The Gilbert and Sullivan Newsletter Archive

GILBERTIAN GOSSIP

No 45 Autumn 1997     Edited by Michael Walters



H.M.S. PETTICOAT by K.A.O.S.

This was an entertainment written and introduced by Victor Golding, and performed by Kingsbury Amateur Operatic Society for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. I cannot recall the date. The story was rather rambling, and little more than a peg on which to hang lots of songs to give everyone in the cast something juicy to do. The pianist was late arriving, and had all the music, a substitute carried on to begin with! The numbers, which I jotted down as the piece proceeded, were as follows: Act 1. scene 1. A Court Room. Intro to Judges Song; turn oh turn in this direction; Silvered is the raven hair (pianist had to borrow the singer's music!) Scene 2. St. Mary Axe. I worked with John Wellington Wells (sung by "Harry Marnese"); Oh, I have wrought (interrupted when the proper pianist arrived). Scene 3. On board H.M.S. Petticoat. None shall part us; Gaily tripping; I am the Captain of the Petticoat; My well loved lord; In sailing o'er life's ocean wide; My lords it may not be; A harpist I; He loves her - horror; Patience Act 1 finale. Scene 4. Night on board ship. Little maid of Arcady; Prithee pretty maiden; For she is such a sweet little craft; Oh dry the glistening tear; Fair maids [moon!]; Sir, you are sad; Comes the pretty young bride; To thy fraternal care; It's understood I think all round (first part).

Scene 5. Entrance of Pirates. On the good ship lollipop; Here's your crowbar; Come friends who plough the sea; Foreward men and seize; When Frederic was; Oh is there not one maiden breast; Poor wand'ring one; Then away we go to an island fair. Act 2. scene 1. Utopia. In lazy langour motionless; My people all. Scene 2. The island of Wornabros. [Warner Bros.] Search throughout the panorama; Now hearken to my strict command; Won't it be a pretty wedding; When a merry maiden marries; Over the bright blue sea; I am the monarch; Must we till then in prison cell be thrust; For a month to dwell; Oh gentlemen listen I pray; That seems a reasonable proposition; A many years ago; Oh my adored one, beloved boy; Here take her sir (original ending to Pinafore); Hail o king of a golden land; Away with them and place them at the bar (original ending to Pirates Act 2); The threatened cloud has passed away. That's all I can remember about it!

MICHAEL WALTERS



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