All on board for stage show collaboration

Performers from some of Marlborough’s most well-known creative ensembles are jumping on board for an extra special show.

For the first time in known memory, Blenheim Choral, Marlborough Civic Orchestra and Marlborough Academy of Dance will collaborate to bring Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera HMS Pinafore to stage.

Musical Director and acclaimed opera singer Robert Tucker, who has been with Blenheim Choral for 9 years, says the idea for the collaboration came about from a desire to stage something fun.

“I’m always looking for new things to do and to do them a bit differently.

“I got chatting with to someone in the orchestra and thought wouldn’t it be great if we could join together, and the collaboration came pretty easily.”

Robert will be musical director and conduct both the choir and the orchestra for the show.

But with decades of experience to call upon, the thought doesn’t daunt him at all, he says.

“I did look at singing too,” he laughs. “But I looked at the logistics it just wasn’t going to be possible.”

The much-loved satire about love, honour, class, politics and duty will be staged at ASB Theatre on 7 and 8 September 2024.

Local dancers, musicians, soloists, a chorus and narrator Ken Hippolite will bring to life the story of Josephine, the daughter of Captain Corcoran.

Torn between her love for lowly sailor Ralph and her father's desire for her to marry Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty, the story is a comic opera of two parts.

Together, more than 100 performers will help bring the popular classic to life.

Two professional Auckland singers, Chris McCrae and Joanna Foote have also been cast. The move helps keep things fresh, Robert explains.

“The parts are just a bit harder, and you need quite an operatic voice for them. I also like to bring in people from outside and it shows people who are not familiar with operatic what can be achieved.

“New Zealand is a small country and everywhere you go there are people who surprise us [talent wise] but I’m not surprised about the level of talent here.”

More singers, especially men, are needed to help swell Blenheim Choral numbers says Robert, but he hopes anyone interested will find out more.

“Anyone can come along. If they can hold a tune and enjoy singing, they should come along.

“The musical is interesting and a fairly good length in that it’s not horrendously long. Those who don’t know it will come along and enjoy it.”

A preliminary rehearsal and information evening for all intending singers will be held on February 13 at 7pm at the Wesley Centre on Henry Street in Blenheim.

To find out more contact marlboroughsingers@gmail.com