Stephen Hastings made his Gilbert & Sullivan debut in 1968 performing as Sir Richard Cholmondeley in Yeoman of the Guard, and has gone on to perform a succession of leads including Sir Roderick (Ruddigore), Pooh-Bah (The Mikado), Lord Mountararat (Iolanthe), Don Alhambra (The Gondoliers) as well as the Sergeant of Police (The Pirates of Penzance). Read More
Author: Judith Clark
In the Director’s Chair with Alan Needham
Alan Needham has enjoyed performing in and directing many musicals with a particular fondness for Gilbert & Sullivan and other classic theatre such as My Fair Lady (Lerner & Loewe) and Bitter Sweet (Noel Coward). Having now retired from an illustrious career as a zoologist, though still active in the field with the recent publication Read More
Behind the Stage Door
This July Savoy Opera Chorale proudly presents Behind the Stage Door, featuring some of the best-loved songs from musical theatre, with concept and direction by SOC Choir Master and G&S WA Director Michael Brett. A talented chorus girl… A chance for stardom… Can her dreams really come true…? Starring Magda Lisek and Catherine Archer with Read More
& Josephine – Heather Mackay chats about her leading role as HMS Pinafore’s conflicted heroine
Making her debut lead with Gilbert & Sullivan WA’s upcoming production of HMS Pinafore, Heather Mackay discusses her cheeky character, and her personal and career passion for music education. Heather Mackay in HMS Pinafore Has Josephine been a fun role to prepare? What do you think of your character? Josephine has been very fun to Read More
Zac Porter from HMS Pinafore reveals “I enjoy making the crowd smile and dance”
Rising musical performer Zac Porter chats to us about his family connection to Gilbert & Sullivan, his growing repertoire of vocal impersonations, and his nickname at his local karaoke bar. Zac Porter in HMS Pinafore As a bass / baritone singer, tell us of some of your favourite pieces of music in that range. There’s Read More
Steve Sherwood sets sail with the new crew of G&S WA’s HMS Pinafore
Popular baritone Steve Sherwood heads aboard a 1950’s revival of Gilbert & Sullivan’s hilarious musical comedy, HMS Pinafore. Steve Sherwood in Trial by Jury What drew you to singing Gilbert and Sullivan? I used to sing in a local male voice choir in London. One of the members was very keen on G&S and also Read More
The 72nd Annual General Meeting of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of WA (Inc.)
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of WA AGM was held on Wednesday, 15 February at their Rehearsal Hall in Nollamara. A good number of current financial and Life Members were in attendance and a quorum was achieved. Formal proceedings included the presentation of the President’s Report by Kevin Langoulant, the Treasurer’s Report by Glenn Rowan, Read More
Justin Freind returns to duel it out in The Grand Duke
Bel canto tenor Justin Freind returns to the Grand Duchy of Pfennig-Halbpfennig in Gilbert & Sullivan’s rare topsy-turvy theatrical treasure, The Grand Duke. Justin Freind You began your career early with the Bridgetown Repertory Club in regional WA at the age of 7 – did you think growing up that you would be so internationally successful? Read More
Aimee-Rose Keppler blooms into G&S WA’s next leading lady
With popular soprano Magda Lisek bowing out to pursue an exciting opportunity, WAAPA Classical Voice student Aimee-Rose Keppler steps confidently into her first lead role as Lisa in G&S WA’s upcoming romantic comedy, The Grand Duke. Aimee-Rose Keppler Tell us a little about yourself and if you feel you have anything in common with your Read More
5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Singing
Photo: Samy Benabed Singing with others feels amazing. Group singing promotes social bonding and has been shown to raise oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”) and decrease cortisol (the “stress hormone”). But it’s not just about singing in groups. There are many unexpected ways singing is good for you, even if you’re on your own.Singing is a free Read More