Kenneth Sandford, Merely Corroborative Detail

About the Book

This book details the life, career and artistry of Kenneth Sandford, one of the truly great exponents of the Savoy Operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. It charts his life from humble, working-class background in Sheffield to doyen of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. For over 40 years he graced stages around the world with his inimitable style; his fine operatic baritone voice and consummate acting skills bringing the highest theatrical standards to the ever-popular works of W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. The first chapters detail Kenneth's early life, from happy childhood and wartime experience with the R.A.F., to his studies at The Royal College of Art and accidental transformation from oil painter to professional singer at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Then to his destiny with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company via revue in Glasgow and straight man to The Crazy Gang! A light-hearted exploration of the ups and downs of 25 years on tour with The D'Oyly Carte is followed by an entertaining selection of his press reviews from Southsea to San Francisco. There follows a detailed examination of the 'Pooh-Bah' roles Sandford made so famous, including tips on dialogue, characterisation and make-up. The book concludes with a series of tributes from theatrical friends and colleagues. This humorous biography is intended to appeal to all, but will be of particular interest to devotees of Gilbert and Sullivan, being especially helpful to performers who would aspire to emulate the great talent of Kenneth Sandford.

About the Author

Roberta Morrell was born in West Bromwich and educated at the local Grammar School, where her interest in music and theatre began. She studied singing and clarinet at Birmingham Conservatoire and The Royal College of Music, London. In 1972 she joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, spending 10 years as both chorister and principal, learning her stagecraft from Kenneth Sandford, John Reed and Patricia Leonard. Following the closure of the famous company in 1982, Roberta worked as a freelance singer and actress, appearing in numerous television programmes including Miss Marple, Silas Marner, Mrs Silly, Emmerdale and Chucklevision. She played the part of 'Peep-Bo' in the award-winning film Chariots of Fire. In 1985 she began her career as a stage director and has over 100 productions to her credit, working with both professional and amateur companies in the UK and North America. She specialises in Gilbert and Sullivan, but has also directed many musicals, operettas, pantomimes and straight drama. She also directs her former D'Oyly Carte colleagues in annual concerts at such prestigious venues as The Barbican Hall, London; Symphony Hall, Birmingham and Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. For nine years she was co-director, with Kenneth Sandford, of the Gawsworth Summer Opera and spent several years as a consultant assessor at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama. Roberta regularly visits the USA to give theatre skills workshops and master classes. In 2001 she published her first novel, Vengeance Dire, a 'whodunnit' about an amateur Gilbert and Sullivan society.