The G&S Society of South Australia

24/10/2026

We're thrilled to announce our first production for 2027, and what better way to celebrate The Society's 90th birthday than with The Pirates of Penzance, coming to The Arts Theatre from 10 to 19 June!

Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved comic opera has it all: swashbuckling pirates, a very nervous police force, a young man bound by duty, and of course, the very model of a modern Major-General.
Leading the crew:

🏴‍☠️ Director: Nicholas Bishop
🎼 Music Director: Liam Phillips
💃 Choreographer: Cathy Adamek

Auditions will be held in mid-December, with all the details coming soon.

21/10/2026

A Loving Remembrance: Margaret Byrne (née Holland)

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Margaret, one of the early members of our Society. She will be dearly missed.

Margaret first graced our stage as Margaret Holland, performing in our shows from 1958 to 1966 at Australia Hall (now The Royalty Theatre). She later returned as Margaret Byrne for our 1974 and 1975 productions.

Her love of Gilbert & Sullivan became a family legacy. Margaret was the first of three generations of G&S singers, a tradition that continued with her daughter, Kay Doherty, and her granddaughter, Megan Doherty, our current Society President.

We are deeply grateful for the music, the memories, and the family tradition Margaret gave to our Society. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Megan, Kay, and all of Margaret’s family and friends.

Vale, Margaret. 🎭

20/10/2026

Last weekend, the board rolled up their sleeves and tackled the final boss: the shed.

Armed with gloves, grit and a very large skip, we bid farewell to set pieces from shows gone by and a mountain of items whose purpose remains a mystery to this day. There were a few emotional goodbyes, a couple of "do we really need this?" debates, and at least one prop that absolutely did not want to leave.

But the skip is full, the floor is visible, and the shed is now feeling decidedly more zen. Will we ever let it get that cluttered again? What, never? Well... hardly ever.

A huge thank you to everyone who gave up their weekend to help. We'll enjoy the floor space while it lasts

02/10/2026

❄️ MASSIVE CHOOKAS to our friends at Northern Light Theatre Company for tonight's opening night of Frozen!❄️

As a certain snowman would say, "Some people are worth melting for," and this cast and crew are definitely worth it. We know you've poured your hearts into this one, and we can't wait to see the magic you've created.

So go out there, open those gates, and let it snow! ☃️💙 Wishing you a sold-out season full of warm hugs and standing ovation

Grab your tickets here - https://www.northernlight.org.au/tickets/

30/09/2026

A special offer for our G&S friends from the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia:

Laughter Is the Best of Meds

Sometimes wellbeing looks like stillness. Sometimes it looks like a packed room, face aching from laughing too hard. This October, we're inviting you to find your own way back - no guilt, no pressure, just permission to feel good.

Join us for a night of comedy featuring brilliant local talent, headlined by Jason Chong, hosted by Bobby Macumber, with special guests Libby Trainor Parker, Kel Balnaves and Emily Grace.

Grab your tickets, grab your mates, and come find out why laughter really is some of the best medicine - live at The Howling Owl.

🎤 Headliner: Jason Chong
🎙️ Host: Bobby Macumber
✨ With Libby Trainor Parker, Kel Balnaves & Emily Grace
📅 Thursday 8 October
📍 The Howling Owl

Tickets: https://bit.ly/4rDjjRb

Price:

G&S Society Members receive a special $5 off tickets with code LAUGH26

Concession: $20 (normally $25)
Full Price: $25 (normally $30)

14/09/2026

The G&S Society would like to extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of Julia Whittle, including our dear friends at Therry Theatre, on the news of her passing.

Julia was a force within Adelaide’s theatre community. Her remarkable performances on stage were matched by her contributions behind the scenes, including a period of service as the G&S Society’s Minutes Secretary.

Vale, dear woman. Our thoughts are with all those saddened by this news.

Please refer to Therry Theatre’s page for updates regarding a celebration of Julia’s life and legacy.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our cherished Therry Theatre family member, Julia Whittle. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched on and off the stage.

​At this stage, we still plan to hold a celebration of Julia's life and theatre triumphs at Therry Theatre HQ on Saturday, September 26th. Official event details are currently being finalised and a full announcement will be posted to our page Wednesday 23 September if the event will still proceede at this time.

Julia's family have let us know that her funeral will be a private affair.

Thank you for your patience, support and love as we prepare to honour Julia's remarkable legacy together.

RIP friend.

31/08/2026

🎭 2026 Elder After Hours Opera Gala 🎭

Elder Conservatorium invites you to a night of glorious opera, featuring the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra alongside our talented Classical Voice Students, conducted by Dane Lam.

Special guest soprano Desiree Frahn, a long-standing G&S performer and friend of over 20 years, for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of classical voice and orchestral brilliance.

📅 Saturday, September 5th
🕥7:30pm
📍 Elder Hall
🎟️ Tickets - https://tinyurl.com/2uytdyt8
🎫 Facebook events - https://tinyurl.com/3vr9sdde

Don't miss this special night — grab your tickets now!

28/08/2026

💜 Wear It Purple Day

Today, G&S joins many across the community in recognising Wear It Purple Day, a day dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ young people and affirming that all are welcome, valued, and respected.

G&S has always been a place built on community, creativity, and belonging, values that extend to everyone who walks through our doors, on stage or off.

Thank you to everyone taking part today in whatever way feels right for you.

24/08/2026

🎶 Calling all Classical Singers! 🎶

G&S is excited to spread the word about Classical Singer Sundays, a wonderful community for classical singers to come together, grow, and connect.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or just love to sing, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive singing family and be part of something special.
👉 Register now at classicalsingersundays.com

We can't wait to see you there! 💜

🎶Registrations are open for our September Session 🎶

OPERETTA — IT’S NOT JUST G&S! 🎭

Join us on Sunday 27 September 2026 at 2:00pm at Church of the Trinity, 318 Goodwood Road for an afternoon celebrating the wit, charm, romance and theatrical brilliance of operetta in all its forms.

🎵 What can you sing?
Singers can choose a song from any operetta, or explore the wider repertoire of vocal works by composers associated with operetta. For example Lieder by Lehár or Sacred song by Sullivan, there is a long list to choose from! Giving you the chance to discover a different side of these wonderfully versatile composers.

Whether you love the sparkle of Strauss, the elegance of Lehár, the wit of Gilbert & Sullivan, or the vibrant traditions of French, German and American operetta, there is something for every singer, from Strauss and Lehár to Offenbach, Sullivan, Kern Gershwin and Victor Herbert.

Don't wait! Registrations are open now!
Registrations close 11.59pm Friday 11th of September

🖱Register via www. classicalsingersundays.com

20/08/2026

🌼 Daffodil Day 🌼

Fair warning: the G&S SA board does not, as a general rule, own much yellow. But lucky for us, we happen to have a costume room full of options, so today we're raiding it in the name of a good cause. 😂

On a more serious note: Thursday 20 August is Cancer Council's Daffodil Day, raising vital funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services for the 150,000+ Australians diagnosed with cancer each year. The daffodil has long symbolised hope and resilience, blooming after the harshest winters, much like the strength shown by those affected by cancer.

If you're able to, please consider donating today 💛

🔗 Donate: www.daffodilday.com.au