We are so lucky to have the superbly experienced Peter directing H.M.S. Pinafore at Torbay Theatre this October.
Peter claims he can’t sing – so the only way he can be creatively involved with his beloved Gilbert & Sullivan (G&S) is to direct. He fell in love with G&S watching the D’Oyly Carte on TV in England, aged 18. It was his encyclopaedic knowledge of G&S that led to his first directing role, bringing Yeomen of the Guard to the Pumphouse in 1982.
If you saw his Here’s a How-De-Do at Torbay Theatre over the last two years you will know how magnificently he brings out both the musical excellence and the fun of G&S.
Over several decades, Peter has directed and acted with many groups, including North Shore Operatic, Company Theatre, Titirangi Players, at the Pumphouse, the Concert Chamber, amongst others, and appeared often as a professional Music Hall compere. Recently he played Reggie in Quartet, and the vicar in Life and Beth, at Torbay Theatre.
You probably know a few songs from HMS Pinafore – “When I was a lad I served a term …,” “Poor little Buttercup,” “Never mind the why and wherefore …”
Peter’s Musical Director is Dragan Atanasov, from the NZ Opera Chorus, who has studied singing with Peter’s late wife Elaine, and was in at least two of Peter’s earlier G&S, whilst his choreographer, Kathy O’Meara, choreographed Peter’s very first G&S show!
Torbay Theatre has developed a reputation for fun, family atmosphere, and excellence, particularly of music, with a core of professional singers. All ages welcome: singers, dancers and actors – men and boys to be sailors, women and girls to be sisters, cousins and aunts, as well as the principal roles.
