A soiety meets many changes and challenges in 61 years of existence - and this is no exception for Urmston Amateur Opeartic Society, who have moved home.
The society has for many years staged its productions at the Curzon Cinema, but due to reconstruction work there, it has been necessary to seek other accomodation - so the Grammar School for Boys in Urmston is the venue for the 1972 production - The Mikado - which runs for a week from Monday.This comic opera is probably the most popular and colourful of all the Gilbert and Sullivan collaberations. It contains many well known tunes - A Wand'ring Minstrell I, Three Little Maids From School and Behold the Lord High Executioner are instantly recognisable - and there is a high degree of comedy and slapstick.
The reason why the Gilbert and Sullivan light operas are still as popular now after nearly 80 years is not easy to answer, but this will be the fourth time the Urmston Society has staged The Mikado. The first time was in 1920 - 35 years after it was first staged at the Savoy Theatre when Sullivan noted in his diary for Staurday, March 14, 1885: "With every sign of real success. A most brilliant house. Tremendous reception....."
Many thousands of man hours have been put in by the enthusiastic members to ensure that the high standard now expected from the society will not be affected by the move. The scenery, constructed by members, was designed and painted by John Hardy. It is a delightfully coloured set of unusual design and is a credit to the mebers who have been working on it for the last 10 weeks. Raised seating is being installed in the hall, and to accomodate all patrons and friends, tiered seating is to be installed in the extension. This will give everyone a good view, and with additional lighting and sound equipment the stage will be set up as a fully-equipped theatre. The entrance in Bradfield Road will be able to cater for coaches as well as cars, and a pedestrian entrance on Stretford Road will be floodlit.
Norman Spooner of Worsley, Musical Director for a number of years, is also Producer this year. He is experienced as a producer of all the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas, and he produced The Mikado on at least seven previous occasions. He was a founder member of the Manchester G and S Society some 13 years ago and is their current president. Changes had to be made to the casting when Counc Allan Coupe, who was to have played the part of the Mikado, suffered a heart attack. The part wll now be played by Fred Bell, a long-service member who has not missed a production since 1945. His last lead part was in Geisha in 1954. Over the past few years he has been chorus master. Fred, who still teaches, was once a master at the grammar school.
The part of the Lord High Executioner is to be played by David Brabin, another local man who has played the part before. The "Three Little Maids from School" will be played by Ann Robinson as Yum-Yum, Pauline Salisbury as Pitti-Sing and Jennifer Wingrave as Peep-Bo. For all three this will be their first principal part for the society. The role of Katisha will be played by Georgina Bould, who has performed a number of principal parts in the nine years she has been with the society. Georgina is a member of a group who entertain the old folk of the district. Robert Stewart plays the part of Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado, and is a new member. He comes from Edinburgh where he has appeared in a number of light opera and drama productions. Robert is also in the teaching profession.
The part of Pooh-Bah will be played by Robert Coghill, who played the part of Dvorak in the 1971 production Summer Song. He has played many parts for the society over the last 20 years, and is the fourth principal in the teaching profession. The fifth member ofthe profession is Roy Wallwork, who plays the part of Pish-Tush and has been a member of the society for a number of years. Before joining Urmston he played a number of principal parts in Gilbert and Sullivan operas in the Midlands. The youngest member of the cast, a 13-years old Michael McManus plays the part of the axe-bearer. He has already played at the grammar school this year in the Scout gang show in April. The principals are supported by a chorus of more than 30.
Urmston Amateur Operatic Society opened a new phase to their career on Monday Evening when they presented Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado at Urmston Grammar School for boys. Last year saw the company's final production at the Curzon Cinema - their home for more than 25 years - which coincided with their Diamond jJubilee. The society took the opportunity to put on this Gilbert and Sullivan production which has been in great demand by local opera fans for many years.
he grammar school hall was adapted for an opera production and the scene was set for the company's 61st production, which is being presented all this week. One notable absence from last year's cast was Counc. A Coupe, who was unable to take the Mikado role due to illness. The Mikado, a comic opera, is set in Imperial japan where the Mikado rules the land. Nanki-Poo played by Robert Stewart, has fallen in love with Yum-Yumwho is already betrothed to her guardian Ko-Ko, portrayed by David Brabin.
Ko-Ko's future hangs in the balance after his appointment as Lord High Executioner to the town of Titipu, where the opera occurs. The play centres on this love battle between Ko-Ko and Naki-Poo with atimely intervention by the Mikado played by fred Bell resplendent in black and gold kimono. The opera ended happily as Yum-Yum, well portrayed by Ann Robinson, marries Naki-Poo and Ko-Ko finds another sweetheart in the Mikado's daughter.
This year, the society have tackled a Gibert and Sullivan for the first time in many years and proved their ability with an excellent performance. From the souvenir programme to the intricate scenery, designed and painted by John Hardy, this was a professional production and well worth a visit to see the society in their new surroundings.