Grenoside and Birley Carr Players produce fully staged performances of the light operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. From ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘HMS Pinafore’ to the less frequently performed ‘Sorcerer’ and ‘Iolanthe’ there are immortal tunes, very silly and hilarious jokes and fabulous costumes to enjoy in the pair’s beloved works.
The society is open to everyone, whether they have lots of experience performing, or none at all. Current members vary a great deal in their experience, but all do it for enjoyment! If you’ve always wanted to have a go at acting or singing in a role, or think it looks a lot of fun being in the chorus then do come along, you will be very welcome.
There are no auditions for joining the society, or singing in the chorus. In addition to on-stage roles there are lots of opportunities to take part behind the scenes with costumes, props, set design, stage management and much more.
Join us
Rehearsals for the opera commence in autumn—they’re lively and social, with tea and biscuits. For the first few weeks everyone works on the chorus music together, with auditions for principal roles being held around three weeks into rehearsals. Chorus rehearsals take place on Wednesdays 7:45–9:45pm at Grenoside Church Hall (attached to St Marks, Main Street), with additional principals rehearsals on Mondays at 7:45–9:45pm at Grenoside Community Centre.
A little history
Grenoside and Birley Carr Players is a community dramatic society which formed in 2010 and incorporated two long-established groups who began putting on shows in the 1940’s. Each year they produce a light opera, which runs for five performances, and a play, which runs for four performances.
A total of around 280 productions have been put on by the societies, involving nearly 1000 different people.
