Archive-Members
Show postponement
The rehearsals for Princess Ida have been really enjoyable, and all the participants have been looking forward to the show taking place in February. However, with Covid infection rates still increasing and Government advice being that no more than three households should mix socially, it doesn’t seem sensible to continue face-to-face rehearsals. Having to miss an unknown number of rehearsals at such a critical stage in the show’s preparation – only seven weeks to opening night – means that there would be a real risk of the show not reaching peak performance standard so, regretfully, the Committee have decided that we should postpone the show scheduled for 18–19 February 2022.
Our production director has been tasked with negotiating alternative dates with Carnegie Hall, so please watch this website for news of the new date for our production of Princess Ida and a revised schedule for rehearsals.
2020 AGM
The 50th Annual General Meeting of the Dunfermline Gilbert and Sullivan Society was held on Wednesday 13 May 2020. Because of the coronavirus lock-down, the meeting was conducted on-line by Zoom, and 29 members successfully logged in.
The Finance Manager’s report, having been circulated before the meeting, was discussed and accepted, the Chair’s report (which will be circulated to members) was discussed, and the Management Committee proposal that the annual subscription remain at £120 (£10/month by standing order) was accepted unanimously.
The postponement of the June concert version of The Mikado was noted with regret, and the prospects and practicalities of casting, rehearsing and staging The Pirates of Penzance in February 2021 were debated at some length, but no firm decisions could be taken in view of the uncertainties associated with Government regulations to control the pandemic. Members were assured that the Committee were continuing their discussions and would keep members informed.
The Vice Chairman (Mike Pendlowski), Administration Manager (Ellen Patrick), Publicity Manager (Geoff Strong) and Social and Fund-Raising Manager (Sinead Black ) were re-elected, and Mark Cecil re-appointed as Accounts Examiner.
We’ve started back!
A great time was had by everyone who came along to the first rehearsal for our semi-staged production of Princess Ida, but we’re still at the early stages, so we will be welcoming new or returning singers at 7.30pm on every Wednesday in September. Please remember that we are now meeting at Limekilns Parish Church and, before you set out, read this linked document for guidance on what we’ve done to keep you safe and the part you’ve to play.
We’re starting next week!
More about our plans for a semi-staged production of Princess Ida below, but do please come along to Limekilns Parish Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday 25 August. Do bring a friend, and, before you set out, please read this linked document for guidance on what we’ve done to keep you safe and the part you’ve to play.
Fancy a part?
If you would like to audition for one of the principal parts in The Pirates of Penzance, please follow our usual practice by letting the Vice Chair (Mike Pendlowski) know. He is happy for you to contact him by email, phone or text (moc.sulp.ikswoldnepnull@ekim, or 07525 920728).
It is envisaged that those wishing to audition for a particular role/roles will record a video of the audition pieces for consideration by the audition panel. We shall probably arrange a Zoom call involving Rae Lamond, our director, before that so that the proposed procedure can be explained in more detail. We shall provide the link to those interested.
Get practising …
As was explained at last Wednesday’s AGM, we don’t yet know exactly when or how the auditions for principal parts for our next production will take place – although our target is for this to happen in June – but we now have some notes prepared by Rae and Eddie that will help you “get your act into gear”, so to speak. Choose from the parts on offer at this link, and start working now. It will also help you deal with the coronavirus blues!
50th AGM – remotely!
Those of you who are paid-up members of the Dunfermline Gilbert and Sullivan Society should have already received notice by email that the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Society will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 May 2020. Given the present lock-down situation this will take place using the Zoom platform. An agenda will be sent out in advance of the meeting, and John Allen will send you an email invitation with a link to the meeting.
If you have not received this email notice, but are entitled to attend this virtual meeting, you need to contact Ellen (ku.gro.ssagdnull@nelle), so she can add you to John’s list. [If Zoom is new to you, you might find this introduction of help]
At the meeting, the Vice Chair (Mike Pendlowski), Administration Manager (Ellen Patrick), Social and Fundraising Manager (Sinead Black) and Publicity Manager (Geoff Strong) will retire by rotation. The current post-holders are available for possible re-election. Nominations (with the nominees’ consents) for all four posts are invited.
Your next chance to see the Society on stage will be on 16–18 February 2023, when we are back at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, for our twice-delayed 50th anniversary production of The Pirates of Penzance.
