What we do
Together we enjoy and learn about the comic operas (and other works by Gilbert and Sullivan)
Unlike performing societies, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society exists for education and appreciation.
We have around 400 members across the United Kingdom and internationally.
Some of us perform G&S on stage, some research the texts and music, including their Victorian context and their relevance to today’s society. We all watch and enjoy the G&S comic operas.
We hold regular meetings in central London and online, including concerts, talks and chatting with like-minded friends - see What's on.
We publish the Gilbert & Sullivan News three times a year. Logged-in members can download back copies from our Resources section.
We curate a specialist reference library within the Barbican Music Library, and we also sell Gilbert and Sullivan related books and memorabilia - see Resources.
Some of our meetings are videoed and uploaded onto our website for viewing by members - see Resources
In recent years we have sponsored a student from the Royal Northern College of Music thanks to the generous gift of Dr. Alan Young. Our sponsored 'Gilbert and Sullivan Student' gives us a concert of G&S and other musical theatre and we try to keep in touch and take an interest in their future career after the sponsorship period is over.
We work with other Gilbert and Sullivan societies in the UK and internationally - see our Useful links. In its early days other branches of the society grew up around the country and further afield. These branches were later renamed Affiliated societies and more recently, we have professional organisations joined to us as Affiliated Organisations. We now have affiliates in countries worldwide. Many submit news of their activities to the Gilbert & Sullivan News for others to read of their exploits.
When appropriate, we may sponsor projects and activities around Gilbert and Sullivan - Contact us for more information.
The video gives a flavour of one of our recent meetings. Charlotte Jane Kennedy and Ross Fettes, Masters' students from the Royal College of Music gave a delightful concert, accompanied by Tim Smith.