Organisers unveil line-up for light opera festival

AWARD-WINNING and multi-talented artists from across the country and overseas are getting in tune ahead of this year’s Waterford International Festival of Light Opera.

Organisers of the event have announced the line-up of the 48th Festival Programme which runs for 12 nights from September 20 through to October 1.

It will feature nine competing societies from Ireland, England and Scotland.

As promised, Flaggy Lane — the first Waterford Society to win the coveted International Trophy — are returning in style to defend their crown with their production of Guys & Dolls.

Opening this year’s festival is another local group, Carrick-On-Suir Amateur Operatic Society, with their acclaimed production of Jekyll & Hyde.

Other highlights include a festival premiere of Spend! Spend! Spend! By the award-winning Tustin’s Troupe from England.

“Continuing the trend of recent years, there are fewer and fewer of what people would call traditional Light Operas — although 2004 Best Director winner Andrew Nicklin returns with Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience,” a festival spokeswoman said.

“Most entrants for 2006 come from the more modern tradition of Musical Theatre with shows like Fiddler On The Roof, The King & I and Little Shop of Horrors.

“Another visitor this year, all the way from Glasgow, is The Pantheon Club’s hilarious A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, while Peter Kennedy brings us Encore’s production of his own show God Bless Archie Dean,” she added.

The Final Night Concert on October 1 will be performed by St Agnes who are making the journey from Belfast to entertain prior to the prize-giving.

Making a welcome return again this year is adjudicator Gillian Humphries who has become a firm festival favourite with her blend of wit and flair.

The booking office for this year’s festival is open for the general public at the Theatre Royal. Its opening hours are 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 12 noon to 4pm on Saturdays.