THERE’S some crazy goings on in the mythical German state of Pfennig Halbpfenning – as show goers will discover when The Grand Duke hits the stage later this month.
Written by Gilbert and Sullivan and performed by Astwood Bank Operatic Society (ABOS) it packs great tunes and lovely songs into a ridiculous plot that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
You see in Pfennig Halbpfenning they’ve done away with the messy business of fighting duels and instead rivals draw cards, to the same effect.
After ‘killing’ Ernest Dummkopf, a theatre company manager, by drawing the Ace from a deck of cards, Ludwig, one of Ernest’s actors, replaces him.
Then in turn Ludwig replaces the miserly Grand Duke Rudolph after ‘killing’ him too.
As a result Ludwig assumes all of Ernest’s and Rudolph’s rights and obligations – and quickly finds himself with far more wives, and prospective wives, than he knows what to do with…..
“It’s the only G&S never yet staged by ABOS and full of the silly Gilbertian humour and clever Sullivan tunes,” said director Steve Skinner.
Billed by ABOS as ‘Four Weddings and Two Funerals’ it’s on at the parish church of Astwood Bank from Thursday, March 10 to Saturday March 12 at 7.30pm plus a matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30pm.
Tickets are £12 (£10 concession) from Jean Chalk on 01527 63319 / Email: [email protected]
