Tuesday 20-03-2018 - 14:03

Last year we spoke with two members of the Manchester Universities Gilbert and Sullivan Society (MUGSS) about their performances of The Pirates of Penzance. The society returns to The Union this year with Iolanthe. Chris Wilson (Production Manager studying Electronic Engineering) and Neil Franklin (Director) had all the details.

 

How did you get involved in the society?

Chris: “I joined last year – I bumped into them accidently and I started helping to build the set, then I was Prop Manager and this year I’ve been promoted to Production Manager.”

Neil: “I got involved five years ago when I was a fresher and I did cast and mainly crew for a bit. I did loads of roles in the society and ended up being Director!”

 

Last year you put on The Pirates of Penzance, and this year it’s Iolanthe. Tell us a little bit about the production.

Chris: “Iolanthe is set in-between Arcadia, which is fairy-land on one half of the stage, and the House of Lords which is the other side. There’s lots of conflict between fairies and the Lords themselves.”

Neil: “Basically Strephon, who is an Arcadian shepherd is in love with Phyllis who is a ward of the Courts of Chancery, which is part of the House of Lords. However, the Lords don’t want her to end up with Strephon and then chaos ensues.”

 

Why did you pick Iolanthe as your next production?

Neil: “The society picked it. Every year we hold a vote. We put forward three shows and pitch them to the company, and the cast of the show then picks which one they want to do, and the committee puts out applications for Directors. I went in with a successful pitch.”

 

What would you say to anyone thinking about coming to see a performance?

Neil: “It’s good fun. It’s a comic operetta, so there is humour, there’s wit and there’s some physical stuff. It’s a different setting to normal, as we have the stage in the traverse. It’s a bit more immersive  – you’re up close to the action rather than being 30 feet away. We’ve got some excellent singers too as there are people from the RNCM singing along with us, providing that extra oomph and a full 24-piece orchestra too.”

 

What would you say to anyone thinking of getting involved in MUGGS?

Chris: “I would say absolutely do it. Get involved in the crew side – I’m slightly biased."

Neil: “I’d say get involved in the cast side!”

Chris: “There’s a bit of both for everyone and no experience needed. We’ll teach you anything you need to know. If you’re interested in painting some lovely pieces of set, check out our website and get in touch.”

Neil: “If you want to join the cast there’s no barrier to entry. We don’t audition, you don’t need to read music because we’ll teach it all to you. It’s a lot of fun getting together twice a week and singing with a bunch of other folks.”

 

You can find out more about MUGSS on their website, society page, Facebook or Twitter.

Grab tickets for Iolanthe here.

 

Want to get involved in a society?  You can see all our clubs and societies here, or get in touch with the Opportunities Office.

W: www.theunionmmu.org/opportunities

E: s.u.societies@mmu.ac.uk