Making a return to the Gulbenkian Theatre in 2009 while the Marlowe began its rebuilding project, the Society turned to Gilbert and Sullivan, performing one of their most famous operas for the fourth time.  There were some unusual aspects to the casting, with a female Sergeant of Police and a Major General only 30 years old, but our members and the audience enjoyed the delicious wit of Gilbert's lyrics, the silliness of the plot and Sir Arthur Sullivan's beautiful melodies.

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The production was directed by Stephen Creswell, and Diana Whybrow took up the baton as our musical director once more.  With these experienced hands at the helm, the cast contained a combination of new recruits and seasoned veterans.  Our crew behind the scenes also saw several newcomers join the good ship Canterbury Operatic.

 

The show won the Society an Accolade of Excellence for our district from NODA South East.  In our review, particular praise was made of the use of the distinctive Gulbenkian stage.

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Writing for thisiskent, James Brentnall praised the performances of the cast with adjectives such as 'impressive', 'hilarious', 'ever-entertaining', 'delightful' and 'mesmeric'.  The show as a whole he called a 'great night'.

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Photos by David Manners.