Only 1 minute’s walk away from Her Majesty’s Theatre, the Tra La La Bar is the place to be during the G&S Fest!
As well as playing host to many events as part of the festival, the venue will present a piano bar and open mic nights, pre-show talks and post-show food and drinks provided by Blanco.
Hosted by Mark Oates with accompanists Michael Ierace and Stephen van der Hoek, the piano bar is the post-show place to go. Grab a drink and rub noses with fellow G&S fans whilst enjoying a tad more of your favourite operatic duo.
Explore the world of G&S even more at our pre-show talks. Presented by leading Australian figures in the world of Gilbert & Sullivan, the talks will be held before evening performances around the corner from Her Majesty’s Theatre. All talks will be recorded and made available as podcasts post event.
A ROUND TABLE FROM MARATHON TO WATERLOO IN ORDER CATEGORICAL
with Desiree Frahn, Peter Goldsworthy, Aidan Hodder and John Longmuir, chaired by David Bevan
Friday 12 May, 5.30pm
“I was born into a generation that still took light music seriously” – Noel Coward.
It is no secret that we love Gilbert & Sullivan at State Opera. But what started our love affair with the duo? Join us for a conversation between Desiree Frahn (performing Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and starring in the recital Sullivan in Love), Peter Goldsworthy (author and State Opera board member), Aidan Hodder (performing as chorus in Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore and playing the title role in The Sorcerer) and John Longmuir (lending his voice to Frederic, in Pirates of Penzance) as they discuss growing up in families enamoured with Gilbert & Sullivan, how their experiences shaped their careers, and the passing on of Gilbert & Sullivan through the generations.
EXPLODING THE MYTHS: WILLIAM AND ARTHUR – THE MEN BEHIND THE MUSIC
Talk by Diana Burleigh
Thursday 18 May, 5.30pm
Think you know Gilbert & Sullivan? Think again!
Diana Burleigh delves into the personalities and working lives Gilbert & Sullivan and sets the record straight about their relationship, their personalities and the myths which have become legend.
Fact or fiction, love or hate, chalk and cheese, get to know the men behind the music.
Diana Burleigh is an actor, director, reviewer and radio presenter. She is particularly recognised for her work directing Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas, especially for Savoynet at the G&S Festival, Harrogate.
HOWARD VERNON, THE AUSTRALASIAN GROSSMITH… AND THEN SOME
Talk by Dr Kevin Hewitt
Friday 19 May, 5.30pm
Howard Vernon, major star of Australia’s 19th century musical stages, was Australia’s answer to George Grossmith. Originating the roles of Ko Ko (The Mikado) and Reginald Bunthorne (Patience) amongst many others, his artistry led to them becoming known as the ‘Vernon roles’ in Australia. Explore Vernon’s relationship with these works, his career, travels, and his influence on Australia’s enduring relationship with Gilbert & Sullivan.
Kevin Hewitt is a self-confessed Gilbert & Sullivan fanatic, having performed in the operettas since 1969 including productions in Fiji and Papua New Guinea. He owns an extremely comprehensive collection of Gilbert and Sullivan printed matter.
11 – 21 May 2023
Tra La La Bar @ U City
Level 1, 43 Franklin St
Free entry
G&S FEST took place on Kaurna Yerta. We respect First Nations people around Australia and acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains. We honour their spiritual relationship with their country and we do so in the spirit of reconciliation.
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