OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER www.gsfestivals.org 01422 323 252
JOIN US IN GRIM’S DYKE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE NEW YEAR WEEKEND 5 January – 8 January 2024 Our exclusive Theatrical Adventures winter break takes us to Grim’s Dyke, one of London’s premier country house hotels and the former home of Sir William and Lady Gilbert. This beautiful Grade II listed building is steeped in history and set in forty acres of stunning formal gardens and tranquil woodlands. What a fabulous way to ring in the New Year. Our exceptional musical entertainment includes professional opera stars Simon Butteriss and Rebecca Bottone, The National Festival Orchestra’s String Quartet and much more. This unique hotel has a fantastic range of rooms, but book soon to avoid disappointment. They are selling fast!
Prices from £799 per person. Detailed Itinerary and to book: www.theatricaladventures.com or call Oliver on 01422 323252.
Dear Festival Friend What a fantastic Festival we enjoyed this year. And what incredible houses. Seeing beautiful Buxton Opera House filled to the brim night after night was simply wonderful. We all had a ball, and we know from the many letters and emails we received that our visitors did, too. Plans for our thirtieth birthday celebrations in 2024 are well underway, and we have some exciting events in the pipeline to ensure next year is even better! We will mail the complete programme and priority draw details in November. Members of our Friends of the Festival charity have first choice of the best seats, so if you have not already joined, please see page 14 for more information. Membership starts from just £35 per year and raises vital funds for the Festival. Tickets go on open sale in February next year.
But if you can’t wait until August 2024 for your next G&S fix, join us in Grim’s Dyke for a fabulous and very exclusive break in January, cruise down the Danube in March, or if you are feeling truly adventurous, come with us to Vietnam and Cambodia for the holiday of a lifetime in April. Our G&S Festival Grand Draw will be drawn on 23 October, so make sure you’ve bought your tickets. The prizes are outstanding! See page 15 for more information. 2023 was a magical Festival and one of our very best. We will do everything in our power to make next year even better! From everyone in the Halifax office, we say a huge THANK YOU for the fantastic support we received from you, our wonderful visitors and performers - We can’t wait to see you all again next year. The Festival Team
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MEKONG, VIETNAM / CAMBODIA DISCOVER SOUTH EAST ASIA 20 APRIL - 30 APRIL 2024
Cruise the Mekong and discover South East Asia for the Theatrical Adventure of a lifetime Our brand-new Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia is perfect for an unforgettable adventure. Our journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, and we travel through quaint riverside towns in Southeast Asia, marvelling at the unspoiled natural beauty and discovering hidden gems along the way. The trip culminates with a visit to the Angkor Temples near Siem Reap, where we will stay in the 5* Sofitel Angkor Hotel. With just thirty cabins, the premium Indochine II offers spacious, comfortable cabins with all the amenities you need for a fantastic cruise. And, of course, we will have our usual first-class Theatrical Aventures entertainment on board all the way.
For more information please visit www.theatricaladventures.com email oliver@theatricaladventures.com or call 01422 323 252
TA PR O SPON UD OF TH SORS E GI & SUL LBERT LIV FESTIV AN AL
FESTIVAL 2023 ROUND-UP the international competition is not just a privilege and a pleasure, but also a great honour, for I am conscious that I am walking, perhaps tiptoe-ing, in the footprints of some very large shoes. But, at just turned 67, it wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to say that this appointment realises my fondest dreams.
OUR ADJUDICATOR
Stephen Turnbull, Secretary of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society
Our thanks to Stephen Turnbull, Festival adjudicator for UNIFest and the International Competitions When Ian Smith first asked me to adjudicate UNIFest, ten years ago, I was very hesitant. Was I competent to do the job? My musical training is limited and my regular experiences on the amateur stage belong to the last century. But I thought about it and realised that I do know a little bit about Gilbert & Sullivan, and that, perhaps, the perspective of an informed audience member with a bit of relevant experience might not be too bad a one from which to attempt the job. So I accepted, and I have to say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Over the years, I’ve seen something like sixty-odd G&S shows, some outstanding and all entertaining. To be invited to step up, as it were, and also adjudicate
Adjudicating is not easy. Making notes in the dark is tricky; reading them afterwards is even trickier. Turning them into a report that is honest and truthful, doesn’t state the blindingly obvious, and at the same time encourages and supports the group being reported on, while, sometimes, needing to get across a little criticism can be very challenging. This has been even more the case with the main competition than with UNIFest, as many of those over whom I now sit in judgement are my friends, and have been for many years – and, I hope, will still be, now the results are in. It’s a cliché to say that everyone is a winner in the G&S Festival, but it’s true. I don’t mean that everyone goes away with an award because of course, they don’t. But everyone involved, on stage or behind, can go home and tell their family and friends that they have taken part in the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. And because of that, they can go home knowing that they were instrumental in entertaining and bringing pleasure to hundreds of people, of sending them home a little happier than when they came into the theatre. And that, my friends, is something every single participant in the Festival has every right to be proud of.
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AND THE WINNERS OF THE 29TH INTERNATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN FESTIVAL ARE… International Competition for performances in Buxton Opera House - Nominations and winners
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BEST ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE Tony Bannister: Wells, NewLOG Richard Arthur: Duke, Peak Opera John Torr: Deadeye, Bus Pass Opera
BEST CHORUS NewLOG: Sorcerer BLOC: Iolanthe SavoyNet Performing Group: Ruddigore
BEST ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE Helena Culliney: Tessa, Peak Opera Stella Whitehouse: Josephine, Bus Pass Opera Angela Lowe: Queen of the Fairies, BLOC
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR David Lyle: Bus Pass Opera, HMS Pinafore Lionel Bams: BLOC, Iolanthe Eric Peterson: SavoyNet Performing Group, Ruddigore
BEST MALE VOICE Alex Carpenter: Alexis, NewLOG Simon Wilson: Don Alhambra, Peak Opera Anthony Noden: Counsel, North West Productions Tyler Parker: Sir Roderic, SavoyNet Performing Group
BEST DIRECTOR Tony Bannister: The Sorcerer, NewLOG Tony and Angela Lowe: Iolanthe, BLOC Ian Henderson: The Gondoliers, Peak Opera
BEST FEMALE VOICE Laura Jamie Anstice: Gianetta, Peak Opera Lauren Cupples: Rose Maybud, SavoyNet Performing Group Rosie Lewis: Iolanthe, BLOC
THE IAN G SMITH CHAMPIONS AWARD 2024
ADJUDICATOR’S SPECIAL AWARD
THE TWO DALYS, NEWLOG, THE SORCERER
RUNNER UP: PEAK OPERA – THE GONDOLIERS
WINNER: BRUSSELS LIGHT OPERA COMPANY - IOLANTHE
UNIFEST AWARDS Nominations and winners BEST ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE Alfie McEvoy: Deadeye, Newcastle Thomas Weddell: Don Alhambra, York Joe Pollacco: Goldbury, Oxford BEST ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE Isla Henderson: Buttercup, Newcastle Lizzie Martin: Duchess, York Erin Swyn: Lady Sophy, Oxford
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR Philippa Salmon: The Gondoliers, York Ella Tilbrook, HMS Pinafore, Birmingham BEST DIRECTOR Susie Fletcher: HMS Pinafore, Newcastle Serena Higgins and Grace Edwards: HMS Pinafore, Birmingham
BEST MALE VOICE Harry Reddish: Fitzbattleaxe, Oxford Rishabh Kishore: Ralph, Newcastle Altus Chan: Ralph, Birmingham
ADJUDICATOR’S SPECIAL AWARD
BEST FEMALE VOICE Adela Barrett: Fiametta, York Eli Street: Josephine, Birmingham Elenor Vockins: Zara, Oxford
THE GERTRUDE MARSH LOOI UNIFEST CHAMPIONS AWARD
BEST CHORUS Oxford: Utopia Limited Birmingham: HMS Pinafore
NEWCASTLE: THE CAPTAIN’S SONG: THE VOMIT-ANDTOE BUSINESS. THIS COMES IN THE CATEGORY OF “WHY HAS NOBODY EVER DONE THIS BEFORE?”
RUNNER UP: NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY: HMS PINAFORE
WINNER: OXFORD UNIVERSITY UTOPIA LIMITED
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CRUISE THE DANUBE 19 MARCH - 26 MARCH 2024
From £1550 Per Person Why not treat yourself to a well-deserved, early Christmas present and book a wonderful Theatrical Adventures holiday on one of Europe’s most romantic and beautiful rivers, the Danube? This fabulous cruise will take us on a magical journey through the Austrian capital Vienna, the Slovakian capital, Bratislava and the Hungarian capital, Budapest. We will also visit Salzburg, Melk Abbey and Durnstein. And, of course, our fantastic opera stars, Donald Maxwell, Gaynor Keeble, Bonaventura Bottone, Phoebe Smith and Stephen Godward will entertain you every evening, along with musical director David Lyle and the wonderful National Festival Orchestra String Quartet. We sail on one of our favourite ships, the MS Ariana. It is spacious, modern and very comfortable. Recently renovated rooms and the ship’s brand-new culinary team will perfectly complement this delightful Theatrical Adventure. YOUR CRUISE AT A GLANCE • Full-day coach trip and guided tour to Salzburg • Optional excursion to Melk Abbey • Walking tour around Durnstein • Guided tour around Budapest • Optional tour to Szentendre • Guided walking tour around Bratislava’s Old Town • Guided coach tour around Vienna’s Ringstrasse and a walking tour through the city centre
We look forward to travelling with you.
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TA PR O SPON UD OF TH SORS E GI & SUL LBERT LIV FESTIV AN AL
For more information please visit www.theatricaladventures.com email oliver@theatricaladventures.com or call 01422 323 252 6
The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company at the Festival If you missed any of our three fantastic professional productions at the Festival you can still see them on DVD or GSOPERA.TV Houses were packed for every one of this year’s National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company productions. And they were some of our best ever!
*****
“Of the gold-standard G&S masterpieces, The Yeomen of the Guard can be the hardest to bring off, which makes Simon Butteriss’s achievement as director and actor-singer all the more impressive.” Daily Mail
The Yeomen of the Guard, The Yeomen of the Guard was the must-see show of the Festival. This fantastic production, directed by and starring Simon Butteriss, received an outstanding and well-deserved five stars from Daily Mail theatre critic Tully Potter. And what a superb cast! Kelli-Ann Masterson (Elsie), Meriel Cunningham (Phoebe), Gaynor Keeble (Dame Carruthers), Bruce Graham (Sergeant), Steven Page (Lieutenant), Matthew Siveter (Shadbolt) and Stephen Anthony Brown (Fairfax). A fabulous chorus rounded off a spectacular production conducted by Murray Hipkin (“a master of his craft”).
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****
“Butteriss’s On a tree by a river, delivered so gently you could hear a pin drop, was a high-spot.” Theatre Reviews North
This was a fun-filled production directed by Sarah Helsby Hughes and cleverly set in a 1950s public school. If you missed it, make sure you watch it on DVD or GSOpera TV!
Simon also directed and starred in the much-loved The Pirates of Penzance. Along with Festival favourites, Matthew Siveter (Pirate King), Bruce Graham (Sergeant of Police) and Gaynor Keeble (Ruth), Emily Vine (Mabel) and Meriel Cuningham (Edith) they brought the house down in a packed-to-the-rafters Opera House. There were some stunning moments of choreography from Rae Piper and Paul Chantry and our final performance of the Festival raised the roof!
Well done to our fabulous National G&S Opera Company. You were certainly one of the best we have had. Our thanks too, to the ever-wonderful National Festival Orchestra under the expert baton of conductor Murray Hipkin. You did us proud! And we can’t wait to see you next year. 8
Keep the magic of the Festival on DVD! All the productions from this year's Festival (and every Festival since 1998!) are available to buy on DVD, so if you missed one or you want to see it again, you can order it here. And we have some special boxed sets available to save money, too. NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY 2023 - £21 DVD, Blu-Ray £26
The Yeomen of the Guard
The Pirates of Penzance The Mikado OR BUY ALL THREE FOR £55 DVD, Blu-Ray £70
COMPETING SHOWS – £19.50 DVD, Blu-Ray £24.50
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Iolanthe Brussels Light Opera Company (2023 Champions)
The Gondoliers Peak Opera (2023 Runners-up)
Ruddigore SavoyNet Performing Group
HMS Pinafore Bus Pass Opera
The Sorcerer New London Opera Group
Cox and Box, Trial by Jury and The Zoo, North West Productions
NEW FOR 2023! MUGS
Three brand-new china mugs for 2023. Choose from The Pirate King, Ko-Ko or Jack Point. Each mug is £12.50 or buy 3 for £32.50 and save £5.
G&S FESTIVAL POLO SHIRTS Available in light blue and black £23.99 Blue – Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge Black – Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge
BOOKMARKS - Just £2 each or 5 for £8.
Order online at shop.gsfestivals.org, call 01422 323252 or email sarah@gsfestivals.org 10
WHAT'S NEW AT NEXT YEAR'S FESTIVAL?
Our thirtieth birthday is looming, and planning is now well underway for a fantastic celebration with the very best Gilbert & Sullivan. The professional National G&S Opera Company will perform four fabulous productions of The Gondoliers, HMS Pinafore, Trial by Jury and The Pirates of Penzance. We are delighted to confirm that Simon Butteriss will direct The Gondoliers and The Pirates of Penzance. Bradley Travis will direct HMS Pinafore and Bruce Graham will direct Trial by Jury. We can’t wait to get started!
NATIONAL G&S OPERA COMPANY CONDUCTOR
We are also delighted to confirm that our conductor this year, Murray Hipkin will be with us again in 2024. Murray, we can't wait to work with you again! "Murray Hipkin’s musical direction was masterly", Robert Beale, Theatre Reviews North
THE BEST OF G&S WILL BE BACK WITH A BRAND-NEW PROGRAMME! The Best of G&S is a fantastic evening of entertainment devised by celebrated comic baritone Simon Butteriss. What a special night it was at this year's Festival. Simon, along with National G&S Opera Company members Gaynor Keeble, Phoebe Smith, Matthew Siveter and Jack Roberts played to a full Opera House and they were simply outstanding. Next year, Simon will bring a brand-new Best of G&S programme to the Festival, so make sure you look out for details and dates in our November newsletter.
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IT’S SHAPING UP TO BE A FANTASTIC 2024 PROGRAMME! And to bring a truly international flavour to our 30th Festival, we are delighted to welcome the Savoy Company from Philadelphia with their brand-new production of The Grand Duke. The Savoy Company performed on the second night of the very first Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in 1994. Formed in 1901, they are the oldest amateur theatre company in the world dedicated to performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. We cannot wait to welcome them back to Buxton. The SavoyNet Performing Group will bring a non-traditional production of The Mikado, and Peak Opera will perform Iolanthe. Grosvenor Light Opera Company bring The Yeomen of the Guard. Bus Pass Opera - for our over 60s performers - is always a triumph and in 2024 they will perform Patience on Tuesday 6 August. If you want to join the Bus Pass cast, look out for details in the next newsletter.
It’s going to be a fantastic Festival! The complete programme will be in the November newsletter when Friends of the G&S Festival can book early.
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HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR NEXT YEAR'S FESTIVAL Theatre tickets flew out of the door for this year's Festival and the majority of shows sold virtually all the seats in the stalls and dress circle well before the Festival opened, so we urge you to book as early as you can to ensure you get the best seats in the house.
The "Friends" of the G&S Festival get the first choice of seats before tickets go on open sale with the Opera House in February 2024. If you are not already a member of the "Friends", you can join now and enjoy access to the relevant priority booking and applicable member discounts on theatre tickets (for bookings received by 22 January 2024).
It's easy to join the "Friends" online at www.gsfestivals.org/be-a-friend, by phone at 01422 323252 or you can post the form on the back cover. 13
There are three priority draws.
Priority Booking 1
From Monday, 11 December 2023 Priority booking for Patrons, Festival Partners and Life Members.
Priority Booking 2
From Monday, 18 December 2023 Priority booking opens to Benefactors
Priority Booking 3
From Monday, 15 January 2024 Priority booking opens to Festival Friends and any members who missed previous draws.
OPEN SALE
From Buxton Opera House on Thursday, 1 February 2024, from 11.00 am. PRIORITY BOOKING FOR ALL MEMBERS WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY, 22 JANUARY 2024. This is the final opportunity for members to enjoy priority booking and receive member discounts.
WILL YOU BECOME A FRIEND OF THE G&S FESTIVAL? JOIN TODAY AND MAKE SURE YOU GET THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE! Why do we need your support? The support of our "Friends" is fundamental to the continuation and success of the Festival and it is only through your generosity that we are able to plan for the future with confidence. We must continue and, indeed, better the standards that our audiences have come to expect year on year. 2024 marks an important anniversary for our charity as we celebrate twenty years since its establishment in 2004. During those twenty years, it has donated many thousands of pounds towards our numerous youth initiatives, the UNIFest university programme and Bus Pass Opera, to name a few. But the "Friends" charity is more than simply a fundraising machine. It is right at the core of everything the Festival brings to its visitors every year. And it truly is a family of like-minded individuals who love Gilbert & Sullivan and the Festival and want and need it to continue for generations to come. There is absolutely no question, without the Friends, we would not be here today. It is as simple as that! So, we hope we have persuaded you to join us. You can be a member from just £35 a year and enjoy great benefits.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
THE REWARDS OF BEING A FRIEND FRIEND Single membership £35; Joint £50; Family £75 - Priority Draw number 3 for discounted tickets and the best seats - Emails and newsletters with member offers and advance announcements - Free member activities at the Festival - Recognition of your support in the Festival Souvenir Programme BENEFACTOR Single membership £100; Joint £150 - Benefactors enjoy all the rewards of a Friend plus - Priority Draw No 2 for discounted tickets and the best seats - Free Festival Souvenir programme value £10 - One free DVD (to a value of £19.50) per single or joint Benefactor - Pass for free entry into the Festival Club in Buxton FESTIVAL PARTNER Single membership £350; Joint £500 - Festival Partners enjoy all the rewards of a Benefactor plus - 2 free tickets to the Festival Youth Production LIFE MEMBER Single membership £1000; Joint £1500 - All the benefits of a Benefactor
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Entries close on 16 October 2023. Winners will be drawn on 23 October 2023.
You could be a winner! Be part of our fabulous GRAND FESTIVAL DRAW. Not only could you be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes but you will also help to ensure the future of the International G&S Festival for years to come! ALL proceeds will help support our Opera House productions, Festival Youth Production, Bus Pass Opera, UNIFest and more.
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PLUS
WIN A EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE AND MORE FANTASTIC PRIZES!
A Theatrical Adventures River Cruise on the Danube for two people sharing a cabin (19 -26 March 2024 - Value £3400) A three-night accommodation and ticket package for two for the 2024 G&S Festival, sharing a twin/double room in the Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton. A Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two in the luxury Crescent Hotel, Buxton. What a treat!
20 runners-up prizes of a pair of tickets to the 30th International G&S Festival celebration in Buxton Opera House in 2024.
You can buy your tickets online at shop.gsfestivals.org/products/grand-draw or return the order form on the back cover 15
Terms and conditions online at: shop.gsfestivals.org/products/grand-draw
STOP PRESS… STOP PRESS... Now let’s get straight to the pointe… We can’t go into any details, but we are very excited about a project that has been bubbling under the surface for some time. Here’s a clue! Stunted pretty parrot pecks tropical fruit!
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WHAT I AM READING...
I am thoroughly enjoying my copy of Elaine Richardson's new book, The Untold Story of Herbert Sullivan. This magnificent tome chronicles the life of Sir Arthur Sullivan's nephew and heir, Herbert Sullivan. Little has been written about Herbert over the years but due to Elaine's detective work and research she is able to bring his story to us. The book covers Herbert's life from 1868 until his death in 1928, as well as a lot more about the people who were important to him. The story is told, where possible, through original documents, such as letters, diaries, newspaper articles, informal information and personal ephemera, and charts Herbert's life and background as completely as possible. The book is available to purchase (£40 + pp) from elaineatssas@aol.com. Elaine is Chairman of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society and we look forward to her talk about Herbert at the Festival Fringe next year.
BRING A GROUP TO THE FESTIVAL
Now is the perfect time to think about bringing a group to the Festival. If your U3A, Probus, WI, church or family group would like a great day (or evening) out in Buxton, please contact us. We offer great group discounts of 10% for 10-29 people and 30+ enjoy 15% discount. We can also organise private pre-theatre talks and receptions as well as discounts on bulk purchases of programmes. There is no deposit to pay. We are very flexible with payment terms and there are no charges if you don't hit your expected numbers. So you've got nothing to lose! The professional National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company performances are the most popular with our groups. They will perform matinees (at 2.30 pm) and evenings (7.30 pm) each Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday during the Festival. For more information, please call Sarah on 01422 323252 or email sarah@gsfestivals.org
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OUR ‘FRIENDS OF THE G&S FESTIVAL’ CHARITY IS 20 YEARS OLD IN 2024.
It's not just the Festival celebrating a big birthday next year. Our charity is too! And to say a big THANK YOU to all of our fantastic supporters, we will organise special events for members to enjoy. So, if you are not already signed up, you can find out how on pages ….
WE'RE TEAMING UP WITH DISCOVER BUXTON NEXT YEAR….
….to bring you some great tours and walks so you can get to know beautiful Buxton and surrounding areas. We have some great ideas that we know you will love, and full details will be in the November newsletter. Just make sure you bring your walking shoes along!
THANK YOU GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY! Our thanks to the Gilbert & Sullivan Society for their generous donation of £1000 to our charity, The Friends of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society. We are very grateful for such fantastic support.
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Gilbert & Sullivan on demand
Sign up for an annual subscription before 30 November 2023 and save £30!
Enter Code: AUT30 at the checkout Subscribe today and watch all your Gilbert and Sullivan favourites, all in one place. You can enjoy Gilbert & Sullivan on your phone, tablet, laptop and Fire TV.
Use code AUT30 and save £30 or use the links below www.gsopera.tv
info@gsopera.tv
D OURO - P ORTUGAL, SPAIN THE RIVER OF GOLD 04 NOVEMBER - 11 NOVEMBER 2024
From £1750 Per Person Cruise the Douro The Douro River is one of the most breathtaking rivers in Europe, stretching from Spain to Portugal and flowing through some of the continent’s most stunning landscapes. The river is famous for its terraced vineyards, which produce some of the world’s best port wines. Highlights include exploring charming riverside towns like Pinhão and Régua, visiting historic wineries, and taking in panoramic views from hilltop viewpoints. Every night we will have a concert featuring our professional soloists, along with some flamenco dancing and Portuguese Fado entertainment too! This cruise is a firm favourite, combining spectacular scenery, fabulous food and our world class entertainment.
For more information please visit www.theatricaladventures.com email oliver@theatricaladventures.com or call 01422 323 252
TA PR O SPON UD OF TH SORS E GI & SUL LBERT LIV FESTIV AN AL
Grand Draw Tickets
(£2.00 Each or a book of 5 for £10)
Number of Tickets