Welcome to the 1975 production of HMS Pinafore

Synopsis

Welcome to the first production of the "Wolverton & District Gilbert & Sullivan Society", as it was known at the time.
The show was performed for three days only, from 22nd to the 24th of May 1975, at the Wolverton College of Further Education.
The ticket prices were 45p for the rear stalls, and 60p for the front stalls. The programme was 10p!

We first meet the crew of H.M.S Pinafore singing happily of their life aboard ship, but they are soon interrupted by Little Buttercup who sings to them of the wares she has to sell. After a brief encounter with the disliked Dick Deadeye, Ralph appears on the scene. He is dejected and sad because the lady whom he loves is the Captain's daughter Josephine and, being a common sailor, he can never hope to marry her. At this point the Captain comes on deck, and after greeting his crew, extols his virtues, including the fact that "he never swears a big big D".
Josephine is betrothed to the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph Porter K.C.B. but she secretly loves Ralph as much as he loves her. She confesses to her father that she loves a "common sailor" but declares she will be resolute and he will never know of her affection.
Sir Joseph Porter is heard approaching together with his attentive crowd of sisters, cousins and aunts, and after introducing himself to the crew he withdraws with the Captain to discuss his intended marriage with Josephine.
Meanwhile Ralph has made up his mind he must speak to Josephine, and confess his love for her, but she rejects his affection utterly, and driven to despair he announces his intended suicide. At the last minute Josephine relents and they plan a secret wedding that night.
The Captain is heard by his secret mutual admirer, Buttercup, singing to the moon of his troubles with his wayward daughter
and Sir Joseph. Josephine is in a quandary as to whom she should marry, but Sir Joseph unwittingly convinces her by declaring that "love levels all ranks".
However, Dick Deadeye warns the Captain of his daughter's intended marriage, and the crew are surprised that night stealing away for the elopement. Although the Boatswain, Ralph and Josephine protest that "He is an Englishman" the Captain is not impressed, and in a fit of rage utters the unpardonable "why Damme it's too bad". Sir Joseph, horrified by the Captain's bad language, orders him to his cabin, but on hearing Ralph's explanation is further incensed and orders him to be thrown into the dungeon.
However, Little Buttercup saves the day by explaining that she had inadvertently mixed up Ralf and the Captain when nursing them as babies, Ralph appears as the Captain, and the Captain as a sailor, and they are both free to marry their respective lovers. Sir Joseph is united with Cousin Hebe who promises she will look after him. The opera ends with general rejoicing and happiness. Phew!!