ABOUT US
ABOUT THE COMPANY...
Livewire Opera Company was formed in February 2001 by a group of six friends, under the musical directorship of Susan Booth. To begin with rehearsals were held in a members front room, as we grew we then moved on to a slightly larger front room. Now we rehearse in Wymondham Central Hall in Wymondham every Monday from 7.00 pm until 9.30 pm.
In its first year, the Group entered the Norfolk County Music Festival gaining "Highly Commended" in all its classes culminating in the group being presented with the NAAM Plate for the most promising adult performance in the festival at the end of festival concert.
WHAT WE DO - WHY TRADITIONALLY STYLED OPERETTA ?...
Livewire have always felt that there is a need locally for a group to take music and shows to the people rather than expecting them to come to us, and are amateur only in that the members receive no payment for all their hard work. The productions and concerts are as professional as it is possible for us to make them. It is our belief that operetta such as Savoy Opera, or Strauss etc are an important part of musical heritage and performance history. Traditionally styled operetta therefore has an important place in the musical education of the young people in the company or who come to see our shows, hence the preservation of a tranche of life that would otherwise be lost forever owing to ever increasing costs and possible declining audience (for operetta). This means that we can walk a comfortable path between classical music and education whilst reaching audiences that would otherwise be closed to the medium, hopefully picquing their curiosity towards opera.
Susan Gothard
Artistic Director & MD
Susan graduated as a pianist and oboist from Napier University, Edinburgh. Following a period as a professional musician, she trained at Moray House University to become a Secondary School Music Teacher. Susan was musical director for several operatic companies and a Male Voice Choir before becoming a founder member and artistic director of Livewire. Susan also makes glass beads in her spare time (not often !).
Rosie Dixon - Contralto
Rosie first appeared on stage aged six as a fairy in pantomime. More recently, Rosie has played The Plaintiff in Trial by Jury, Calliope in Orpheus, the title role in Iolanthe and Pitti Sing in the Mikado. Previously in G/S Rosie has also played Peep Bo, Kate and Leila. Rosie was also fortunate enough to play a future imagined casting of Gretl "all grown up". Of all the roles she has played, Gretl was the favourite...
Deborah Gothard - Soprano
Deborah has been singing since 1991 and has taken many lead roles. She has played Yum Yum, Phyllis, Mabel and Gianetta in G+S and in operetta Juno, Eurydice, Rosalinda and Saffi, Anna Glavari and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof to name but a few.
Martin Wigg - Tenor
Martin has sung for Norfolk Opera Players, Phoenix Opera and Livewire playing many roles from Beppe in "I Pagliacci" to Basil Fawlty. The 2018 production was his tenth outing for Livewire, and for those people who wish to see his past roles, more information can be found about him by clicking on the name above. He is looking forward to next year already...
Deidre Marr - Pianist
Deidre or "Deedles" had previously only been an accompanist for school concerts, church choirs and instrumental exams, plus performing with fellow students in bar "bashes". When she isn't playing for us, she spends time with her family, teaching and making soap. Her ultimate goals are to play all the right notes in the correct order, and ski an entire black run without a safety net.
Gerry Dixon - Tenor
Gerry has played more roles than we can enumerate here, and his expertise and patience in helping the younger members of the company into their roles is invaluable. We have heard him sing everything listed in our past rep as well as a good deal more.
Louise Hollis-Keogh - Page Turner
In the past Louise was our stage manager, when work commitments led to her retirement, she continued her role as page turner and roadie.
Fran Stebbings - Soprano
Frances began her stage career in Ireland at the age of seven. She won many singing and Irish dance competitions before moving to England at the age of 16. After nursing she joined a theatrical agent in London and went on to do Summer season with the likes of Dickie Henderson. Having given up the stage to get married, she then became a PE teacher for forteen years before joining Livewire in 2007.
Pat Smith - Soprano
Pat is a stalwart of Livewire who has played many diverse roles and also lends her needlework talents to the production of our dazzling costumes. Pat is another person to keep sweet in Livewire so that our costumes fit properly in all the correct places.
Robin Nash - Bass
Robin has wide experience of bass roles in Operetta and Musical Theatre with ones as diverse as Private Willis in G+S to Mr Sowerberry in "Oliver". He has also performed numerous times in Old Time Music Hall and has sung major choral works. He has been with LIvewire since their first production.
Vince Wolverson
Lighting Designer + Gaffer
Vince handles all of our touring lighting and in house lighting for productions at Christmas. Vince is also a qualified PAT tester and responsible for making pretty much anything work. We appreciate his contributions hugely.
Anne Wolverson - Soprano
Singer / Make-up artist for the cast, Anne has taken many roles with Livewire during her time with us, and at every turn her hard work and determination to fulfill her direction are always well received.
Catherine Wright - Soprano
Catherine has played the flute faultlessly in our "band" since our first production and has now decided to join us in a singing capacity.
Maureen Tyler - Contralto
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Sandie Goffin - Soprano
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Christmas Members
Norah Chown - Christmas Soprano
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Lesley Nelson - Christmas Contralto
Talented multi instrumentalist Lesley joined us for "Fiddler on the Roof" and hasn't looked back since.