit, adapted by David Simpson and directed by Marilyn Fletcher-Hill, at Southport Little Theatre from Tuesday, March 18 to Saturday, March 22 at 7.45pm.

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The 1970 film, directed by Lionel Jeffries and starring Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett has become a much loved classic, and here the story has been thoughtfully adapted for the stage with Zack Johnson playing Station Master Perks and Eleanor Gillow, Martha Jenkinson and Joseph Bloom as the Railway Children.

The children have lived in a happy, comfortable upper middle-class home in Edwardian London.

One night, they see their father taken away by two strangers.

They and their mother fall on hard times and eventually move to a cottage in the country.

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Fascinated by the nearby steam railway, they wave to the passengers every day and their vigilance and courage prevent an accident.

Their kindness makes friends of some important people who can help solve the mystery of their missing father.

The play is both funny and heart-warming and the set designers have created a village complete with tunnel, train track and (maybe) a steam train, making it an ideal evening out for all the family.

Tickets from The Box Office Tel 530521/530460 –

Mozart’s legendary fictional character, Don Giovanni, is set to be reincarnated by Blackpool Symphony Orchestra at the Blackpool Citadel, Raikes Parade Blackpool on Sunday, March 23 at 7.30 pm.

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This new production comes with a twist; semi-staged the story will be told in just an hour.

Musical Director Helen Harrison said: “lanning for this groundbreaking production began with Musica Lirica Opera over a year ago; the greatest challenge was trying to decide how to shape the musical story to provide a unique version of the opera in just an hour.”

In a rare combination, the concert will also feature Mozart favourites including the Overture to the Marriage of Figaro, A Musical Joke and highlights from his Symphony No 40.

Tickets are available for £8 for adults with free entry for Under 19s.

Call 01253 351020 or email [email protected]. For further information visit http://www.blackpoolsymphony.co.uk.