The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Western Australia will be performing the classic work The Gondoliers.

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Director Ian Toyne said the nineteenth century classic still has a lot to offer modern audiences and it’s not surprising that the duo’s work is eternally popular.

“The Gondoliers is a witty, sharp edged satirical look at the politics of the times. It lampoons the hypocrisy and lack of moral fortitude of leaders and pokes fun at the political ideologies they subscribe to.

“This makes it particularly relevant to these modern times of highly flawed political leadership, where hypocrisy, ineptitude, despotism and rampant self interest flourish unchecked on the world political stage.”

Toyne said the show is a lot of fun and is filled with great characters.

“This show is blessed with a joyous score and a delightful sense of fun.” the director said. “The Duke of Plaza Toro, his acidic wife and the lecherous Grand Inquisitor are great comic characters, each with suitably highly witty songs that reveal their own peculiar viewpoints. The plot is wonderfully absurd and allows for a great deal of laughter at the foibles of all the main players.”

The production will run for just nine performance from 26 April and features a cast of professional and amateur performers.

Set on the sparkling waters of the Grand Canal, The Gondoliers is considered one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s sunniest shows brimming with romance, young lovers and state secrets!

The first of two major productions presented by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of WA in 2018, The Gondoliers has been a makeover takng it from the 19th century to the 1950s. Musical director Michael Brett has crafted a full new score for the production.

Founded in 1951, The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Western Australia has produced over 50 productions of Gilbert & Sullivan’s extraordinary contribution to the musical theatre.

Founded by Bernard Manning, the Society is supported by The Gilbert & Sullivan / AN Bullock Trust created in 1983 through the bequest of the late Arnold Bullock. Distinguished entertainer, Max Kay became the Patron of the Society after the late Sir Charles Court.

Over seven decades, the Society has brought laughter and joy through the comedy and melody of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan to generations of Western Australians. In September, renowned G&S exponent, Alan Needham will direct Patience.

The Gondoliers is at the Dolphin Theatre at the University of Western Australia from 26 April – 5 May. Tickets available from TicketsWA.

Source: Media Release: Image Belinda Cox and David Cosgrove.