Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas

The group has been presenting the operettas of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan for over 70 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.  A  Gilbert & Sullivan operetta will continue to be staged by the society each year.  

Naturally, all of the popular G&S shows have been presented many times in the last 70 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. The original Birley Carr society was formed in 1947

Next Operetta Production.

THE GONDOLIERS 

We would welcome any new members who may wish to join us with a view to participating in our productions. Following the completion of 'The Mikado' the society has selected 'Gondoliers' as the next production for March 2024. 

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 production in any capacity.

Karen Ann Loxley - Stage Director

Karen Ann Loxley has been performing since 1974, singing with many operatic companies, including Sheffield City Comic Opera Society, Dore Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Savoynet Performing Group, Nomads and The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. As well as in Sheffield, she has appeared on-stage in Buxton, Harrogate, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California and Germany. She has performed in over a hundred Gilbert and Sullivan productions and has appeared in every show in the Gilbert and Sullivan canon, playing twenty-nine different solo roles as well as chorus parts. With Grenoside and Birley Carr players (and formerly Birley Carr Methodist Operatic and Dramatic Society) she has performed in thirty-eight shows. She was Assistant Director for "The Mikado", "The Yeomen of the Guard" and "Ruddigore" with GBCP, and this is her first production as Stage Director

Musical Director.

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 40 years.

Whilst front-stage for operetta productions, Jonathan is an accomplished actor who has taken principal roles in many of the society play productions.