A touring company bringing the operas of Gilbert & Sullivan to life
The 2026 tour of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ has come to an end - but thank you to our record breaking near capacity audiences at Bingley, Settle, Whitby, Richmond and Penistone for your support ... and some fabulous feedback:
“Spectacularly good!”
“The singing is outstanding!”
“Cracking show with some lovely and original touches.”
“Amazing as always! I last saw Pirates at Sydney Opera House … but you were much better!! Thank you again, orchestra included, superb!”
“A thousand thanks for yet another scintillating performance of the wickedly satirical Pirates of Penzance (music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and libretto by supreme wordsmith WS Gilbert) to a packed house at the Penistone Paramount this evening. Wish you could have been there to enjoy it too . . .As ever, it was an absolute hoot and I enjoyed every minute of it!”
“The best G & S performance.I have ever seen! … Superb performances of G&S operettas…. (The ‘Savs’) capture the inherent humour and satire so incredibly well, and are an absolute joy to watch…. A visual spectacle as much as theatrical and musical - their performances are an absolute joy to witness.”
A few of the many wonderful comments from audiences at our most recent touring productions.. (more comments below).
The Pirates were here!
(Above) The Major General — Graham Weston
(Below) Sergeant of Police - David Parker
This September and October we took to the road once again with one of the most popular G&S operas, The Pirates of Penzance. Swashbuckling, fast-paced and packed with satirical wit and musical excellence, The Pirates of Penzance is filled with Sullivan's memorable melodies and quick-fire humour. This audience favourite was pure joy from start to finish.
Extract from the Pirates of Penzance at Richmond Georgian Theatre, reviewed in “Richmondshire Today” (28.9.26)
“… A wonderful comic opera centred around Frederic (Leon Waksberg) and his passion for Mabel (Helen Fieldsend). Frederic turns 21 and is released from his apprenticeship to a band of lovable pirates. He meets the daughters of the incompetent Major General Stanley (Graham Weston) and immediately centres his affections on Mabel…….
“‘Pirates’ was expertly done by Halifax-based (The West Yorkshire) Savoyards ….. Their affection for Gilbert and Sullivan is an understandable one, as the comic timing in their operas remains exquisite.
“As well as taking on the much-parodied Major General’s Song, Graham Weston also directed the cast, which was under the musical direction of Oliver Longstaff. ….. There were several stand-out moments in ‘Pirates’ but you would be hard-pressed to find a voice as impressive as Mabel’s, who hit so many high notes the theatre chandeliers were in danger.
“For an amateur production, this was high-class stuff and next year the touring group will be in Richmond again for G and S’s ‘The Sorcerer.’ My advice would be simple: don’t miss it!”
“I can honestly say it was by far the best production of Iolanthe that I have ever sat and watched. From the truly superb opening scene, I was entranced throughout.”
“Best G & S performance.I have ever seen!”
Celebrating 50 years with Iolanthe….
What the audiences for our 2025 tour with Iolanthe said ….
More feedback from our audiences …
“A recently bereaved friend and I visited Penistone Paramount last week relishing some G and S. We were astounded. G &S were outshone by the Savoyards. Absolutely fantastic. Well done.”
“It was another excellent performance. So much energy- and you all looked like you were having fun!”
“A brilliant show!”
“Wonderful performance by all!”
“Congratulations on a super show. A great start for the tour.”
“We loved seeing Iolanthe, it was such a joyful production with the whole cast obviously having great fun!”
" I saw the performance of Iolanthe this afternoon, and, as with every other Savoyards performance, it was outstanding. Clever, funny and talented doesn't begin to describe their work. One of the highlights of my year, I can't wait to hear what they will be bringing us next year. Thank you to everyone involved.🥰"
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As costs increase we continue to try to keep tricket prices as low as possible. Our mission is to reach new audiences and enthuse the next generation with the wonderful comic-operas of Gilbert & Sullivan and we keep our standards high, aiming for top quality entertainment.
If you can’t be a member of the Savs but would like to support our charitable aims to bring high quality G&S performances to new audiences, there is an opportunity to support us financially. Your gift, however small, will help us to continue as a touring theatre company, to maintain the quality of our performances, visit more theatres, some of which are struggling, engage professional musicians in our orchestras and introduce more people to the magic of Gilbert and Sullivan. Please visit our donations page.