Join Grosvenor Light Opera Company for their 75th anniversary year, presenting Gilbert and Sullivan’s grandest and most epic opera, The Yeomen of the Guard. Running between 19th and 22nd June at the Bridewell Theatre in Central London.
Colonel Fairfax the celebrated war hero is imprisoned in the Tower of London and awaiting his execution. In order to thwart his cousin, who falsely accused him in order to inherit his estate, Fairfax arranges a last minute marriage before his execution to cut him off from the inheritance.
Enter Jack Point and Elsie Maynard – two strolling players recently arrived and in love. Elsie reluctantly agrees to be Fairfax’s wife in return for money to save her sick mother, on the understanding that she’ll be a widow within the day and free to marry again.
However, Fairfax escapes from his cell, disguised as a Yeoman! Now Jack must accept that Elsie is no longer his, and Elsie must come to terms with a very-much alive husband she’s never met, just as she starts to fall in love with a handsome new Yeoman…
Full of intrigue, love, comedy, tragedy and some of the most beautiful music Sullivan ever composed, The Yeomen of the Guard is not a show to miss.
The company
Presented by a vibrant and talented cast of over 40 who will bring the Tower of London community to life, accompanied by a large live orchestra. Directed by Rachel Middle, known to many G&S fans from her celebrated work both on and offstage, from the International Gilbert and Sullivan festival to New York and beyond, her professional G&S company Forbear Theatre, and her YouTube series exploring all facets of the Savoy operas. Musically directed by GLOC’s resident maestro Chris Jacklin, who has performed with the ENO and ETO and is a sought after musical director and vocal coach.
GLOC (Grosvenor Light Opera Company) is London’s leading G&S Society, and one of the only amateur operatic societies both to rehearse and perform in Central London.
We perform at least one fully-staged G&S production, accompanied by a professional orchestra, every season and supplement this with other staged and semi-staged concert performances, together with other opportunities to improve our members’ singing skills and repertoire knowledge. We are a very sociable society, and organise events and parties for our members, find occasional busking opportunities, and invariably find time for a catch-up with each other in the pub after rehearsals. We pride ourselves on being friendly and welcoming to new members.
The music
Listen below to a selection of highlights from the show
Where
The show is on at the Bridewell Theatre in Central London, near Blackfriars and City Thameslink stations. The theatre has a well stocked bar, and there are numerous tasty restaurants nearby if you want a bite before the show!
Tickets for children under 16
As a charity, one of our aims is to introduce the next generation of theatre fans to the world of Gilbert and Sullivan. To help in that endeavour, we offer tickets for children under 16 at a blanket price of £12 across each ticket band.