A long-established singing group from Rhos-on-Sea are disbanding due to the loss of a large number of performers during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Rhos-on-Sea Savoyards, who specialise in the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas, were formed in 1984, initially staging their shows at St Mary’s College in Rhos-on-Sea.

That remained their venue until 1989 when, with a strong singing group of 35 or more and growing audiences, they were able to move to Theatr Colwyn, remaining there until 2009.

During that period Gilbert & Sullivan performances were generally the order of the day, varied on only two occasions with 'Merrie England' and 'The Gypsy Baron.'

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That proved to be the heyday for the Savoyards, with the following years seeing a retreat to smaller venues, initially St. Paul’s in Colwyn Bay and later at the Methodist Hall in Rhos-on-Sea.

A falloff in audience numbers and difficulty in recruiting good singers have been root causes of the current situation, both indicating a declining public interest in watching or performing in the works of Gilbert and Sullivan.

John Jowett, a principal baritone in the group since 1987, said he and the group were ‘devastated’ by the decision to disband, although appreciated that there was no other option.

A group spokesperson said: “It is a very sad day for the Savoyards but if there are singers out there who feel they might inspire a revival please to not hesitate to get in touch with ex-Treasurer Karen Jones (karenjones895@btinternet.com) or ex-Chairman Bill McCann (bill.allwater@gmail.com).”