Melbourne Operatic Society

13/05/2026

And there's more great news in the same edition of the Melbourne and District Village Voice – alongside Frank Hughes's wonderful show review, page eight also features a piece about our brand-new centenary book, "If You Want to Know Who We Are" – a title that could hardly be more fitting!

Written by our chairman Dr Michael McGhee, the book has been a long time in the making – Mike first declared his ambition to write it when he became chairman back in 2005. Drawing on old programmes, personal recollections, and society archives, it charts MOS's full story from its founding in 1925, through World War II, the revival of the early 1950s, Covid, and right up to our centenary year. It lists every performance and every performer, and also includes a history of Gilbert & Sullivan themselves along with synopses of their operas.

At over 190 pages and priced at just £20, all proceeds go directly back into the society. It's a limited print run, so don't hang about – copies are available from Blatch's Electrical Store, Market Square, Melbourne, or can be ordered online.

Read the full article here: https://www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk/2026/Melbourne-Village-Voice-May-2026/ =8

13/05/2026

We're thrilled to share that our centenary production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance has received a glowing review from Frank Hughes, writing in the May 2026 edition of the Melbourne and District Village Voice (page eight).

Frank describes the show as "truly enjoyable and without doubt one of the Operatic's best performances" – high praise indeed! He celebrated the full comic spirit of the production, from the very first bars of the overture right through to the Singalong curtain call.

Among the principals, Allie Sturla as Mabel drew the highest individual praise, with Frank noting that her acting and singing were of the highest quality, and that her agility in "Poor Wand'ring One" "would have graced a professional production." Andrew Rushton, making his MOS debut as Frederick, was a hit with the audience, impressing with his emotional range in the tender Act 2 duets. Mike McGhee's Major General earned warm credit for blending comic timing with clarity – with a few local references thrown in for good measure. Alan Lowe as the Pirate King, Pete Bostock as his Lieutenant, and Alexander Skerritt as the rascally James all brought strong characterisation and singing to their roles. Katherine Dryden was excellent as the love-sick pirate maid, David Stapleton was convincingly deadpan as the Police Sergeant (likened memorably to Baldrick!), and among the daughters, Jenny Smith (Kate), Sandie Clark (Isabel), and Helen Blatch (Edith) were all ideally cast – with Helen's solo work receiving particular mention.

The choruses were equally celebrated – the Pirates, the Girls, and the Police all receiving enthusiastic recognition – and the a capella "Hail Poetry" anthem was singled out as a highlight for audience and cast alike. Production credit goes to the entire team, headed by Mervyn Edwards, and to Musical Director and conductor David Henshaw, whose 13-piece orchestra – bolstered by several new members – delivered a noticeably richer and more enthusiastic sound.

Closing his review, Frank quoted the Derby Daily Telegraph's verdict on MOS's very first Pirates production, exactly 100 years ago: "Melbourne Operatic scored a great success in producing such a finished performance!" – a sentiment just as fitting today.

Read the full review here: https://www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk/2026/Melbourne-Village-Voice-May-2026/ =8

04/05/2026

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02/05/2026

We're absolutely delighted to share that our centenary production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance has received a wonderful review from NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association), written by Claire Collishaw.

The review describes the show as "a thoroughly enjoyable production," praising the warm atmosphere created by our enthusiastic audiences across all performances – many of whom clearly knew and loved every note from the very first bars of the overture. Claire gave particular credit to Musical Director David Henshaw, who led our 13-piece orchestra with confidence to deliver a beautifully balanced sound throughout.

Vocal highlights came from across the whole company. Alan Lowe was singled out for his commanding portrayal of the Pirate King, with "Oh, Better Far to Live and Die" called a standout moment. Mike McGhee's "Modern Major General" – with its fresh, modern lyrics – drew special praise, and Allie Sturla's Mabel was warmly commended for her lovely voice in "Poor Wand'ring One." Andrew Rushton, Katharine Dryden, Pete Bostock, Alexander Skerritt, David Stapleton, and the full chorus of daughters all received well-deserved recognition too.

Claire also praised the production values – from Martin Mould's atmospheric projections and Dave Martin's lighting, to the beautifully detailed costumes co-ordinated by Susan Baker, which were described as quite simply "outstanding." Stage Manager Andy Hubbard kept things running seamlessly behind the scenes, and our Front of House team earned a warm mention for their welcome.

Performing without head mics throughout, with every word clearly heard – in a show marking 100 years since our very first production in 1926 – this felt like a real milestone for MOS, and it's wonderful to have that acknowledged by our NODA reviewer.

A huge thank you to absolutely everyone involved – on stage, in the pit, behind the scenes, and in the audience. You made this something very special.

Read the full NODA review here:

NODA is a charity that supports amateur theatre groups at every stage.

09/04/2026

If You Want To Know Who We Are… The first 100 years of Melbourne Operatic Society is a centenary history written by Dr Michael McGhee, Chairman of Melbourne Operatic Society (MOS). Published in 2026, the book celebrates 100 years of the Society's dedication to performing Gilbert & Sullivan (G&S) operettas in Melbourne, Derbyshire.

Drawing on old programmes, personal recollections, and archival research, it chronicles the Society's journey from its 1925 founding through a World War, a COVID hiatus, and right up to its centenary year. It profiles key members, producers, venues, and unsung backstage contributors, while also providing a history of Gilbert & Sullivan themselves and synopses of their operas. The book is, at its heart, a tribute to the passion and perseverance of a community united by a shared love of G&S.

If You Want To Know Who We Are… The first 100 years of Melbourne Operatic Society is now available to purchase, priced at £20. All proceeds from book sales are reinvested directly into the Society, supporting the continuation of Melbourne Operatic Society's work and helping to keep Gilbert & Sullivan alive in Derbyshire for generations to come.

At over 190 pages, this is a limited print run, so early purchase is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Copies will be on sale in the foyer of the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, on each evening of the Society's production of The Pirates of Penzance, running 15–18 April 2026.

Those wishing to secure a copy in advance, or unable to attend in person, are warmly invited to get in touch with Mike or Gill McGhee via:

• Phone: 07518 560162
• Website: melbourneoperaticsociety.com (contact form)

Postal delivery is available for those unable to collect in person; standard shipping charges will be added to the purchase price.

08/04/2026

Watch this space for some exciting news coming soon.

02/04/2026

Tickets for The Pirates of Penzance have sold out, however there is one ticket for tonight’s show that has become available. Please contact Gill McGhee on 07980 421453 if you are interested in seeing this popular show.

29/03/2026

About to go LIVE with arts & toast on Sunday Breakfast with . The interview with Joseph Toonga of is available on via the Arts & Toast podcast and the full interview with Melbourne Operatic Society will be available via the Erewash Sound website.

Put the kettle on! Grab a slice of toast - let's catch up at 8am GMT.

15/01/2026

We recently brought our ‘Feast of Christmas Cheer’ back to the Assembly Rooms for another wonderful evening of festive celebration. Under Philip Heath's accomplished accompaniment, we delighted a packed audience with crowd-pleasing carols, world music selections, and even a touch of California Dreaming! Our musical director David Henshaw cleverly arranged fresh numbers including the African Crib Carol and Calypso Carol, while Philip's stunning Christmas 'mashup' solo brought the house down. Special thanks to guest performers Katie and David Sturla, and Allie Stura for her beautiful Ave Maria. Thank you to everyone who came along to support local music – it’s what makes our community so special. Christmas done, now we're looking ahead to Pirates of Penzance at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton, April 15-18! To read more about our Christmas concert: https://www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk/2026/Melbourne-Village-Voice-Jan-2026/ =10