International champions in 2013, Savoynet Performing Group will be performing the Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty performing edition of Gilbert & Sullivan's first collaboration which dates from 1871: Thespis, or The Gods Grown Old. Although Gilbert’s libretto remains intact, Sullivan’s music disappeared more than a hundred years ago.
The story follows an acting troupe headed by Thespis, the legendary Greek father of the drama, who temporarily trade places with the gods on Mount Olympus, who have grown elderly and ignored. The actors turn out to be comically inept rulers. Having seen the ensuing mayhem down below, the angry gods return, sending the actors back to Earth as "eminent tragedians, whom no one ever goes to see".
This production of Thespis will be directed by New York’s Gary Slavin and is an excellent opportunity to see this rarely performed operatic extravaganza performed by an outstanding cast. It is certainly one show not to be missed.