Hello!

Welcome to our brand new newsletter: Friends of Gemini MTC!

This is a new newsletter we are introducing for Gemini supporters who would like to keep up to date with our activities.

Main newsletters will be sent out every quarter (some time in the first two weeks of April, July, October and January). There may occasionally be special editions if we have something important we want to share.

We will include:

• Information on what we are working on
• Photos from previous shows
• Socials that are coming up
• Reviews from our audience
• Information on how to join in on the fun
• Photos and information from our archives
• and more!

Best wishes

James, Eleanor, and Glenys, your newsletter team X

Our latest show (April 2026): Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan.

A light opera that is close to the hearts of many members of Gemini. It is, quite rightly, the most famous light opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, everyone knows at least one number from it.

The show itself was expertly conducted by our wonderful Musical Director Steve Rayner, whose commitment to excellence is as unwavering as ever.

Hannah Wilcock's boundless energy was translated brilliantly into her stage direction. With plenty of colour, smooth scene transitions, and a blend of the expected Gilbert and Sullivan visuals like parasols, with less traditional (and unexpected) cheerleading pompoms.

The show may be familiar but our more devoted members and members of the audience will know that our venue was not. This year was our debut treading the boards of the Knutsford Little Theatre. Which is, as the name suggests, an adorably cosy little venue that is run by some incredibly generous and enthusiastic volunteers.

Everyone in the group, from experienced sea dogs to those on their maiden voyage really appreciated the friendliness and professionalism of the venue and its staff. It may be Little, but no challenge was too big for them. We look forward to returning soon.

We hope you enjoyed watching Pirates of Penzance as much as we enjoyed performing it.

Here are some photos of what we showed to our audience, and some we thought were just too cute to keep to ourselves!

Recent General Meetings at a glance

The Annual General meeting was held on 5th May 2026 with Committee Chairs Ros and Janet presiding.

• Members were shown a copy of the group accounts for the previous year
• The new committee was elected
• The Show for 2028 was discussed and will be announced in due course

Our new committee are:

• Chairs: Ros Clarke and Janet Mason
• Secretary: Heather Rayner
• Treasurer: Barbara Wood

Ordinary committee members are:

• Kathy Connop
• Eleanor Hodgson-McMahon
• James Hodgson-McMahon
• Glenys Jones
• Simon Parris
• Liz Priest

Steve Rayner was elected as Musical director

Hannah Wilcock was elected as Director for our 2027 production

Our next shows

We have three shows to put into your diary, why don't you go and get it? We're happy to wait…

…You're back? Great!

13th December 2026 a small but perfectly formed festive treat at Knutsford Little theatre. Members of Gemini will perform backed by our amazing pianist Shade Black.  

20th December 2026 our traditional Christmas concert at the Parr Hall in Warrington, accompanied by the Manchester Opera Orchestra

Week commencing 18th April 2027 Orpheus in the Underworld: a comic opera that pokes fun at classical mythology whilst having a truly unpredictable plot. Rehearsals are underway now.

We look forward to seeing you in our audience very soon!

Details for all of the shows above will be on our website, including ticket sale information. We will also be sending details closer to the time in our regular newsletters.

Get in touch

If you have enjoyed reading this, or have suggestions for what you want to see in the newsletter please send feedback to: [email protected]

Know someone who you think will want to get these updates? Forward this email to them and ask them to click the subscribe link at the top!

If you want to join in the fun we rehearse most Tuesdays at The St Elphin's Community Centre, St Katherine's Way, Cheshire, Warrington, WA1 2EG, United Kingdom from 19:30. Come along!

That's all for now folks!

If you would like to help out, please sign up for our EasyFundraising link - we will get donations from your regular shopping (it's free for you!)

If you're receiving this email, at some point you signed up to get updates and given us consent to email you. If you don't want to receive these emails, or you got added by a bot without our knowledge, then click unsubscribe!