Crosby Gilbert and Sullivan Society are returning to their old, city centre venue, the much loved and newly reopened Epstein Theatre with their latest production The Sorcerer.
Appropriately for the opening of this latest chapter in the Society’s illustrious history, The Sorcerer is Gilbert and Sullivan’s first, full length (2 Act) production and under the musical direction of Malcolm Fallows is going to be the society’s finest performance to date. As the title implies, the plot is concerned with the dire consequences that can arise from the injudicious use of magic to turn the usually peaceful village of Ploverleigh into a Gilbertian ‘Topsy Turvy’ world. Needless to say, all turns out for the best, with plenty of laughs along the way. The show’s producer, Marilyn Taylor sums it up as ‘Downton Abbey meets Harry Potter’.
Chairman James Whittle said, ‘It’s great to be back at the Epstein after seven years. As well as Sefton Council looked after us at Crosby, there is nothing like performing or being in the audience at a proper theatre, especially the little jewel that is The Epstein. Being back in the City Centre we hope will see many of our old audience returning, and possibly attracting a whole new following. If you have not yet experienced the joy of Gilbert and Sullivan, I urge you to come along and be entranced by the colour, laughter and singing, accompanied by a full pit orchestra.”
A hundred and thirty-five years on, the freshness and beauty of Sullivan’s music, and the wit and sparkle of Gilbert’s libretto, still combine to make The Sorcerer irresistible to audiences and amateur operatic societies alike.
Crosby Gilbert And Sullivan Society Presents: The Sorcerer is on at The Epstein Theatre from 19th to 23rd February. Doors are from 6.30pm and the performance starts at 7.30. Tickets are priced from £12 to £15. Tickets for under 16 year olds are priced at £6-£7.50.