OBSERVER: A Gilbert and Sullivan Christmas Carol


For those who love the Dickens classic story A Christmas Carol and have a penchant for Gilbert and Sullivan, then Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria has an ideal show.
Called A Gilbert and Sullivan Christmas Carol, this Australian premiere is a fun adaptation of the Dickens story but with the twist of using music from Gilbert and Sullivan operas, with clever new lyrics from Gayden Wren.
And Wren has some impressive credentials, being the Arts Editor of the New York Times and a passionate G & S fan. The show includes music from G & S classics The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe, The Yeoman of the Guard, Patience and Ruddigore.
It features GSOV stars James Douglas and Luke Belle sharing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Jenny Wakefield, Shirin Albert and Elena Griffiths leading a big cast.
It is directed by Ben Klein with musical direction by Catherine Bates. Klein is delighted to be working on A Gilbert and Sullivan Christmas Carol.
“This show has Dickens’s classic redemption story with panto elements and it’s a G&S jukebox musical,” he says.
The show plays at Malvern Theatre Company from November 19-22, then heads to Williamstown Town Hall on December 5, before travelling to Queenscliff Town Hall on December 12 and 13.
To book tickets visit gsov.org.au
Julie Houghton

Pictured: Jenny Wakefield, James Douglas, Shirin Albert, Elena Griffiths.
Photo: Robin Halls.