In October 2004 we presented a double bill of productions: Mascagni’s one act opera Cavalleria Rusticana and Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta Trial by Jury at the Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield.
Cavalleria Rusticana features some beatiful music, including the famous ‘Easter Hymn’. SCO’s production starred Ernesto Coreas, Joanna Shacklock, Christine Stubbs, Christine Ayres and Stephen Godward.
Although Trial by Jury was one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s first collaberations and is written in only one Act, it remains a favourite. Steve Andrews and Tom Carlisle shared the roles of Judge and Foreman; Mitzi Matlock played the Plaintiff, Andrew McFee the Defendent and they were well supported by Mike Tipler and Melvyn Osborne as Usher and Counsel for the Plaintiff.
Both productions were directed by Freda Chapple and conducted by Musical Director David Barnard.