Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Waterloo Regional Branch

In 1975, five talented colleagues founded The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Waterloo Regional Branch. Raymond S. J. Daniels, Dr. Walter H. Kemp, John M. Kerr, Brant F. Smith, and Graeme Allwood, were three high school teachers, a university professor, and a financial expert who shared a love for music, performance, community engagement, and especially, the famous operettas of Sir W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan.

Since 1975, the company has produced over 18 operettas in Waterloo Region employing a wealth of local amateur talent. Major productions have been staged in the Humanities Theatre at the University of Waterloo, some in collaboration with Drayton Entertainment at their venues, others at seniors’ residences around the Region, and one, Trial By Jury, at the historic Waterloo County Gaol (aka Jail). Fully-staged operettas feature period costumes and a full orchestra. Other outreach by the Society includes the awards program for youth performances, the Gilbert and Sullivan Ensemble initiated by Donna Kuehl in the early 1990s, and the annual travelogue program created in 1980 by John Kerr for fund-raising.

The Society’s primary objectives have been to maintain the traditions of Gilbert and Sullivan, to keep alive their wonderful comic operas, to present their works to local audiences, and to provide education and outlets for amateur performers, set designers, technicians and stage-hands. The list of volunteers and contributors to the Gilbert and Sullivan Society reflects the broad reach that the organization has had in the Region.

Teachers, librarians, media personalities, singers, professional musicians, technicians, arts coordinators, dedicated board members, university professors, and many others have lent their time and talent to promoting, staging, and entertaining thousands of local citizens of all ages over the years and attracting patrons and theatre-goers beyond Waterloo Region. The Society has former members who have gone on to excel professionally in the world of opera, musical theatre, and the entertainment industry – largely, or in part, because of their positive learning experiences with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Waterloo Regional Branch, has helped to connect people interested in the arts, nurture intergenerational presentations, support education, foster creativity, teach the next generation, promote civic engagement, build relationships, attract large audiences, and engage residents as volunteers or patrons. Its legacy to the Region continues in its production of Gilbert and Sullivan based programming for future generations to enjoy.
Photo credit: H.M.S. Pinafore, Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Waterloo Regional Branch