I attended the last of seven performances of a double bill of two Gilbert and Sullivan operas: Trial by Jury and H.M.S. Pinafore on February 8th, 2026. The performance was put on by the St. Anne’s Music & Drama Society (MADS.)

I have been going to MADS productions since 2002/2003. They perform all 14 operas, and this is the second time I have seen them put on H.M.S. Pinafore, and the first time I have seen Trial by Jury.

The performance was very entertaining, with many familiar faces showing up during the performance, including Laura Schatz (Little Buttercup), Marc Potvin (Sir Joseph Porter KCB), Beth Armstrong-Chauvin (Josephine), Jennie Garde (Hebe), Brian Dearden (Captain Corcoran), Josh Gibson (Dick Deadeye), Sean Hutchins (The Learned Judge), Jay Lambie (Counsel), Luca McCauley (Ralph Rackstraw and MADS debut), Ramah Mohamed (Jury Foreman), and Evan Morin (Edwin.)

Laura Schatz directed the production with Jennie Garde as the Assistant Director and Choreographer with Kate Carver conducting the 22 member orchestra.

The production is traditional – Trial by Jury takes place in a courtroom, while H.M.S. Pinafore takes place on a ship.

The performance is fast moving and time flew by fast with many laughs as well. It was a wonderful afternoon.

MADS has been performing Gilbert and Sullivan since 1963. For more information about their organization please check out their website: https://www.stannesmads.com/