01273 302170 www.staubynsschoolbrighton.co.uk - Viva Lewes

I often get titles muddled. This can lead to confusion
when, for example, I’m animatedly discussing
the film Drowning in Vietnam and it’s really called
Swimming to Cambodia. I say this, because my presence
at a Lewes Operatic Society (LOS) rehearsal
came about because I’d mentioned in our editorial
meeting that I’d once sung, as a member of the
chorus, in Pirates of Penzance. This transpires not
to be true. I’d sung in a Gilbert and Sullivan comic
opera, and it did have a nautical theme, but it was
actually HMS Pinafore. But they’re a lovely lot, the
Lewes Operatics people, and very understanding,
so even though I don’t sing a note, I spend a most
enjoyable evening with them.
Lewes Operatic Society began 100 years ago, and
their first show was the Pirates of Penzance, hence
the choice of this show to celebrate their anniversary.
A key part of the plot involves Frederic (Andrew
Simpson) being a ‘leapling’, ie born on 29th February,
it’s the perfect choice to put on in a leap year.
As with many previous shows, plans are afoot to
also perform it in one of Lewes’ twin towns, in this
instance, Blois.
Rehearsals are taking place in the ramshackle,
draughty but charming rooms in the Market Tower,
under Old Gabriel, the town bell. I climb the
steps to find business manager, Nick Hazle, who I
rec-
www.vivaLewes.CoM
pirateS of
penzance
Lewes Operatics celebrates 100 years
oPeReTTa
ognise from Viva’s dwyle flunking match against
the Lewes Arms. His mum, Val, who sadly died last
year, was a LOS stalwart herself, and a mighty fine
pirate on many occasions.
I see many familiar faces around me, including
Tim Freeman, from the Big Iolanthe, who plays the
Pirate King in this. I’m impressed to see a bar in
the rehearsal room. It all seems much more jolly
than the production I took part in.
Singing begins, but since it’s more about pirates
than petticoats, I can’t really join in, so I nip out to
the staircase to talk to director Libby Hannelle and
choreographer Collette Goodwin. I begin by asking
what they like about this opera. “It’s hilarious,
jolly rude and very funny,” says Libby. “Just like
Libby,” says Collette. Libby has set the production
in the 1950s, with Teddy Boy pirates. With much
laughter, they demonstrate some of the planned
choreography using burlesque feathered fans.
Nick then takes me to the costume cupboard to
meet delightful wardrobe mistress (a virologist in
her day job), Sue Taylor, who shows me some leopard-print
fabric she’s got for a “very low cut top”
for one of the characters. We rummage through
her amazing treasure trove of costumes, with boxes
of beards, wigs, bags of frilly bloomers from HMS
Pinafore (and yes, I did wear them), a pair of chaps,
several kilts. “People are very kind, donating items
of clothing. I get some amazing things from eBay,
which is where I’ve sourced suspender belts for this
production.”
It sounds like the 100th anniversary show is going
to be a lot of fun and I’ve really enjoyed having
a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how it’s put together.
I slip away from the rehearsal, into the cold
evening air, listening to the voices gradually fade
as I head down Market Lane. Emma Chaplin
26th to 31st March, 7.30pm. Lewes Town Hall, Tickets
£10/9/8. lewesoperatic.co.uk
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