“Energising and enthusing ... punchy, toe-tapping and thrilling to hear!”
More about the West Yorkshire Savoyards
‘Exceptional’
The West Yorkshire Savoyards, originally known as The Savoyards Appreciation Society is performing company dedicated to the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, based in Halifax, West Yorkshire and drawing our performers from across the north of England.
The society was formed on 19th March 1975 at 10 Central Street Halifax. In the beginning the concept was simple, the Savoyards should be the best G&S society in at least the North of England. Most societies have a home where they perform year after year, but the Savoyards are tourists and we like to spread the G&S message far and wide. One venue might be a village hall the next could be a city centre theatre. To the Savoyards this is no problem.
Since the society was formed in 1975 members have travelled widely in this country and abroad performing on stages of all shapes and sizes.
We welcome new members, particularly if you bring experience of performance (whether in a choir, in shows or in other musical areas.) If you would like to join us, just click below and let us know you are interested.
Watch a West Yorkshire Savoyards touring production on YouTube
The Pirates of Penzance, 2019
Ruddigore, 2012, Act 1
HMS Pinafore 2011 Act 2
‘Vibrant performance’
Our most unique feature is our annual production which we take on the road every September / October. Members travel to locations across northern England and further afield to give one-off performances at each venue, bringing with us our scenery, props and a professional eleven-piece orchestra.
What are the hallmarks of a Savoyards performance? First is experience. Most members are also members of other societies, and perform in several operas each year. We are also committed to quality. For many years we were directed by the late John Reed OBE, followed by Alistair Donkin both bringing a wealth of D`Oyly Carte experience to our productions. We are now delighted to have Graham Weston as our director.
Yeomen of the Guard, 2018
Ruddigore 2012, Act 2
‘A great night out’
“Energising and enthusing to watch ... punchy, toe-tapping and thrilling to hear!” is how local press have described recent productions by the renowned Gilbert and Sullivan company, the West Yorkshire Savoyards.
The Yorkshire based touring company which specialises in rousing productions of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas has received the backing of TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh. The well-known broadcaster, novelist, journalist and gardener and former President of the West Yorkshire Savoyards said, "The works of Gilbert and Sullivan continue to inspire and amuse generation after generation of music-lovers and theatre-goers, and the West Yorkshire Savoyards continue to enthrall their audiences. With Sullivan's tuneful melodies and Gilbert's rapier-sharp wit (Stephen Sondheim considers him the best of all lyricists), coupled with the W.Y.S. high standards, any audience can be assured of a great show!”
The Mikado, 2016
HMS Pinafore 2011 Act 1