A brand new musical theatre group – GASP – is making its presence known on the Isle of Wight.
‘GASP’ stands for Gilbert and Sullivan Productions, the name indicating the main focus of the group – to celebrate the work of the renowned Victorian librettist and composer and to stage some of their wonderful operettas, which are still just as hilarious and entertaining – and relevant – today as they were 100 or more years ago.
The first Gilbert and Sullivan show to receive the GASP treatment will be The Pirates of Penzance, to be staged at Bembridge Village Hall in September. Watch this column for more details of dates and tickets later in the year.
GASP’s founder, Andrew Wilson Jenner, says:
“I am delighted by the interest shown in GASP and the amazing cast we have already lined up for our first show”.
In the meantime, to say thank you for hosting their show, GASP is staging an evening of light classical music on 26th February with all proceeds being donated to the Village Hall. The evening features three incredibly talented musicians.
Steve Burton is familiar with Bembridge, having been MD for 2 shows there last year. He has been involved in music most of his life having first picked up the flute as the age of 8 and then learning the drums at 12.
Adrian Moore is an organist, harpsichordist and pianist based in Leamington Spa. As well as teaching organ and piano he plays regularly for choral groups, in cathedrals and churches around the country, and gives solo concerts on organ and harpsichord.
Rob Forbes began his singing career in Melbourne, Australia and has worked in opera across Europe, teaching and performing. He was headhunted by the Guildford School of Acting, where he wrote the Singing elements of their MA course in the Practice of Voice and Singing. He now teaches privately and occasionally is persuaded to perform, as now for the inaugural concert of Gilbert and Sullivan Productions on the Isle of Wight.
So please come along to support a local venue, a new local group and of course to enjoy the wonderful talents of musicians who have performed across the world. Tickets are available by calling 01983 612820.
