A milestone to sing about
A GROUP celebrating a milestone anniversary really have something to sing about.
Sixty years ago theatre-goers in Batley were given a fresh taste of British comic opera thanks to the formation of what is now known as the town's Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
From March 12 to 19 in 1949 the augmented choir of the Hanover Street Congregational Church in Batley staged six performances of a fully-costumed production.
Musical director was Mr H Mason, 'Coach and Producer' was Coun Will Stubbs and music was provided by Raymond Parkinson and his orchestra. Tickets were 3/- on weekdays and 3/6d on Saturdays.
The group's first programme included adverts for many local companies, including Hepworth and England Limited, who invited the audience to visit their modern kitchen and washing demonstrations.
The next year the group put on their second production, Iolanthe, from March 25.
Following its success a decision was taken to formally name the organisation Batley Congregational Operatic Society.
Officers were elected under the presidency of the Rev John Baker, then minister at Hanover Street Church.
The group's association with Hanover Street continued until 1973, when notice of the pending closure and demolition of the church was announced.
New premises were found at Cross Bank Methodist Church, where the first production was HMS Pinafore, followed by Trial By Jury in 1974.
In 1976 the group decided to change its name to the Batley Gilbert and Sullivan Society. The next production was The Mikado in 1977. The society's home was at Cross Bank until an announcement that the premises was to close in 1981.
In the absence of a suitable replacement for both rehearsal and production facilities, the group moved to St Andrew's Church Hall in Purlwell and six performances were given at Batley Town Hall from 1982 to 1987.
But, despite improvements to the lighting, the back stage facilities were far from ideal and a decision to perform in the Arts Theatre in Batley Carr, now Dewsbury Little Theatre, was made for the 1988 production of The Sorcerer.
Today the society is still made up of amateur performers dedicated to performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan.
The group is currently in rehearsals for Utopia Limited to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee.
The production was last brought to the town in 1957, and society president Robert Thurman said it was about time for its revival.
KEEPSAKE: Above, the original programme for Utopia by the Batley Gilbert and Sullivan Society in 1957.
POPULAR: Left, Trial By Jury by the Batley Gilbert and Sullivan Society in 1993.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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