About Us
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of South Australia, has a long standing history in the theatre community of Adelaide. Established in 1937, the Society has grown from very humble beginnings to currently be one of the most successful amateur theatre companies in Adelaide.
Although dedicated to promoting the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, the Society also regularly stages non-G&S operettas and musicals ranging from Die Fledermaus, Orpheus in the Underworld and The Merry Widow to My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot and Oklahoma! to Sondheim's Sweeney Todd andInto The Woods. In 2008, the Society staged its most ambitious production to date - Les Misérables. The season was so successful that it lead to an encore season in January 2009.
Over the years, the Society has been very lucky to have the support of gifted professional performers, starting with Vincent McMurray( singing with both Australian and UK opera companies and JC Williamson), Richard Watson, who appeared with the D’Oyly Carte Company (the Operetta Company established by Gilbert & Sullivan in 1879), Kevin Miller (ex-Sadlers Wells/English National Opera), June Bronhill (also Sadlers Wells and International Opera Star), Kevin Mills (Sadlers Wells) and most recently, Dennis Olsen – THE consummate G&S performer.
Based in Hindmarsh since 1983, the Society’s home is The Shed, a property lovingly developed by Society members.
The Society has been the training ground of numerous young performers who have gone on to successful musical/operatic careers and has as one of its goals to support and nurture young performers as they start their performing life. In contrast, the Society also has many long standing members, some having been continuously involved in productions for well over 50 years and is proud that one member, Jack Higgs, a founding member, has been continuously involved in the Society’s life for every one of its 73 years.
PATRON
The Honouralbe Dr Kemeri Murray AO*
Mr Stuart Maunder (Executive Producer, Opera Australia)*
Mr Dennis Olsen AM*
The Honourable Trevor Olsson AO MBE KCSJ RFD ED
*became patrons of the Society 2008
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
President: Paul Talbot
Vice President: Richard Trevaskis
Treasurer: Jan Hooper
Secretary/Production Manager: Kate Warren
Music Consultant: Alan McKie
BOARD MEMBERS
Ian Andrew
Susan Henderson
Manik Meah
Michelle Wickett
David Williams
Paula Pamment (Ex-Officio)
To see a list of past Board Members and their tenure on the board - Click Here




