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, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music and The Secret Garden to Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods. In 2008, the Society staged Les Misérables. The season was so successful that it lead to an encore season in January 2009. Similarly, the 2013 season of Oliver! lead to a return season in 2014. The Society’s most ambitious production to date was Jesus Christ Superstar, staged at Her Majesty’s Theatre in 2010, starring Luke Kennedy as Jesus.
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, was continuously involved in the Society’s life for 76 years until his death.
PATRON
Mr Stuart Maunder AM (Artistic Director, State Opera of South Australia (from 1 July 2018))
Mr Dennis Olsen AM
The Honourable Trevor Olsson AO MBE CMSJ RFD ED
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
President: Suriya Umapathysivam
Vice President: Vanessa de Jong
Treasurer: Matt Willox
Secretary: Alicia McCluskey
BOARD MEMBERS
Paula Pamment
Tim de Jong
Christine Hodgen
Shivawn Young
To see a list of past Board Members and their tenure on the board – Click Here