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James Hendry – Conductor The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore James Hendry is no stranger to the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. We caught up with him recently to talk about music, life, and a few things you might not know about him. WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO CONDUCTING, AND HOW DID GILBERT AND SULLIVAN BECOME…
John Andrews – Conductor The Mikado, The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan Concert WHAT FIRST INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CONDUCTOR, AND WHEN DID GILBERT AND SULLIVAN FIRST ENTER YOUR MUSICAL WORLD? I was a tuba player once upon a very long time ago. That involves a great deal of sitting and counting bars rest…
From Savoy to Versace: Jeff Clarke reimagines The Mikado
When I first created the Opera della Luna Mikado, more years ago than I care to remember, it was following the success of our Parson’s Pirates and The Ghosts of Ruddigore. I don’t remember then any hoo-hah about political correctness or racial awareness, but I do remember that I definitely didn’t want to do a…
14th September 2026 | The 32nd Festival, Theatrical Adventures
In Conversation with Simon Butteriss
Simon Butteriss is one of the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s best-loved performers and directors. Away from the stage, he is a regular guest artist on Theatrical Adventures cruises, where he swaps the theatre for the river, sharing music, stories and laughter with guests in a much more intimate setting. This year, Simon appeared…
Smiles on deck as the HMS Pinafore cast rehearsals continue. Principals Sir Joseph Porter K.C.B. (First Lord of the Admiralty) // Simon Butteriss Captain Corcoran (Commanding HMS Pinafore) // Ben McAteer Ralph Rackstraw (Able Seaman) // David Webb Dick Deadeye (Able Seaman) // Mark Saberton Bill Bobstay (Boatswain) // Paul Sheehan Bob Becket (Carpenter’s Mate) // Alex Peart Josephine (the Captain’s…
Director // John Savournin Musical Director // James Hendry Principals Major-General Stanley // Simon Butteriss The Pirate King // Ben McAteer Samuel (his Lieutenant) // Paul Sheehan Frederic (the Pirate Apprentice) // Alex Aldren Sergeant of Police // Mark Saberton Mabel // Camilla Kerslake Edith // Grace O’Malley Kate // Mila Johannsen Isabel // Jasmine…
Director // Jeff Clarke Musical Director // John Andrews Principals The Mikado of Japan // Ben McAteer Nanki-Poo // David Webb Ko-Ko (Lord High Executioner of Titipu) // Simon Butteriss Pooh-Bah (Lord High Everything Else) // Grant Doyle Pish-Tush (A Noble Lord) // Giles Davies Yum-Yum // Eleanor Sanderson-Nash Pitti-Sing // Martha Jones Peep-Bo //…
