Regrettably, as a result of the current global pandemic and UK lockdown, we will not be performing The Gondoliers as planned between 3-6 June.

We are in discussions with the theatre over whether there is a week in which we might be able to perform later in the year, in the event current restrictions are lifted sufficiently to allow rehearsal prior to this.  The theatre obviously has several groups in a similar position to us, so there no guarantee this will be possible; we will update this site if we have any further news on this point.

In the meantime, if you are in need of some GLOC-based Gilbert and Sullivan during the current lockdown, then you can find a few videos from past productions on our YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7-qivDRok4xgTs6eq_hHg

In light of the updated government guidelines regarding the coronavirus, the committee has had to make some tough decisions about rehearsals and the show. With the guidance changing day to day, it’s so difficult to anticipate what might be going on in a few weeks.

For now, we are cancelling rehearsals until further notice.  We will keep the situation under review, and when necessary we will make further decisions about whether to try to proceed with the show (and somehow make up lost rehearsal time) or whether to postpone (if we can get another date).

We are delighted to announce the cast for this year’s production of The Gondoliers is as follows:

Gianetta – Rachel Wood

Tessa – Alex Hill

There are just a handful of spaces left to audition on 8 February 2020 for a principal role in our summer 2020 production of The Gondoliers.

There are no auditions for chorus – you need only enthusiasm and availability.

Auditions are by appointment only; to apply, please fill in the form in the Welcome Pack (link below).

We have put together a Welcome Pack with full details about GLOC, the production, the rehearsal process and how to audition for a principal role.    If there is anything you need to know which is not covered in the Welcome Pack, please do make contact with us.

We will shortly be starting rehearsals for our summer production of The Gondoliers.  We kick things off with an open rehearsal on 29 January 2020 at 6.45pm in St Gabriel’s Halls, Pimlico.  This is an ideal opportunity for anyone thinking of joining the company or wanting to dip a toe into the water of G&S to come along and meet the director and MD, and get an overview of the production and rehearsal process.

Auditions for principal roles will be on 5th February and 8th February.  There are no auditions for chorus – you need only enthusiasm and availability.

We have put together a Welcome Pack with full details about GLOC, the production, the rehearsal process and how to audition for a principal role.    If there is anything you need to know which is not covered in the Welcome Pack, please do make contact with us.

New members, young and old, are always welcome, and we’d be delighted to see you on 29th January.

Come and join the annual Gloc panto fun on Thu 5th or Fri 6th December 7.30pm at Churchill Gardens Residents Association Hall! Note the correct postcode is SW1V 3AL not as shown in some old versions of the poster! Get your tickets now

Dear GLOC Members – old, new and fans!

Following the success of GLOC’s previous Come And Sing productions of Guys and Dolls and Carousel, join us on Saturday 6th July at St. Gabriel’s Church Hall, Pimlico, for another fun scratch performance, this time of Donizetti’s well-loved comic opera about the perils of using dodgy love potions purchased from travelling salesmen (which then, unsurprisingly, became the inspiration for Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Sorcerer).

The day will be broken up into two workshop sessions – 10am-1pm, and 2pm-5pm, with an hour for lunch, and will culminate in an informal hour long performance at the end.

All are welcome to join! Tickets are £20 and available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/grosvenorlightopera

Are you a budding writer or dramatist? Or do you just have visions of sugarplums dancing in your head that could be realised on stage for minimum cost? That’s right – we at GLOC are looking for a talented person or team to draft, develop and deliver our next winter production. This is a fantastic opportunity to get your work performed by a fantastically enthusiastic and dedicated amateur company.

The GLOC winter show is a chance for the company to do something a bit different from its usual G&S fare. In recent years this more relaxed show has taken various forms including cabaret, pantomime and comic musical using a mix of songs from G&S and musicals, and pop and festive favourites. To be delivered on a shoestring budget, and performed with piano accompaniment in a local community hall, our main aim for the show is to have fun and entertain our audience, and keep our cast and chorus of around 30 people – mostly young professionals – entertained throughout the three month rehearsal period.

The successful writer or team will be expected to plan the production and be responsible for directing – or finding a director for – the show. The deadline for applications is 30 April. For more information on the company, and what the application should include, keep reading...

Anyone who is interested in this opportunity to showcase their work with a young, lively company should email [email protected] with a short outline of their ideas including:

• plot outline

• characters

• the look and feel of the piece, such as set, lighting and costumes (bearing in mind venue and budget limitations)

• an outline list of songs, and how the music will be sourced

• how you will work with a limited budget and manage the time constraints of our volunteer production team

Please also attach a draft of at least one full scene for the proposed show. A full script, with sheet music, must be completed by the end of July, before production begins in September. This gives time for final reviews and edits, and for our musical director to produce any new arrangements as required.

The deadline for submissions is 30 April.

We expect the show itself to be performed over 2 nights in late November or early December (exact dates TBC). Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights starting in September, with the opportunity for one or potentially two longer Sunday rehearsals later in the rehearsal period.

Some things to consider:

• The winter show can be an opportunity for members who don’t audition for roles in our summer operas to shine – if you are writing an original piece, consider what small to medium roles could be included.

• One of GLOC’s aims is to spread knowledge of Gilbert and Sullivan so while not essential, inclusion of their work (for example, one song, potentially with new lyrics) if appropriate would be appreciated.

If you would like to speak to a member of the company before applying, please contact [email protected] and we will arrange for this.

We are on the hunt for an enthusiastic and experienced lighting designer for our upcoming production of HMS Pinafore, is that you? If so, please email [email protected] for more information or to register your interest!

We look forward to hearing from you!