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More about the Savs
President - Bruce Graham
We are delighted that Bruce Graham has been our President since 2018. A seasoned actor, singer and director, Bruce joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1978 and played many of the Gilbert and Sullivan character roles. Since then his musical theatre credits have included Follies, Merry Widow, The Gondoliers, The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Great Expectaions, She Loves Me, Phantom of the Opera, Budgie, Follies, Me and My Girl, Sweeney Todd, and Annie.
In recent years Bruce has appeared all over the world as a principal with the Carl Rosa Opera Company, thereby returning to his first love, operetta and the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. He has taken an active interest in the Savs, joining us for gatherings both real and ‘virtual’ on Zoom.
Chairman - John Carter
John took over as Chairman of the Savoyards in 2020, having been in the company, both in the chorus and in some of the minor principal roles since 2006. After studying music at York University, John joined the BBC as a producer, and has always had a strong involvement and interest in the performing arts. He has also brought his experience as a journalist and PR officer to the Savs over the past few years, promoting the annual tours, writing press releases, designing programmes etc. When not performing G&S John is a keen jazz pianist.
Director - Graham Weston
Graham has been a leading actor in the Savoyards for many years performing nearly all the ‘patter’ roles and endearing himself to our regular audiences. His involvement in the theatre began at an early age and in addition to being in demand for his comic acting and singing, he has a wide experience over 25 years of directing several local societies.
We are delighted that Graham has accepted our invitation to direct our next production in 2023, The Gondoliers.
Musical Director - Oliver Longstaff
Beginning in 1987 at Durham University, and with a twelve year break along the way as time off for good behaviour, Oliver has now amassed a CV featuring 16 Gilbert & Sullivan principal roles and a total of 57 productions either performing on stage, playing in the pit , or standing on the rostrum. With the West Yorkshire Savoyards he performed many principal roles before moving to the pit as our MD in 2013 where he has been ever since.
The members
Of course, our members are the most important part of the West Yorkshire Savoyards. They are drawn from leading amateur operatic societies across the north of England - eg Sale G&S, Wakefield, G&S, Aireborough G&S, Harrogate G&S. Rossendale G&S, Halifax G&S, and many more - and bring to the Savs a love of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, experience, skills, musicianship, and commitment.
We welcome new members who are keen performers or would be interested in backstage work including those with skills in props, scenery and costumes.
The Savs Committee 2024-25
Chairman: John Carter (Trustee)
Vice - Chairman: Tony Armitage
Secretary: Dot Haken
Treasurer: Peter Haken (Trustee)
Graham Woods (Trustee)
Rosemary Armitage
Bekah Murray
Valerie Green
Roz Ebbetts
Janice Rendel
Caz Brough
Shivonne Smith
Production Officials:
Safeguarding: Dot Haken
Stage Manager: Tony Armitage
Wardrobe: Rosemary Armitage, Dot Haken
Accompanist: Margaret Wood
Press & Programme: John Carter
Website Editor: Roz Ebbetts
Front of House: Carole Woods
Life Members of the Society:
Alan Holdsworth
Graham Woods
Neil Smith
Ian Rawstron
Tom Mills
Margaret Wood
Donald Wood
Friends:
Carole Woods
Alec Worrell