The Pirates of Penzance | Gulbenkian Theatre 10th-14th March 2009 | Gilbert and Sullivan's famous comic opera proved to be able to keep audiences laughing at the Gulbenkian Theatre. Director: Stephen Cresswell. Musical Director: Diana Whybrow. James Brentnall's thisiskent review was enthusiastic about every aspect of the production with high praise for all of the performers, describing the event as a "great night". |
My Fair Lady | Marlowe Theatre 4th-8th March 2008 | For the Society's final show at the Marlowe Theatre before its upcoming refit, Canterbury Operatic Society chose one of the world's best loved musicals. Director: Stephen Cresswell. Musical Director: Diana Whybrow. Choreographer: Pippa Smith. Elaine Godden in the Kentish Gazette praised the music, acting, singing, costumes, choreography and more. Her overall impression was that the "show reflected every quality an audience has come regularly to anticipate from the society." |
Kiss Me, Kate | Marlowe Theatre 27th-31st March 2007 | Canterbury Operatic Society was proud to be one of the first amateur groups to perform the new revised version of Cole Porter's masterpiece, Kiss Me, Kate. Director: Stephen Cresswell. Musical Director: Diana Whybrow. Choreographer: Pippa Smith. Elaine Godden in the Kentish Gazette said "Few songwriters have matched Cole Porter's mastery at creating words and music for 20th century shows; this society did heartwarming justice to both in its performance." She praised many individual performances as well, and described the choreography as "seductive and faultlessly executed." John Nurden in the Canterbury Adscene made it clear that he's not a fan of Kiss Me, Kate, but admitted "[t]hat aside, they do it very well." |
Me and My Girl | Marlowe Theatre 21st-25th March 2006 | For our centenary production, we chose to stage this most British of musicals. The show was a resounding success. Director: Stephen Cresswell. Musical Director: Diana Whybrow. Choreographers: Debra Johnson and Hannah Willcocks. Constance Lee in the Canterbury AdScene said we "turned out a charming production of Me and My Girl with all the polished finishes unexpected from an amateur dramatic group." Liz Crudginton's comments in the Kentish Gazette were similarly enthusiastic, praising a "first-class show with slick choreography, strong singing and plenty of laughs." She said "[t]he actors were clearly giving it their all and it paid off with a highly professional and polished production". |
Fiddler on the Roof | Marlowe Theatre March 2005 | In 2005, we returned to one of our favourite shows, presenting Fiddler on the Roof for the third time. Director: Dierdre Day. Musical Director: Diana Whybrow. Choreographers: Debra Johnson and Hannah Willcocks. |