90th Anniversary Showcase

Hull Savoyards

90th Anniversary Showcase

 

Directed by John Lamb &  Musical Director Martin Lay

Willerby Methodist Church

30th December 2024

The Hull Savoyards celebrated their remarkable 90th Anniversary with a showcase that was a delightful mix of operatic brilliance, humour, and charm from a wide range of Gilbert and Sullivan shows as well as some other well-known operas. Guided by the expert hands of Martin Lay as Musical Director and Accompanist, the evening featured exceptional singing that highlighted the group’s enduring talent and dedication to their craft.

John Lamb’s stage direction made excellent use of the space, ensuring a dynamic and engaging performance, with suitable staging to encompass the cast’s talents emphasized the lovely singing. Harold Kay’s narration was clear and compelling, weaving the show’s pieces together seamlessly. With lovely facts about the myriad of shows as well as the history of the society. A poignant nod to the company’s recent production of Yeomen of the Guard came with the hauntingly beautiful Night Has Spread Her Pall Once More, performed by the entire cast, creating a strong emotional connection with the audience. Along with an exciting sneak peak to the upcoming Princess Ida, which will be the society’s next show with Sing Hoity Toity performed by Laurine Kay and Kathryn Lay. This was brimming with energy, setting high expectations for their next production.

Humour was ever-present, particularly in When I Good Friends Was Called to the Bar from Trial by Jury, where Peter Jonas and the ensemble had the audience laughing out loud. Zoe Sellens gave an exceptionally moving rendition of We’ll Gather Lilacs from Perchance to Dream, supported by a harmonious chorus that visibly resonated with the audience. A standout moment came with When the Foeman Bares His Steel from The Pirates of Penzance, where Joseph Marshall, Zoe Sellens, and Sammy Williams delivered a spirited and delightful solo performances with help of the chorus. Stuart Sellens captivated with his crystal-clear diction in You Are My Heart’s Delight from The Land of Smiles, and Sammy Williams offered a stunningly lyrical rendition of Vilia from The Merry Widow, showcasing her vocal elegance.

The complexity of Gilbert and Sullivan’s music was on full display in In a Contemplative Fashion from The Gondoliers, sung masterfully by Stuart Sellens, Peter Jonas, Zoe Sellens, and Kathryn Lay. The performance was so seamlessly done highlighting the true vocal talent of the group. The evening concluded with a rousing full-cast performance of There’s a Little Group of Isles from Utopia Limited, leaving the audience uplifted and inspired. A true culmination of the sensational vocal excellence for the group.

It’s heartwarming to see societies like the Hull Savoyards continue to involve so many people in preserving and celebrating this genre of music. This showcase was a fitting tribute to their marvellous 90 years of performing and a testament to the enduring appeal of operatic and theatrical arts. The word needs to be spread about relatable the eras work can be in modern times and Hull Savoyards definitely fly the flag to promote the sometimes forgotten works.

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