'With a little help from our friends'

HMS Pinafore was Julian Light Operatic's 70th anniversary production. It's one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular operettas and was staged in Ealing in West London in November 2018.

We have a a quick request for members, supporters and friends of the Julian who might be able to help us present subsequent shows.

Please click here.

Welcome to the West London based Julian Light Operatic Society.

Our 2018 show was HMS Pinafore, staged as usual at the Questors Theatre in Ealing. And the show marked the society's 70th anniversary.

As is customary with the company, the music was exactly as Sir Arthur Sullivan wrote it and the words were those of W.S. Gilbert, with a nod or two to contemporary life.

But the setting imagined a time before electricity so the Pinafore was steam-driven. However, she also was equipped with inter-galactic fire power.

So this was no traditional treatment of one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular operettas. And the audience seemed to like it.

Said one person: “Congratulations to the cast of HMS Pinafore.  I am still remembering the voice of Cora, just the best ever". Said another: "I saw Pinafore last night and absolutely loved it! Bravo to you all. Thank you all so much”

Other comments included: "I thought the production was absolutely wonderful and full of imaginative touches. Brilliant set and lighting."

"It’s the best Gilbert & Sullivan I’ve ever seen you present, and more than that, it’s the best Gilbert & Sullivan performance I’ve ever seen and heard anywhere".  

"I am emailing to say how VERY MUCH we enjoyed the performance last night!!!   We were delighted to see the person playing Ralph Rackstraw, having enjoyed his performances elsewhere in the past!!

Pinafore followed our awar- winning 2017 show Patience.

It was named the year's best Gilbert and Sullivan production in our London District by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and Ian Henderson, who played Archibald Grosvenor, best male performer.

If you are thinking of joining the company do come along and see who we are. And then follow up with a visit to rehearsals to meet everyone, exercise the vocal chords and relax afterwards over a drink (the last is not compulsory but inevitably enjoyable). We are always on the lookout for new talent, experienced or otherwise. For more details, contact the Secretary, whose details are at the foot of this page.

As a company, we specialise in presenting the world-famous operettas of G&S in fresh ways to give a new twist to firm favourites.

The Right. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter K.C.B. First Lord Of The Admiralty (Philip Lewis) covers his ears after Captain Corcoron (Peter Edwards) has cursed. The captain, of course, is someone who never swears. Well, hardly ever.

The Julian aims to give the local community in and around Ealing an opportunity to experience light opera to as high a standard as possible at a lower cost than the professional theatre.

We try to cast principal parts from within our own membership but is open to all who wish to join us to come along and to give encouragement to beginners of all ages. We have a great team spirit and some people have been singing and acting with us since the 1960s.

The support and enthusiasm of its many members over the years epitomises what the Julian is all about – doing something that is enjoyable as a relaxation, to a standard that others will appreciate. The Julian meets for rehearsals every Wednesday evening at Ealing Town Hall.

Our main production is usually in the autumn and a soirée or variety concert is normally each Spring.

The Company is self-financing through members' subscriptions and fund-raising.

If you would like to offer financial assistance either by becoming a patron or through official sponsorship please contact the Secretary (details below). New members are always welcome, either in performing or supporting roles. Contact the Secretary (again, details below) or click here. And if you would like to be added to the society's mailing list click here.

Left - Little Buttercup (Sunita Dugal), a Portsmouth Bumboat Woman. Centre - Sir Joseph Porter includes himself as an historical icon amongst many. Right - Hebe, Sir Joseph's first cousin (Cheryl Chisnall), made up to the nines.