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More on KentOnline
Singer Colin Morris admits he has come up with a “bonkers” idea to perform a non-stop programme of nine Gilbert and Sullivan operas in one day.
The comic baritone, who has sung on three continents, appeared as a principal with D’Oyly Carte and performed in WS Gilbert’s former home, is raising money to rebuild the vestry at Holy Trinity Church, Queenborough.
The musical marathon kicked off at the church at 9am with Trial By Jury.
Colin admitted: “It’s certainly going to be trial, especially when we get to 8pm and start tackling the ninth opera. I have had to pull in a lot of favours to get everyone together.
"It is totally bonkers but I hope fans of G&S will come from all over Kent to take part and support the church.
“We’re singing all the songs but not the entire operettas. That would be complete lunacy and take all weekend!”
A company of 13 other hand-picked souls will join him for the 12-hour sponsored operafest.
The full line-up is:
9am Trial by Jury;
9.40am HMS Pinafore;
11am Pirates of Penzance;
12.30pm Patience;
1.50pm Iolanthe;
3.30pm The Mikado;
5.05pm Ruddigore;
6.35pm Yeoman of the Guard;
8.10pm The Gondoliers.
Joining Colin will be professional singer Marilyn Hill Smith, Faversham tenor Ian Parrett, Leon Berger, Mike Miller, Charles Munday from the Sheppey Singers, Steve Thoroughgood, Jenny Monk, Joanna Gamble, Claire Williamson, husband and wife Matthew Craven and Judith Buckle from Teynham, Kath Hollow and Godfrey Kelsey Jansen.
Ian Parrett and Leon Berger have the dubious honour of singing all nine operettas with Colin.
All singers have worked with Colin before. Some joined him in Patience at the Oasis Isle of Sheppey Academy Theatre and some are former members of Medway Opera Company.
Colin, 66, was born in Minster and still lives on the Island. He has sung at the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, the Hollywood Bowl and made 101 appearances on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night.
He has been a stalwart supporter of the church since offering to organise fundraising concerts five years ago. Among his guests have been Russian-born Lithuanian pianist Jelena Makarova and Themba Mvula, married to singer Laura Mvula.
All give their time for free. Accompanying all the performers will be Colin’s go-to pianist Andrew Charity.
Church warden Mary Shoebridge said: “We are very grateful for this support. The vestry building is dangerous and beyond repair with holes in the floor and ivy coming in through the roof. Our small congregation has been trying to raise £170,000 to rebuild it with a much needed toilet and kitchenette.”
The operafest is hoping to raise £2,000.
The 14th Century grade II-listed church had a recent facelift thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant but the vestry, a tin shack tacked on the back, was not included.
Visitors are welcome to turn up to listen to songs from their favourite comic opera and will be encouraged to join in. There is no entrance fee but guests can donate depending on how many songs they hear.
Tickets for previous concerts have been £10.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/htqueenborough
