The group has been presenting the operettas of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan for over 60 years. Prior to the merger with Grenoside Players, the operatic group were known as Birley Carr Methodist Musical & Dramatic Society and staged their productions at Birley Carr Methodist Church in Sheffield, UK.
The presentation of 'The Sorcerer' from 6-10 April 2010 was the first production to be staged at Grenoside Community Centre, Sheffield using the generous facilities now available to us.
The group saw a large increase in patronage at the centre with a 'near full' hall on several evenings. In 2011, the group presented 'The Gondoliers' which again was well patronised and the 2012 show will be 'Patience'. A Gilbert & Sullivan operetta will continue to be staged by the society in March each year. Naturally, all of the popular G&S shows have been presented many times in the last 60 years. However, occasional forays have been made into less popular productions, such as 'The Zoo'. Many members have also been involved with the many other G&S societies that once thrived in Sheffield but are now, sadly, only a memory. Although the original Birley Carr society was formed in 1947, there are still founding members who remain active in the society. Rehearsals take place in the Community Centre at Grenoside or in Norfolk Hill Methodist Church Hall on Wednesday evenings at 7-45 pm between October and March for the operetta production with additional rehearsals on Monday evenings.
Next Operetta Production We would welcome any new members who may wish to join us with a view to appearing in our productions. Following completion of 'Patience' the societies Agm has selected 'The Mikado' as the production for 9th to 13th April 2013. Rehearsals will commence in October on Wednesday eveninsg at 7-45 pm. . We would also welcome those who do not have a desire to be 'on-stage' to help with the many vital jobs necessary 'Front of House' or 'Backstage' during the week of the production. Please contact the group if you would like to be part of the producion in any capacity. Producer.
Musical Director.
Whilst front-stage for operetta productions, Jonathan is an accomplished actor who has taken principal roles in many of the society play productions.
See gallery G&S Plays for slideshows of recent productions.
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Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas |
Following successful productions of 'Pirates', 'HMS Pinafore', Iolanthe, 'The Sorcerer ,'The Gondoliers, and Patience the production of 'The Mikado' in 2013 is again in the capable hands of Steven Andrews. Steve is a vastly experienced thespian having played many principal roles for Birley Carr as well as City Comic Opera, Greasbrough AOS, South Yorkshire Opera, Trent Bluecoat Opera, Derby G&S and other societies. We look forward to the new ideas and innovations that he brings to productions. 
Jonathan Hester, who holds an Honours degree in music and comes from a family of talented musicians, is musical director for the society. Jonathan follows in his father's footsteps in being MD. He has been a member of the society for around 25 years and MD for the last 10 years. In his professional life, he teaches music at a school in Doncaster.