Why our members come back each year...

Kate Lamb

Hello there! I'm Kate Lamb, hopelessly American and a proud member of MUGSS. If you're here to check us out, you've made the best decision of your life!

I joined MUGSS on a whim while studying abroad as an undergrad at Uni Manchester, and one short year of this crazy, terrific theatre society was enough to make me forswear my American ways and join up again this year. I confess, it was the prospect of all-you-can drink wine that encouraged me to join up at first, but of what I remember from that first MUGSS event, I recall that despite being foreign to the country, let alone a new person in the society, I was welcomed with a great HUZZAH. Within a few weeks of joining, I acquired a leading role in the 24-hour Show. I was thus delighted to discover that newbs and veterans alike take part in the fantastic performances this group can do. And let's not forget about the socials. I learnt to drink like a proper Englishman, one cocktail, ale, and scotch at a time, surrounded by a community of fantastic (albeit loud) people of all ages and talents, united by a common love of the stage.

So, pour yourself a glass! Sing a song of pirates and executions, heritage and major generals! Join the Manchester Universities Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and finally meet those university folks your parents warned you about.

Will Lindsay

Will joined MUGSS in September 2005, gaining one of principal roles in Utopia Ltd. When not being a stage-baddie, he's a Law with Politics student.

I joined MUGSS in the first couple of weeks in my first year. It attracted me because I had previously been involved in a lot of musical theatre, straight acting, and way too much singing than was good for me. I had never done or knew about any G&S though but I can say that didn't matter at all. If you're remotely interested in any aspect of putting on a show from crewing in it to staring in it MUGSS is for you.

The best thing about it is the fact that it's the most fun atmosphere I have ever worked in. Imagine something that's a little akin the Muppet Show (with more talent obviously). Good people, weekly socials, parties, and the best taste in alcohol this side of Watford Gap service station.

I like the fact there's a huge range of talent in the society but nobody new to musical theatre has any reason to be put off joining in. Having a go is strongly encouraged and we really did put on two great shows this year. I'm also returning next year for the very shallow reason that my costume this year was by far the greatest thing I've ever wore on a stage. You can't really beat the panto baddy look to really have a laugh. All in all I suggest you look round the website and hopefully see what a nice bunch of people we are.

Hannah Moss

When venturing into Academy One as a nervous fresher lost and alone, I was immediately pounced upon by a large bearded man named Matthew Powell, then Production Manager. "Musical theatre?" he asked. "Oh yes!" I replied. Thus was the start of the magical relationship between myself and MUGSS the whacky and wonderful group of musical lovers!

Two months later I was voted into the committee as Secretary, and had become a fully fledged member of the group. That was what made me so keen to stick around - it didn't take long before I had found a great friendship group and friends for life. In fact that's what makes us MUGSSians so special and why I have become a MUGSS patriot: not only do we have fun producing fantastic and large budget plays, but we are lovely, friendly types who are willing to accept anyone, warts and all!