This Season’s Concert...

‘a joy’

‘a delightful concert’

‘The chorus work was magnificent’

‘Solo items .... interpreted with panache’

‘This splendid concert’

The Great Yarmouth Mercury

Review of this season’s concert performed  at the Methodist Church, Gorleston.

LAST CHANCE
to hear it at the
Priory Centre...........
has now passed!
Look out for next season’s programme.

Full Details

Why not come
and join us?

We meet on Tuesdays
at 7.30 pm

St. Peter’s Curch Hall
Lowestoft Road
Gorleston
(MAP)
(Great Yarmouth G&S Society is not responsible for the content of external links)

Check the membership page and FAQ for more information.

Profile of Dorothy Pearce

Something about Me
I was born in Lancashire - and at the age of 19 met Anthony Pearce at a Christmas event. We were married in 1965 and moved to Norfolk in 1970. We moved to Gorleston in 1973 and ran a guest house for 13 years whilst bringing up 3 children - who have now left home and provided us with 4 lively grandchildren (and another on the way).

Our two daughters are following in our footsteps and were both members of the Great YarmouthGilbert & Sullivan Society until they left home - and they are still singing and performing in G&S operas. We also have our older grand-daughter (9) performing in Trial by Jury and Pirates of Penzance with her parents.

Joining G&S
We belonged to an ‘Old Tyme’ music hall group - and one of the members belonged to Great Yarmouth G&S and suggested we joined. I joined in 1976 and Anthony in 1978 and we appeared in every production and concert for the following 25 years.

Why I Like G&S
I love the music - when I hear Sullivan’s music played or sung it gives me a lift!

Interests
Both Anthony and I also perform in pantomimes, old time music hall and performed in shows and concerts with the Waveney Light Opera Group from 1992 to 2003.

Profile of Paul Gooch

Something about Me
As my father, Bernard Gooch, helped found the Great Yarmouth Gilbert & Sullivan Society in 1954 - being the original Musical Director - I was introduced to G&S at an early age. When still in my teens I helped sell the ‘Club Night’ tickets and programmes for performances in Great Yarmouth Town Hall, and my interest grew stronger as I grew older.

Joining G&S
I officially joined Great Yarmouth G&S at about 18, in 1965, performing in the chorus with the society at Town Hall Club Nights, gradually working up to singing my first solo part, Antonio from The Gondoliers, in 1968/69.

During my long membership of the society I was lucky enough to to perform nearly all of the bass/baritone minor and major parts in all of the 13 G&S operas - both in concerts and our costumed productions at various theatres in Great Yarmouth.

I am still a keen and enthusiastic member of the Society and never tire of performing G&S, even though sometimes singing the operas for the third, fourth or even fifth time! I thoroughly enjoy the experience with fellow enthusiasts in the Society.

Why I Like G&S
G&S operas are our only all English comic light operas that set the standard for all following light operas and musicals. They are unique in many ways, containing wonderfully satirical libretti - satire that was very topical in Victorian times and is still relevant today.

Gilbert was a very keen observer of the behaviour of the British, and Sullivan’s music compliments the ideas with such verve and effect it leaves you spellbound. These operas are part of this nation’s heritage and should be performed - they are comic and musical masterpieces.

Interests
In my teens and twenties I was also a member of Great Yarmouth Operatics and Dramatics Society and the Lowestoft Players. I have a wide spread of musical interests, including classical music, besides G&S.

In addition I am a member of the RSPB, although I do not get as much time to visit their reserves as I would like. I also like walking, gardening, reading a good book - and am a mad supporter of Norwich City Football Club (editor’s note: is there any other kind?).

Profile of Becky Clack
(Becky is a member of the committee and has taken on concert coordination)

Something about Me
Hi I am one of the younger members at 39 and a full time teacher and mother of two. Needing a bit of ME time and loving singing, G&S was just the society to find fun and friends.

Joining G&S
I have little previous knowledge of the work of Gilbert and Sullivan, but after having gone to one of the concerts and loving the music decided to join. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

Why I Like G&S
The thing with G&S is its easy to listen to, great fun to sing, and timeless. I like the way the music tells stories which can be just as relevant today as they were when they were first written.

Interests
I have a variety of interests; reading, eating out, going to the gym (I wish!) and listening to music but I like singing more than anything else its a great way to meet people and have fun!!
 

Profile of Kevin Jeckells
(Kevin is Treasurer and Membership Secretary)

Something About Me:
I am a single parent and live in Gorleston. I work as a courier for a security company.

Joining G&S:
I first came across the Society when I was asked to play in their orchestra - which I did for three years. When I heard they were going to perform ‘Utopia Limited’ I decided to audition for the chorus.

Why I Like Gilbert & Sullivan:
I like G&S because it has a timeless humour. I also like the music and the history assciated with it.

Interests:
I like pigs, folk music, bright clothes and collect crested china.
 

Profile of Ian McEwen
(Ian is Chairman of the Society)

Something About Me:
Age 45 at time of writing. I spent 26 years working in various countries for various circus managements. Fed up of living out of a suitcase I returned to Gt Yarmouth and rejoined the G&S Society.

Joining G&S:
I was a stage hand for the Society in 1984 and joined in 1985 (Mikado at the Royalty Theatre). I have made many friends over the years.

Why I like Gilbert & Sullivan:
I was taken to see the D`Oyly Carte Opera Company at the Theatre Royal Norwich and was hooked. I like all things G&S.

Interests:
I also like Operettas, Opera, Ballet and reading books on the Theatre and Theatre History.
 

Profile of Stephanie Vincent
(Stephanie served on the Committee for 2009-2010 as Social Secretary)

Something about me:
My children are grown up now and I was looking for a new hobby and I love singing.

Joining G&S:
I joined the Society in September 2007, after going to an introductory soiree at a local hotel, and have since performed in many concerts, in the chorus.

Why I like Gilbert & Sullivan:
It's interesting and funny! It has also been a challenge but has brought a great sense of achievement in succeeding in learning and performing the beautiful music.

Interests:
Musical Theatre, Classical, Opera and Choral Music, Cinema, Eating Out, Travelling, The Countryside, Politics and Current Affairs. Vice Chairman of a local Community Group.
 

Profile of Simon Barnes
(Simon produces the Society Newsletter)

About Me: I'm 41 years old and was born in Norwich.

Joining G&S:
I joined G&S to be closer to Ian* as we work together full-time.

Interest in G&S:
I had never heard of Gilbert and Sullivan - G&S is growing on me.

Interests:
I love all the musicals - only wish this society would do some. I love watching horror DVDs, the gorier the better, reading horror, cooking, sewing, making cards and playing on the ds.

(*Ian is the Society Chairman)