Aberdeen’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society is preparing to sail on the HMS Pinafore for their glittering 50th anniversary performance at The Tivoli Theatre stage on the 12th – 14th March 2026.
The Aberdeen Gilbert & Sullivan Society is an independent performing arts group that have been performing since 1976, and has a reputation as one of the finest amateur operatic groups in the North East of Scotland. The group is unique in Aberdeen, as the only company currently performing full-scale Gilbert and Sullivan operettas on the local stage, with the cast ranging in age from 18 to 80.
Brian Gunnee, Musical Director for the show said: ”We feel honoured and privileged that we are still here performing as part of this historical society after 50 years and we’re incredibly excited to be bringing this classic show to the Aberdeen stage as part of our celebrations.”
A true backbone of the Aberdeen performing arts community, Brian has been part of 25 of the society’s productions both on and offstage – previously he played Captain Corcoran in the last production of HMS Pinafore in 2017 – and works tirelessly to bring numerous other productions to stages across Aberdeen.
Brian added: “The company has brought so many people together and seen some incredible talent over the years. This year our romantic leads, Ralph and Josephine, are being played by a recently married couple who met doing theatre in Aberdeenshire.
“Many of our members continue to share their talents professionally. Some of the former members of the society are now performing with companies such as Scottish Opera and in West End shows like Hadestown.”
The society was founded by students Michael James and Derek Blyth and remained a student group at the University of Aberdeen until 2015 when the decision was made to separate from the Students’ Association and officially open membership up to the full community.
Jasmin Gray, Chairman of the society, commented: “I’ve had the privilege of being the chair of the society on the 40th and the 50th anniversary year. We have kept the legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan alive for half a century in the North East and I cannot wait to see what we can achieve in the years to come!”
HMS Pinafore, also known as The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a timeless classic that tells the story of a forbidden love, and the troubles that must be overcome for that love. It also pokes fun at patriotism, party politics, the Royal Navy, and the rise of unqualified people to positions of authority. The score contains songs such as “He is an Englishman”, “I’m called Little Buttercup” and “When I was a lad” and is often considered some of the finest work in the Gilbert and Sullivan canon.
In Case You Missed it:
The show was infamously performed by Sideshow Bob as Bart’s last request on The Simpsons and saw a glorious revival by English National Opera (ENO) in London’s West End earlier this year, starring Mel Giedroyc of Great British Bake Off fame.
The Tivoli Theatre is one of Scotland’s most historic buildings, having been founded in 1872 as Her Majesty’s Opera House. It hosted some of the world’s best-known performers such as Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel and W.C Fields. It was bought by the Tivoli Theatre Company Ltd in 2009, who have completely restored the building while at the same time protecting the historic auditorium.
Tickets for HMS Pinafore can be purchased here: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/hms-pinafore/. For more information, go to www.gilbertandsullivansociety.co.uk
