The Gondoliers

November 2023
… or is it 1954?
New King of Barataria
Sensationally Revealed
Stewartby Operatic Society make a song
and dance of it, not for the first time!
Words by W. S. Gilbert
Music by Sir Arthur Sullivan
Orchestral arrangement supplied by Martin Paterson of
Pattersong Music. For more information about this and other
similar G&S arrangements please visit www.pattersong.co.uk
Chairman (Chris Hodges)
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this
performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The
Gondoliers. I hope you enjoy our production.
Sullivan was tiring of composing for comic
operas and found their last collaboration, the
more serious The Yeomen of the Guard, more
to his taste. Gilbert, however, mindful of the relative lack of
success of Yeomen, suggested a return to lighter works
with The Gondoliers. Sullivan eventually agreed and Gilbert
gratefully gave the composer fifteen minutes or so of
uninterrupted music in the opening sequence. The first
performance of The Gondoliers was on 7th December 1889
and was met with almost universal critical acclaim.
This show is set in the 1950s to commemorate the Society’s
first production of The Gondoliers in 1954 when we were
still the Stewartby School Operatic and Dramatic Society.
As always, thanks go to our Director, Susan Hoath, and our
musical director, Alana Thackray, who, with all the cast
members, backstage and front of house volunteers and our
talented orchestra and rehearsal pianists, have worked
hard to bring this production to performance.
If you feel inspired by our performance why not come
along to a rehearsal and join us? We warmly welcome new
members. See our website for more information.
Musical Director (Alana Thackray)
Alana first appeared as a late
stand-in in the orchestra at
Stewartby for The Sorcerer
in 1992. In another late call
she took over as orchestra
leader in 1994 then moved
to musical director for every
show from, coincidentally, The Sorcerer
in 2014. In her real life Alana is a Senior
Research Associate at the University of
Cambridge Veterinary School.
ORCHESTRA
violin Naomi Morris
violin Anna Norton
flute/piccolo Helen McKay
clarinet Berdel Efe Gulsen
oboe Penny Norton
bassoon Caroline Cartwright
horn Kate Young
bass Alan Grayer
keyboard Edward Jones
rehearsal pianists
Pam Rogers and Brian Caves
Director (Susan Hoath)
Susan started in musicals and
amateur theatre as a child
and has been involved in
G&S since she was a
student. An enthusiastic
audience member at
Stewartby for many of our
productions, including at least one prior
version of The Gondoliers, she hopes
that you enjoy this, her first production
for SAODS, as much as she has.
Keep up with the news on the web at www.saods.org.uk or on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/StewartbyOperaticSociety

Gondoliers in Great Demand
Well, those gorgeous gondoliers Marco and
Giuseppe Palmieri have finally got hitched, as
have their friends Antonio, Giorgio and
Francesco after a slightly unseemly parade in
front of the locals here in the Square. It seemed
to be a bit of a lottery with a lot of red and
white roses involved but the lucky ladies were
Gianetta, Tessa, Vittoria, Fiametta and Giulia
respectively. Let’s hope that they are all happy
together for many years to come. They are
bound to end up as frumpy old ladies who sit in
the Square all day long and have nothing better
to do than gossip - but they should have a few
years of happiness before that!
Important Visitors from Spain
Oh, and we have had some important visitors
from Spain in the Square. At least, they seemed
to think they were important but there weren’t
any special arrangements to greet them. I think
they were called the Duke and Duchess of Pizza
Something-or-other. Anyway, it seems they
really are quite important, even though they
looked a bit shabby - perhaps that was after
their long journey - as they have been seen
chatting to the Grand Inquisitor, Don
Alhambra.
Shock Royal Wedding
Arrangement
And what do you know, here’s a turn up for the
books! It seems that an arrangement was made
many years ago by which Casilda, the daughter
of the Duke and Duchess, was married to either
Marco or Giuseppe and that one or the other of
them is actually the King of Barataria.
Unfortunately nobody seems to know which of
the two is of royal blood and, scandalously,
now a bigamist! Anyway, they’ve both been
sent off to Barataria to rule together until
somebody can find out who is who. What a
tragedy, though: most of their delectable friends
have gone with them, to work in the palace and
they have had to leave their wives and
girlfriends behind.
The Truth will Out
Anyway, we could be near to unravelling this
whole charade. The Grand Inquisitor’s team is
looking for the infant king’s nurse maid. They
are confident that they can persuade her to
reveal all. Who is the king? We want to know.
Scandal, or what?
Well, would you believe it? Don’t tell anyone
but there are rumours that the Queen of
Barataria might have “a close friend” and he is
not called Marco or Giuseppe. This could get
very interesting!
Isabella (Jenny Hall) is a major contributor to
“Stories from the Square” after
watching the world go by with her
friends Lila and Philomena.
Jenny has sung in the chorus in many
productions and concerts and is a
long standing committee member.
Lila (Pam Massey) sits in the Square every day,
sipping her coffee from Bertorelli’s, or
occasionally a glass of wine or two;
then she freely shares her opinions.
Pam is the queen of jumble sales and
has helped raise hundreds of pounds
to support the Society.
Philomena (Hazel Daniels) spends a lot of her time
following her personal mantra “List
and Learn”. Having listened and
learned she very much enjoys telling.
Hazel has been a regular chorus
member and the Society’s secretary
for more years than she remembers.
Where the finest people meet.
Enriquo (Andrew Hodges) serves the best
coffee at Bertorelli’s and provides the
best service to the very best people.
Andrew has performed for many
years with Stewartby, occasionally
taking principal roles but also happy
to be a loyal member of the chorus.

Do You Need Help?
The Office of
Don Alhambra Del Bolero
No need to come to us, we’ll find you
(whether you want us to or not).
Sofia (Margaret Brown) is interested (in other
words, nosy) in the people around her.
She likes to make sure that everyone
is behaving and is dressed properly.
Mirroring her character, Margaret
likes to make sure that everyone is
behaving and is dressed properly.
Costumes for this production of The Gondoliers
have been coordinated, supervised and, in some
cases, supplied by Margaret Brown assisted by
Jenny Jackson. Maria’s Boutique didn’t provide
any costumes (that’s beneath Maria’s dignity) but
did offer advice and plenty of “helpful” comment.
Rosabella (Jenny Jackson) is wise beyond her years
passing judgement on “that woman’s
shoes” or “her hat” and criticising
anyone who gossips out of turn.
In her years with SAODS Jenny has
sung in shows and concerts and has
often assisted with costumes.
Anna (Becky Wright) sits in the Square quietly
watching the antics of the younger
ladies but, on the quiet, is a bit of a
flirt with the good looking boys.
Becky retired from the stage a few
years ago but missed the excitement
so much, apparently, that she’s back.
Roberto (Richard Bell) is the local builder and
general fixer-upper, except where that
clashes with the fixing-up of Don
Alhambra and his Office.
Richard has been a chorus member
for SAODS for several years and is a
bit of a musician in his spare time.
Don Alhambra del Bolero (Stephen Hoath) is the
Grand Inquisitor of Spain, currently in
Venice. He is in control of everything.
Stephen has played a variety of roles
for Stewartby and other societies,
not least Giuseppe in The Gondoliers
at the International G&S Festival.
Emissary to Don Alhambra (Olivia Laurie) has no
name because she doesn’t need one.
She does as the Grand Inquisitor bids
and ensures everyone else does too.
Olivia has performed at the Bedford
Festival previously but this is her first
experience of G&S and of Stewartby.
Maria’s Boutique
style
elegance
panache
Maria (Juliet Jones) has a good eye for the latest
fashions and likes to see that her
customers, and her daughter,
Vittoria, are always well dressed.
Juliet has been a chorus member at
SAODS for several years and is a keen
supporter of local theatre groups.
I am Roberto.
I am a builder.
Call me. I can
fix anything!

Giuseppe Palmieri (Chris Hodges) uses his charm
to attract tourists to his gondola and
captivates the ladies when singing
with his friends in Ragazzi Ritmici.
After playing Nanki-Poo last year
Chris thought that he would have an
easier ride this year - he was wrong!
Marco Palmieri (Gordon Hodges) is the more
handsome of the two brothers (at
least, that’s what he thinks) and the
lead attraction in the boy band.
Having directed The Mikado last year
Gordon needed little persuading to
appear on stage for this production.
Singing for your delight - The Rhythm Boys - at a palace near you.
Francesco (Charles Mills) is a keen follower in,
rather than a leader of, the happy band
of gondoliers and finds it hard to
believe that he is one of “the boys”.
Charles has often appeared as the
lead tenor at Stewartby but is happy
to be taking a smaller role this time.
45rpm records of Ragazzi Ritmici (The Rhythm
Boys) singing their hit song from this show may
be found in some shops still selling 45rpm
records. The Boys are working hard ready to
launch their new album “Ragazzi Ritmici: The
Album”. Soon to be released will be a book
documenting their rise from relative obscurity
as gondoliers to their current relative obscurity
as a boy band. The book is provisionally entitled
“Ragazzi Ritmici: The Book”. Also coming
soon, featuring in the back room of Maria’s
Boutique will be the boys’ new range of clothing
“Ragazzi Ritmici: The Clothes” and the first of
their new cookware line “Ragazzi Ritmici: The
Thing That Separates Eggs”.
Applications are invited for a new publicist.
Experience in thinking up good titles is essential.
Luigi (John Epton) is a business man with a lot of
business to do but it’s none of your
business as to what that business is!
John has been a committee member,
principal actor, director and musical
director, amongst other things,
during many years at Stewartby.
Antonio (Sam Hillyard) is one of the merriest
fellows to ply on the emerald sea
whilst quipping and quaffing and the
youngest of the five singing friends.
Sam has two years’ experience
singing with the National Youth Choir
but this is his first time with SAODS.
Giorgio (Michael Webster) is happy in his job but
wants others do their share, to stick to
it: there’s nothing like hard work and
nothing like being in a boy band.
Stewartby has seen Michael sing in
many concerts and G&S shows over
the years but never in a boy band!
Fioretta (Vicky Lane) runs the flower shop. She
stocks all kinds of blooms but always
gets asked for roses red and roses
white. What about the yellow ones?!
Vicky first appeared on the stage at
Stewartby in 2010 and has been seen
in chorus and minor principal roles.
“Roses
white and
roses red.”
for all
your floral
requirements
Fioretta’s
Fresh
Flowers

Rose
Rosse
ladies’ group
We meet,
We chat,
We laugh,
We chat,
We chat some more.
Join us in the Square every day.
Vittoria (Freya Mullen) helps her mother in the
boutique. She tries to be cool in the
Rose Rosse but is hampered by the
recurring presence of her mother.
As members of Parados Theatre
School, Freya recently performed
with Katie (Tessa) in Frozen Jr.
Wayne (Richard Hardwick) is on holiday in Venice
from America. He has had great fun
taking more photos than he, or his
wife, will ever know what to do with.
Richard has been a mainstay of the
tenor line at Stewartby for many
years, in productions and concerts.
Mary-Lou (Sandra Buck) is happy to visit
Venetian cafés and sample the local
culture, food and drink while her
husband, Wayne, wanders all over
the place with his camera.
Sandra joined Stewartby in 2005
and has performed in the chorus and
minor principal roles ever since.
Vienetta (Lesley Mayston) is married to a very
successful ice cream vendor. She loves
to visit every shop in town, on a
regular basis, to spend his money.
Lesley joined Stewartby after the
pandemic to sing in a concert and
hasn’t been allowed to leave since.
Lucia (Jan Faulkner) also loves to shop and to sit
with a coffee and discuss her
purchases with friends at the café.
Jan has appeared in the chorus in
Stewartby productions and has
occasionally stepped up to take solo
or small group parts in concerts.
Gianetta (Claire Moore) is the trendsetter of the
group. She’s certain she will “capture”
Marco: he’s the romantic lead, and
that’s how these stories work.
Claire’s first foray into G&S was with
Stewartby in 2017 and she has also
taken lead roles with Putteridge Bury.
Tessa (Katie Osborne) is Gianetta’s best friend and
is equally determined to attract a
husband, preferably from that
handsome boy band of gondoliers.
Katie is a member of Parados
Theatre School. She performed in
PBGS’s HMS Pinafore in April 2023.
Fiametta (Carol Urwin) has many talents including
baking cakes, mobile hairdressing,
fortune telling (barring unforeseen
circumstances) and reliving old jokes.
Carol has performed many leading
G&S roles for Stewartby and is
enjoying a more restful time this year.
Giulia (Bryony Reynolds) likes to join the Rose
Rosse “girls” in the Square whenever
she can, to watch the gondoliers and
to talk about her marital prospects.
Bryony runs Parados Theatre School
in Harlington. This is her first
production with Stewartby Operatic.
Margaretta (Margaret Magee) is a very sociable
lady. She welcomes and chats to
everyone in the Square, especially if
they are prepared to buy her a drink.
Margaret trained at the Royal
College of Music and has had leading
roles in many shows and concerts.
Beatrice (Susanne Harris) sits in the café, chats
with everyone, observes the activity in
the Square and tells everybody how
they are doing everything wrong.
Susanne has been singing in choirs
since the age of 11 but this is her first
staged show with Stewartby Operatic.

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Also: political campaigns supported
newspaper columns written
dressmakers recommended
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debtors hoodwinked
and much, much more
all at very reasonable rates
(no refunds, no overseas work)
Giacopo (Mike Cocke) doesn’t look much like the
picture in the advert but is happy to
point tourists to his gondolas.
Mike has been a member of
Stewartby Operatic Society for 11
years including serving as Treasurer
and Business Manager.
See
Venice by gondola
The Duke of Plaza-Toro (Colin Jones), as father of
the Queen of Barataria, is an important
man and shouldn’t be demeaning
himself writing this sort of nonsense.
Colin has been in many productions at
Stewartby in principal and chorus roles
and has directed several concerts.
The Duchess of Plaza-Toro (Linda Bowen) leads the
Duke in all aspects of his life and is very
proud to become the Queen Mother.
Linda has previously performed most
of the principal G&S parts in her voice
range (Katisha, Mad Margaret, Ruth,
Mrs Cripps etc.) - but not this one.
Casilda, The Plaza-Toros’ daughter (Jessica Hallett)
hates being dragged around by her
parents. She cares only for the latest
fashions (and her secret love, shhh…).
Jessica joined SAODS in 2016 and has
also performed with Beds Youth
Opera, PBGS and Swan Theatre Co.
Luiz, The Duke’s Attendant (Mark Tuck) has been
with the Duke’s family from boyhood.
He’s not great at his job, to the
Duchess’s disgust, but he’s cheap.
SAODS is happy to welcome Mark to
his first role at Stewartby: he stepped
in at short notice and he’s cheap.
Childcare needed?
Inez is
number
1
at the quayside
See
can be a bit forgetful
but excellent references provided on request
Inez, The King’s Foster Mother (Shirley Hale) has
looked after so many children in her
time that she sometimes has trouble
remembering which one is which.
Shirley is a long-standing member of
the Society (she played Patience in
1984) and has directed some concerts.

(not Venice)
Barataria’s Court Twins with
Stewartby Operatic Society
Unlike the Court of Barataria,
where everyone is equal
(although some are more equal
than others) apparently there are
lots of people at Stewartby who
need a name check.
The President (unheard of in Barataria) goes by
the name of Lady Skeet and her vice-presidents
are Allan Thomas and Prue Gardiner.
The Society has and welcomes new patrons
(who hand over cash from time to time!) such
as Mr & Mrs K. Blane, Mrs P. Gardiner, Mrs S.
Hale, Mr J. Hartup, Mrs P. Ireland, Mr A.G.
Parfitt, Mrs M. Snape, Lady Skeet, Rev & Mrs
M. Wells, Mrs S. Woods and Mrs B. Wright.
There is a committee which runs the Society.
The Chairman is Chris Hodges (the noble lord
who takes the blame), the Deputy Chairman is
John Epton (this noble lord does much the
same), the Treasurer and Business Manager is
Mike Cocke (the lord who plays with ledger
sheets), the Secretary is Hazel Daniels (her
ladyship who notes their meets), the Publicity
Officer is Jessica Hallett (the lady lord who
tells their tales) and the Social Secretary is Pam
Massey (this lady sorts out meals and sales).
The others are Shirley Hale, Jenny Hall,
Richard Hull, Colin Jones and Carol
Urwin (the ladies who are very wise
and lords who stand and supervise).
The whole bunch of them are
affiliated to NODA.
10th and 11th May, 2024

(not Venice)
Interested in having
Piano
‘Cello
Music Theory
lessons?
Get in touch with
Pam Rogers
01462 811496
07733 943246
Credits for this November 2023 edition of
Director: Susan Hoath
Musical Director: Alana Thackray
Production Manager: Jessica Hallett
Stage and Scenery: Stephen Hoath, Mike
Cocke, members and friends, Standing
In The Wings
Lighting: Richard Hull, Bubbles Lighting
Props: Andrew Hodges, John Epton and
Susan Hoath
Prompt: Alana Thackray
Business Manager: Mike Cocke
Front of House: Carol Wallman, Bill Hall,
members and friends
Poster Design: Stephen Hoath
Publicity and Show Photos: Jessica Hallett,
Colin Jones, Chris Hodges, Mark Lewis
Programme: Colin Jones
Video: Mark Lewis
Flowers donated by Simmons Florists, Elstow
“Princess Ida”
by Gilbert and Sullivan
November 2024