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Winterbourne Operatic Society
BALLADS, SONGS & SNATCHES
Community Centre November 2001
Producer Katherine Reed
Musical Director Heather Wren
A selection of G & S songs, put before us as we sat in cafe style, with drinks and nibbles, made a most pleasant evening.
Split into three acts, the Mikado filled the first part, though sadly without either the Mikado or Katisha! However,the wand’rin’ minstrel delighted with his lyrical tenor, as did a sweet-voiced Yum Yum.
A definite nautical flavour heralded Act 2 with excerpts from HMS Pinafore, Ruddigore and Pirates of Penzance, in which Josephine’s solo ‘The hours creep on a-pace’ was a highlight.
The evening ended with a splendid Gondolieri act with attractive back-drop and colourful costumes. The MD, herself a no mean Dame Hannah, took the music at a good pace, accompanied on the piano throughout by Kate Robson. Explanatory narration was provided by Joan Shore with many amusing anecdotes.
The strength of this society is undoubtedly in its chorus work and full marks must go to all concerned. Members provided their own costumes by raiding lofts and Charity shops and imaginative use of materials produced good basic sets.
Well done to the producer, making her debut in this role and for well thought-out movement which enlivened big company numbers.
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