Double bill of light opera
WELLINGTON G&S Light Opera continues a 57 year old tradition when it opens its double bill performance in Wellington this week, but the group says the future survival of amateur musical theatre in the capital is becoming increasingly precarious.
Gillian Jerome of G&S says a shortage of new blood and decreasing funding sources means Wellington’s only surviving amateur musical theatre group is struggling to deliver the high standard expected by today’s audiences.
“It started getting tricky in the 90’s,” Jerome says. “IT’s now getting to the stage when older people are keeping things running and we’re getting tired. We need new blood to keep things going.”
Jerome has been involved with Wellington G&S for 40 years and she’s directing the current show, a double bill performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore. She blames social change for much of the group’s dilemma.
“The pace of life is faster today. People are too busy making a living and they don’t have as much leisure time.”
Funding has also been an issue for the group, dependant on ticket sales and grant applications.
“Audience numbers have been steady but there’s not so much money coming in from funding bodies.”
Jerome says Wellington G&S continues to play a vital role in encouraging up and coming opera singers. Past members have included Mobil Song Quest winner Robyn Lynch, Sarah Castle who is making a career in New York, and Peter Lockwood, who is head of music at the Netherlands Opera Company.
“Wellington G&S continues to provide a good training ground for young singers in Wellington and this has become increasingly important since New Zealand Opera moved to Auckland.”
The group’s double bill performance involves a cast of 40 a production team and stage crew, and an orchestra of some 30 players. It opens at the State Opera House tomorrow (June 30) before playing in Kapiti, Palmerston North and Wanganui.
Trial By Jury and HMS Pinafore, Wellington G&S Light Opera, Wellington Opera House, June 30 and July 2. Southwards Theatre, Paraparaumu, July 9.
Gillian Jerome of G&S says a shortage of new blood and decreasing funding sources means Wellington’s only surviving amateur musical theatre group is struggling to deliver the high standard expected by today’s audiences.
“It started getting tricky in the 90’s,” Jerome says. “IT’s now getting to the stage when older people are keeping things running and we’re getting tired. We need new blood to keep things going.”
Jerome has been involved with Wellington G&S for 40 years and she’s directing the current show, a double bill performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore. She blames social change for much of the group’s dilemma.
“The pace of life is faster today. People are too busy making a living and they don’t have as much leisure time.”
Funding has also been an issue for the group, dependant on ticket sales and grant applications.
“Audience numbers have been steady but there’s not so much money coming in from funding bodies.”
Jerome says Wellington G&S continues to play a vital role in encouraging up and coming opera singers. Past members have included Mobil Song Quest winner Robyn Lynch, Sarah Castle who is making a career in New York, and Peter Lockwood, who is head of music at the Netherlands Opera Company.
“Wellington G&S continues to provide a good training ground for young singers in Wellington and this has become increasingly important since New Zealand Opera moved to Auckland.”
The group’s double bill performance involves a cast of 40 a production team and stage crew, and an orchestra of some 30 players. It opens at the State Opera House tomorrow (June 30) before playing in Kapiti, Palmerston North and Wanganui.
Trial By Jury and HMS Pinafore, Wellington G&S Light Opera, Wellington Opera House, June 30 and July 2. Southwards Theatre, Paraparaumu, July 9.
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