Thespis, or The Gods Grown Old
Visit the Publications Page for information on the complete Vocal Score to Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty's new performing version of Thespis; or, The Gods Grown Old or click on the Lulu icon below.
3 International Productions Later...
Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty's new performing version has now received three separate productions in the UK and Australia.
Click on the images for larger versions.
Normansfield 2008 Melbourne 2010 Epsom 2011
The 2010 Australian Premiere, given by Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria, is available on DVD at their online shop here.
View Nicholas Higham's bulletin for BBC Breakfast and News 24 about the version and original Normansfield production
(aired on Saturday 8th March 2008) here.
Read Rupert Christiansen's Daily Telegraph preview article of the 2008 Normansfield production here.
Watch extracts from the Normansfield Theatre production here.
"The performing edition has been sensitively and intelligently prepared by Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty...
their solutions work nicely, and could well establish themselves as a template".
Rupert Christiansen, Opera, May 2008.
"Sullivan's score is largely lost, but Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty have devised a convincing if speculative reconstruction…the whole thing sparkled gaily. Henty's spritely conducting and Baker's witty production provided firm anchorage for a lively team of Savoyards, led by Richard Suart, who were clearly having fun with the topsy-turvy tale of a troupe of travelling actors called upon to deputise for the classical deities on Mount Olympus, with disastrous results".
Rupert Christiansen, Daily Telegraph, March 2008.
Ted Schmitz as Mars
Photo Copyright © Ralph Rapley 2008
“Thespis’ famous ‘Junction Song’ in Act I...complete with whistles, bells and other railway noises, went with great gusto and was a big success. Certainly it is more effective in this adaptation than previous versions I have heard...And so: is Thespis in this version a stageworthy work? Undoubtedly yes".
S.H.T, Sir Arthur Sullivan Society Magazine, Spring 2008
"...undaunted, Timothy Henty and Anthony Baker have followed up clues left by Sullivan to create a new edition. With the London Kensington Sinfonia conducted by Timothy Henty, the result was a marvel of musical reconstruction, delivered by a 13-strong cast of tiptop G&S performers, playing to three packed houses. The inimitable Richard Suart played the title role...He delivered with terrific panache".
John Thaxter www.thisislocallondon.co.uk, March 2008
Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty's new performing version has now received three separate productions in the UK and Australia.
Click on the images for larger versions.
Normansfield 2008 Melbourne 2010 Epsom 2011
The 2010 Australian Premiere, given by Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria, is available on DVD at their online shop here.
View Nicholas Higham's bulletin for BBC Breakfast and News 24 about the version and original Normansfield production
(aired on Saturday 8th March 2008) here.
Read Rupert Christiansen's Daily Telegraph preview article of the 2008 Normansfield production here.
Watch extracts from the Normansfield Theatre production here.
"The performing edition has been sensitively and intelligently prepared by Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty...
their solutions work nicely, and could well establish themselves as a template".
Rupert Christiansen, Opera, May 2008.
"Sullivan's score is largely lost, but Anthony Baker and Timothy Henty have devised a convincing if speculative reconstruction…the whole thing sparkled gaily. Henty's spritely conducting and Baker's witty production provided firm anchorage for a lively team of Savoyards, led by Richard Suart, who were clearly having fun with the topsy-turvy tale of a troupe of travelling actors called upon to deputise for the classical deities on Mount Olympus, with disastrous results".
Rupert Christiansen, Daily Telegraph, March 2008.
Ted Schmitz as Mars
Photo Copyright © Ralph Rapley 2008
“Thespis’ famous ‘Junction Song’ in Act I...complete with whistles, bells and other railway noises, went with great gusto and was a big success. Certainly it is more effective in this adaptation than previous versions I have heard...And so: is Thespis in this version a stageworthy work? Undoubtedly yes".
S.H.T, Sir Arthur Sullivan Society Magazine, Spring 2008
"...undaunted, Timothy Henty and Anthony Baker have followed up clues left by Sullivan to create a new edition. With the London Kensington Sinfonia conducted by Timothy Henty, the result was a marvel of musical reconstruction, delivered by a 13-strong cast of tiptop G&S performers, playing to three packed houses. The inimitable Richard Suart played the title role...He delivered with terrific panache".
John Thaxter www.thisislocallondon.co.uk, March 2008