International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival goes on line

The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival is one of the most popular in the calendar attracting participants and audiences from the four corners of the globe.

G&S fans and performers usually gather in Harrogate for two weeks in August for a feast of the duo’s comic operas - from The Pirates of Penzance to Patience and The Mikado to Yeomen of the Guard.

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Like most festivals across the country, the event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis this year.

However organisers have launched a new way for fans to enjoy G&S performances from festivals past.

The launch of www.gsopera.tv saw a new streaming service for the very best of National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and festival productions at home and abroad since 1994 plus many other G&S classics.

The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and the festival’s National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company were established in 1994. The festival has always taken place annually thereafter, except of course for this year because of COVID-19.

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“Our aim is to celebrate the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, the writer and composer whose works are very much part of this country’s theatrical heritage and which continue to-day to be performed and enormously enjoyed throughout the world,” said press officer for the festival Bernard Lockett.

“It is generally acknowledged that G&S are the origins of the present day’s musical theatre genre and our festival and opera company are keeping this legacy alive and relevant to present day audiences,” he said.You can watch gsopera.tv on your tablet, laptop, smart TV, smartphone or PC - anywhere with the Internet.

“It’s easy to use and your purchases can be accessed on all your internet connected devices forever,” said Mr Lockett.

“Keep an eye out for our weekly podcasts and webinars starring Gilbert & Sullivan experts.

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“They are coming soon and we can’t wait to share them with you. We are selecting some outstanding films for a virtual festival in August, so this year you can simply stay safely at home and enjoy being entertained,” he said.

Buxton Opera House from Saturday July 31 until Saturday August 7 2021 and Harrogate Royal Hall from Sunday August 8 until Sunday August 22 2021.

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