OBSERVER: The Arcadians
Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV) presents The Arcadians – outdoors from February 28 to March 9 at The Know, 4 Clarkmont Rd, Sassafras, and indoors at The Round Studio in Nunawading from March 13-15.
Directed by Robert Ray and Naomi Tooby, a live quartet will accompany the cast with music specially re-scored by MD Geoffrey Urquhart, and costumes will include new gowns from Helen Ebsworthy.
The story tells of a London restaurateur crash landing his plane in Arcadia and being transformed from a wicked man to a guileless youth by the innocent rural idyll of the locals. Horrified by the idea of city life, the magical Arcadians travel to London to convert the miserable city-dwellers.
Premiering in 1909, The Arcadians ran for more than two years in London’s Westend. In 2010, GSOV commissioned a new book from Australian playwright, Melvyn Morrow, whose most recent hits include Shout and Dusty – The Original Pop Diva.
Director Robert Ray’s production premiered in Melbourne and toured to the UK, where it was hailed the hit of The International G and S Festival for its stunning settings, costumes, movement and performances.
Performance Details: Feb 28, March 1, 7, 8, 9 at 2pm, outdoors at The Knowe, 4 Clarkmont Rd., Sassafras.
Tickets for The Arcadians at The Round – Studio can be purchased as part of a subscription. Buy two or three shows in the 2026 Season for 15% off.
For full subscriptions details, go here:gsov.org.au/subscriptions/
To book a subscription, go to trybooking.com/DEXEU
Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Flashback from 2010: Ron Pidcock (Father Time) with Catherine Northey (Sombra), Vanessa Petrie (Chrysaea) and cast in a GSOV production of The Arcadians.
Photo: Brian Taylor.