Address
PO Box 184
Blackburn South 3130

Venue
The Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton

Company information
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria is the premier presenter of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan in the state. Described by John Slavin, Age Opera Critic as "The foremost exponents of traditional Gilbert & Sullivan and Light Opera in Australia".

The inaugural meeting of the Society was held on 14 August 1935, when Professor W Skeats was elected Chairman and Mr Harry Stewart as Secretary. Speakers included Mr Bernard Manning, Mr Frank Tait and Professor Bernard Heinze, who offered the use of the Conservatorium of Music as the Society's first home

In the 1960's a successful touring company, principally under the management of Mr M R Sinclair, travelled country and suburban centres until the heavy pressure of rehearsal time necessitated its disbandment. Our performance home moved to MLC Ladies College in Kew, from whence, in 1985, we trialed and then moved to the National Theatre in St Kilda.

From 1990-2001 performances have been at The Phoenix Theatre at Deakin University in Burwood (apart from a few November productions at the Union Theatre, Melbourne University). The Society staged 16 productions at the Alexander Theatre Monash University from 2002-5.

For 2006-07 it moved its seasons to the intimate St Martin's Theatre, St Martin's Lane, South Yarra. It also has re-branded its Performing Company to be now called "Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria". In 2007 it took it own production of "Patience" to the 14th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in England. It won 4 Awards and came 3rd in an international field. For the 2008 Season it returned to the Alexander Theatre, Monash University with a triumphant revival of "The Merry Widow".

Further information
Robert Ray
03 9755 3545

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