Wednesday 29th July.

We set off for Buxton at around 5.45 pm, arriving in the fair Spa town at around 6.45. Making straightway for the Portakabin, Mandie and I came across Don Smith, sporting a marvellous set of side whiskers in preparation for his role as the Associate in next Thursday's Savoynet Trial By Jury. I also met Peters Parker and Withey. Having thus distributed the first of many Savoynet @ badges, we were then approached by Bobbie Herman, who appeared to be questionning people, saying "are you Nicktenor?". Upon discovering me in fact to be Nicktenor, she introduced me to her other half, Paul Cohen. Two more Savoynet badges handed over, two more friends made. We then spotted the Welsh contingent over by the Opera House steps, and went over to greet Bob & Jackie Richards and Adrian Bridgman.

The evening's entertainment was "Pirates", to be presented by Derby G&S Co. At half time, the customary ice-creams were purchased from the van and we chewed over the performance so far with friends old and new. At the conclusion of this most enjoyable show (see separate review), we repaired to the Festival Club for the first of many nights' company, carousing and cabaret, which was provided by Derby G&S. Home to Barnsley for around 1.30 am!

Thursday 30th July.

Day off.

Friday 31st July.

Closed the office at lunchtime and travelled over to Buxton. Checked in at our hotel for the evening, and walked over to the Opera House, where we came across Savoynetters Clive Woods and Dick Stockton and Dick's partner Susan Prior. They were discussing that evening's cabaret, which was to be provided by The Savoy Singers, Camberley. That evening's performance in the Opera House was "their" Sorcerer, with Susan as Aline and Dick as Musical Director. Clive was to play the piano for the later cabaret.

Prior to this evening's performance, I was approached by Neil Smith outside the Opera House, who said that due to illness, there was a doubt over Philip Potter's attendance at the festival. He was due to sing Ralph in the "big sing" of HMS Pinafore the next afternoon in The Octagon. He said that he had asked Thomas Round whether he would be prepared to stand in, but in the event of Mr. Round not being available, would I step in and sing Ralph? I agreed at once, and thus began 18 hrs of nervous anticipation.

The Sorcerer was very enjoyable, with Ian Henderson as John Wellington Wells outstanding, and, on reflection, unlucky not to have been nominated for an award, in my opinion. More cabaret, and more good company followed, as did the first of the 1998 festival's "Pot Luck" shows, Iolanthe, in which I was to sing Tolloller. A more than respectable cast was assembled, and I particularly enjoyed playing opposite Ian Henderson (see above) as Mountararat at short notice, who had last sung the part, he told me, in 1982. A good number remained in the audience, still making wonderful choral sounds at 1.15 am.

Saturday 1st August

Nervous anticipation was the order of the day until around 11am, when I was informed by Neil Smith that Tom Round had generously agreed to stand in for P.Potter, and my services as Ralph would not be required. I was a little disappointed, but eagerly anticipated seeing Tom Round recreate the role of Ralph from the 1958 Decca/London recording.

We had prior to this, met Sharon Brindle, in the company of Sam Silvers, who was of course to be our learned Judge for "our" Trial By Jury. Warm greetings were exchanged on all sides, and we all trooped into the Paxton Theatre for the rehearsal for that afternoon's HMS Pinafore. Andrew Nicklin proceeded to do a wonderful job with a chorus of over 300, extracting some excellent choral singing from a gi-enormous massed choir.

At lunchtime, word emerged that costumes for that afternoon's Costume Parade had arrived and were available for collection, likewise Trial By Jury costumes. A dash into town for a more suitable waistcoat and cravat were rewarded, and I was able to effect a quick change into my Defendant's costume and join many others on the bandstand for a few renditions of "Hail Poetry" for the benefit of a television crew. We then began the procession around the Pavillion Gardens which would eventually bring us back to the Octagon for the "big sing". Unfortunately, the weather chose this time to drizzle on us, but no-one seemed to mind that much.

The Octagon was packed, I understand, with over 600 people in addition to the orchestra and soloists. The "old favourites", by which I mean Jean Hindmarsh, John Reed, Thomas Round, Anne Sessions and Pauline Wales each got a tremendous ovation, and their performances were one and all a joy to behold. It was particularly special for me that Hindmarsh and Round were playing the same parts they had recorded 40 years previously. Very special moments indeed.

A fairly quick change into evening wear, and it was soon time to re-assemble outside the Opera House ready for that evening's performance, which was to be "Pirates", by the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. Neil Smith once more approached me outside the Opera House, as he had done some 24 hours earlier. This time, he said he needed someone to deputise for Philip Potter in the following evening's Orchestral and Operatic Concert. Philip was due to sing "Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes". Would I step in? Unhesitatingly, I of course, agreed, and heartily thanked Neil for thinking of me.

"Pirates" was most enjoyable - again, see separate Savoynet review. No cabaret for us this evening, as I would need to be back in Buxton by 10am the next morning for a rehearsal for the evening's concert. It would certainly be a busy day tomorrow, as I had previously arranged to spend all day in Lincoln rehearsing for Cox and Box. Back home for about midnight. An enjoyable start to the festival, and much to anticipate for the days ahead.