College Students in Gilbert And Sullivan

Chronicle (Levin), 30 July 1949, Page 4

College Students in Gilbert And Sullivan

"H.M.S. Pin-afore" has always been a favourite with lovers of Gilbert and Sullivan. The story of Admiral Sir Joseph Porter, K.G.B., who "Polished up the brass s.o carefuliy that now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee" is full of humour and abounds in tuneful melodies. . It will be presented by the students of Horowhenua College for four evenings, August 11, 12, 15, an-d 16. A strong cast has been assembled and a number of vocalists new to Levin audiences will make their appearance. The role of Josephine will be sung by Maitel Andrews and Little Buttercup by Margaret Wyness, both of whom are making their first appearance in light opera. Interest will be taken in the work of two young singers, Brian Morrison, who plays Ralph Rackstraw, and Gordon Lankshear, who has the difficult part of Dick Deadeye. Frank Baumber, who plays Captain Corcoran, needs no introduction to Levin audiences. The part of the admiral, Sir Joseph Porter, is capably handled by Jim Edgar. Ralph Woodfield pCays the bosun, Ron Co")eman the bosun's mate and David Lind the carpenter's mate. Others taking part are Lypette Gibbons, as Hebe, Jill Clark, Heather Young and Peter Knox. A chorus of 80 voices has worked hard on the choral numbers under Miss Browning and Miss Thorn, and an orchestra of ten will assist. Scenery is in the hands of Mr. M. Smith and costumes have been designed by Miss Coleroan. The producer is Mr. N. A. Byrne. Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts will welcome this opportunity of renewing acquaintance with an old

favourite. To the youriger generation it -wifi be an introduction to music which has delighted two generations, and which has become a British institution. Airs such as "I'm called Little Buttercup" and "He Is An Englishman" are household words in many homes, and are as fresh today as when written over 50 years ago.