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Friday 2 May 2014

Sepia Saturday - Let the Merry Cymbals Sound

Sepia Saturday give bloggers an opportunity to share their family history through photographs





When  I saw this week's prompt,  it reminded me of only one photograph in my collection.  Here I am in the opening chorus of Gilbert & Sullivan's "Patience" which is a skit on Oscar Wilde and the aesthetic  movement. I am one of the  "20 lovesick maidens we" - second standing figure  on the right, plucking my cardboard lyre.


 A chorus from the Act One finale perfectly echos the prompt picture as we came on stage singing

"Let the merry cymbals sound
Gaily pipe Pandean pleasure
With a Daphenphoric bound
Tread a gay but classic measure"

Our affections and affections change and by the end of the show we  have forsaken our medieval drapery  for brighter everyday garb  - mine  (third from the right) was rather a garish red stuart tartan dress with a bustle and lots of ruffles which I was told to take home and press - a pain to do.  

High School introduced me to Gilbert & Sullivan (also a favourite of my mother's)   and I was "hooked", singing in most of the operas over the years.  Today G & S has fallen out of favour with young ones, but it was such fun, happy to sing, even better to take part in a production  and I defy anyone not to feel uplifted afterwards. 

At University, I joined the  Savoy Opera Group and the annual G & S performances were the highlight of my year.  I loved taking part in them - the dressing up (the girls made their own costumes), the singing and some dancing, plus the camaraderie and friendships built up over intensive rehearsals.   We thought we were great!  
 

I remain a great Gilbert and Sullivan fan - 
but my stage performances have long since passed.


Skip over to Sepia Saturday to discover other bloggers' stories
of ladies dancing, cymbals clashing and white dresses flowing

23 comments:

  1. How absolutely perfect for you. What fun that must have been too. It's great when our themes bring out true stories from our friends here!

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  2. How well I know, as you, the fun & reward of playing parts on the stage . . . especially when music & comedy are involved. I once had a friend who said comedies, melodramas, & musicals weren't "real" acting. Balderdash!!!

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  3. How clever to pick up onthe cymbals part of the theme, and how lucky to be in a G&S production ( I wish I’d kept all my programmes). My mum used to take me to the theatre to see Doyley Carte Opera productions so I grew up withy G&S. Luckily my husband enjoys them too and we had the march from Iolanthe as our wedding anthem!

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  4. I've never seen "Patience" and now you've made me curious. One of the pleasures of Sepia Saturday. You must have a very good voice.

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  5. The little cymbals must sound merrier than the big ones that are used in bands and orchestras.

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  6. Fortunately amateur theatre is still alive and well. A wonderful outlet for all involved, whether on-stage or back of stage. You have some wonderful memories.

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  7. A wonderful pickup on the theme. Gilbert & Sullivan will make a comeback when new generations discover that their witty songs can be adapted for any era.

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  8. Love love love G & S. A friend's mother used to take us with her to see performances. So much fun. Last year and raced out and puchased copies of some of the ones I didn't already have. Drives the menfolk a bit mad so I have to wait for them to leave before I put them on the turntable.

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  9. I was in a couple of G & S productions when I was at school but as far as I know there aren't any photos. 'Trial by Jury' was one of them - short and a lot of fun.

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  10. Thank you to everyone for their kind comments. I especially enjoyed hearing from fellow G & S enthusiasts - let's keep their music alive!

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  11. I love how the Sepia Saturday prompts inspire everyone, and your post especially. Your personal experience and photos are so interesting, and they inspired such a lively discussion about the theater.

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  12. I am another G&S fan, though I think I appreciated it more after high school.

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  13. I've never seen any Gilbert and Sullivan, although I've heard the songs. It sounds like you had a good time with it.

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    1. Really? NEVER???
      You'd enjoy this so much!!!
      It's timeless!!!

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  14. Great experiences and memories. Perfect Sepia Saturday material.

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  15. How fun that the first photo is black and white and the second is in color. Seems to suit the story line. I must search out some Gilbert and Sullivan -- I can't remember seeing/watching/hearing (though I'm sure I must have and just didn't know it). Was your mom able to help with your costume? I remember from a previous post that she sewed very well.

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  16. G&S RULE! do you still have the cardboard lyre?

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  17. What a fabulous photo for the prompt.
    Oh I wish I could sing!

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  18. Lots of happy memories for you, such along time now since I've seen any G and S, but always enjoyed them, and have many of them on vinyl.

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  19. You have my respect for being in G&S!!!
    I bow to you!!!

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  20. http://youtu.be/FmiXDXibJGs

    There,
    it should situate everyone as to what "Patience" was all about.

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