Audiences of GASP’s forthcoming production of G&S’ The Sorcerer have an extra treat in store. 

An aria, cut before the show’s London premiere in 1877 and subsequently lost, has been forensically reconstructed from an incomplete set of orchestral parts by eminent musicologist and “our leading authority on Sullivan’s manuscripts” [Opera Magazine] , Dr David Russell Hulme. GASP are delighted to have been given his permission to include the rarely-performed song in its rightful place in the show [following a previous broadcast on BBC Radio’s Friday Night is Music Night]. 

The poignant aria, IN DAYS GONE BY, muses on lost love and youth. It will be sung by Island Theatre stalwart and GASP Chair, Libby Pike, who is very excited at the prospect, as should audiences be, for this is a real treat. G&S aficionados should snap up the few remaining tickets!

Founded just four years ago, Gilbert and Sullivan Productions (GASP) has very much made its mark on the Island’s amateur theatre scene, with three sell-out G&S operettas under its belt as well as a couple of one-off shows and its hugely popular Carols and Mince Pies kicking off the festive season. ‘The Mikado’ was also recognised at the IW Amateur Theatre Awards, receiving the award for ‘Best Music and Singing’ along with nominations for Lucy Hinckley and Rob Bingham.

Previous years have seen acclaimed productions of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ (“the sound and power was truly amazing. This superb performance was magical”); ‘Iolanthe’ (“I was amazed at the high standard”) and ‘The Mikado’ (“Blew me away – what talent”). 2025 sees the group staging one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s less well known shows. ‘The Sorcerer’, which is set to be just as popular and entertaining.

Like most of WS Gilbert’s librettos, ‘The Sorcerer’ tells a very silly story – Alexis, the son of local dignitary Sir Marmaduke Poindextre, has announced his engagement to Lady Sangazure’s daughter Aline, and the whole village is gathering for a garden party to celebrate. Our hero wants everyone to be as happy in love as he, so he engages the services of John Wellington Wells, proprietor of a London sorcerer’s shop, to create a potion. When added to the teapot at the party, it ensures all those who have drunk tea will fall asleep and fall in love with the first person they see on waking. What could go wrong??

Since this is a G&S comic operetta, the answer is… plenty! But also in good G&S fashion, most characters live happily ever after – with one notable exception! The silliness of the plot is carried along by the brilliant score – Sir Arthur Sullivan knew how to create a great choral sound, and the talented GASP performers more than meet the challenges of the beautiful harmonies.

Those who have seen previous productions will recognise most of the principal singers: Alexis is played by Rob Bingham, whose rich tenor voice – and brilliant comedy acting – were seen in his roles as Frederic (Pirates) and Nanki-Poo (Mikado). Opposite him, as she was as Yum Yum in The Mikado, is Lucy Hinckley, bringing her glorious, soaring soprano to the role of Aline. The hugely talented Libby Pike and Paul Stevens are Lady Sangazure and Sir Marmaduke, supported by equally familiar GASP performers Anita Davies, John Woodford, Graham Light and Maureen Sullivan, while Andy Kay – Strephon in Iolanthe and Pish Tush in The Mikado – brings his wonderful bass vocals and fabulous character acting to the iconic role of The Sorcerer himself.

If you’ve enjoyed past GASP productions, you’re in for another treat. And if you’ve not been to a GASP show before, it’s time to come along and see what you’ve been missing! From the very first performances, audiences have marvelled at the amazingly rich choral and musical sound produced by a relatively small cast in Bembridge Village Hall, and have appreciated the talented cast’s ability to bring out the humour and sheer daftness of the script. Come along to listen, laugh and be thoroughly entertained from September 24^th – 28^th.

Book tickets while you still can at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gasp or by calling us on 07761 460925.

Please note: The Sorcerer includes the use of pyrotechnics during the show.