Step Into a Magical Summer: Haverfordwest Operatic Society Brings The Arcadians to Life
This summer take a trip to Arcadia, the land that time forgot, with one of Pembrokeshire’s longest running amateur musical theatre societies.
Arcadians are blessed with eternal youth, never lie, and live in harmony, until the day a Londoner crash lands in paradise and causes all kinds of chaos. Shocked by the antics of the stranger, and astonished to discover that in London, wickedness goes unchecked, Arcadian sisters Sombra and Chrysea decide to travel to the city and bring the virtues of truth and simplicity to all Londoners. Anyone who has both ambled along Newgale beach under an autumn sunset and stepped off a London Paddington train at rush hour will understand what the Arcadians go through when they arrive in the big smoke. But will the Londoners want to be tamed?
Originally performed in the West End in 1909, The Arcadians ran for an impressive 809 performances, before transferring to Broadway. The score has been described by The Stage as “An absolute winner”.
Composed by Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot, this production has been adapted by Ifor Phillips, his 60th production with HOS Musical Theatre.
"After so many years with Haverfordwest Operatic Society, I still find immense joy in watching a show come together. The Arcadians reminds us how uplifting theatre can be. It’s classic Edwardian musical theatre at its best.” Ifor Phillips, Musical Director
Musical numbers include “The Pipes of Pan”, “The Girl with The Brogue”, and the showstopping “All Down Piccadilly”.
The summer show features a guest appearance by Pembrokeshire’s own Emily Davis, (aka Blodwen) in the lead role. Emily is a former member of HOS who has gone on to forge a career in London and across the UK as a cabaret performer, with successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and performances at the Wales Millennium Centre. She is currently touring her latest one woman musical, Escape the Rat Race! Emily was delighted to be invited to take part in this production and has been making the most of spending a bit more time in Pembrokeshire. “It’s lovely to be back with HOS for this production - The Arcadians is such a fab show and I’m having so much fun popping down to Pembs and revisiting my old haunts!”
"It’s always been a source of pride for us to see our members go on to achieve great things—and it’s even better when they come back and share their gifts with the community that shaped them." Ifor Phillips, Musical Director
You can catch The Arcadians from 3 - 10 June at various venues across Pembrokeshire, including The Torch Theatre.
