On February 19th 1925, the curtain rose on Godalming Operatic Society’s first production—The Yeomen of the Guard. Exactly 100 years later, on February 19th 2025, the curtain will again rise, this time on the Society’s centenary production of Yeomen, in Godalming. The production moves to The Leatherhead Theatre the following week.

Yeomen is considered by many to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, a view also expressed by both of them. Darker than many of the other G&S operas, the pathos is well balanced by much joyous and colourful music which ‘bubbles with wit and good humour’.

This special production will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, this year expanded to 24 players, under the direction of our MD, David Wright. The production will be fully staged with spectacular costumes and scenery.

This is truly a production not to be missed! Our performances often sell out so please book early to avoid disappointment.

 On February 19th 1925, the curtain rose on Godalming Operatic Society’s first production—The Yeomen of the Guard. Exactly 100 years later, on February 19th 2025, the curtain will again rise, this time on the Society’s centenary production of Yeomen.

Yeomen is considered by many to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, a view also expressed by both of them. Darker than many of the other G&S operas, the pathos is well balanced by much joyous and colourful music which ‘bubbles with wit and good humour’.

This special production will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, this year expanded to 24 players, under the direction of our MD, David Wright. The production will be fully staged with spectacular costumes and scenery.

This is truly a  production not to be missed! Our performances often sell out so please book early to avoid disappointment.

As part of their Centenary Celebrations Godalming Operatic Society are mounting an exhibition at Godalming Museum from Wednesday 13th November to Saturday 30th November. The Society was founded in 1924 and their first production was Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Yeomen of the Guard in 1925. Since its foundation the Society has been at the forefront of the town’s rich musical heritage. The exhibition will feature people who have done much to ensure the Society’s success over the years. Other highlights will include its links with Charterhouse, the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and performances at International Festivals.
The museum, located at 109a High St is open Tuesday to Saturday 1000am to 4.00pm.

Godalming Operatic Society is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading Gilbert and Sullivan Societies. The Society was founded in 1924 and had its first production, The Yeomen of the Guard, in 1925. Since then (excepting the war years) it has put on a major Gilbert and Sullivan production every year, including the more rarely performed works such as ‘The Grand Duke’ and ‘Utopia Ltd.’

Currently we perform a fully staged G&S opera every February, with a full 22+ piece professional orchestra under our Musical Director, David Wright.

In June or July we put on a smaller scale work, often at a smaller local venue such as the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming. Our previous summer productions range from a concert version of ‘Aida’ to ‘The Zoo’ by Arthur Sullivan and most recently our 2019 Summer concert ‘A Night at the Opera’ featuring a wonderful selection of grand opera arias, ensembles and chorus pieces.

01252 703376

www.godalmingoperatic.org