Rosemary and James Gloyn
Rosemary and James have been enjoying Theatrical Adventures cruises and the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival for many years. Along the way they’ve made wonderful memories, lasting friendships and discovered some of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. We caught up with Rosemary to find out what keeps them coming back.
Let’s start with how you first discovered Theatrical Adventures
I think it must have been at an AGM of the Friends of the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival many years ago, before the title Theatrical Adventures had been coined, when the exuberant Ian Smith announced that he was hoping to get a new venture off the ground – tailor-made G&S river cruises. He was just testing the water to see what the uptake might be. To James and me it was a no-brainer ...
What made you book your very first cruise?
We’d been out to Lanzarote two years running when Ian was trying to establish a mini Gilbert & Sullivan Festival on the island. Sadly for Ian, it turned out to be financially disappointing, but we’d enjoyed the trips enormously. From drinks at the Smiths’ villa, to Neil’s minibus driving to seeing Charles Court Opera for the first time - we had a whale of a time! On the strength of these wonderful experiences, we immediately signed up for a cruise on the River Rhine in 2015.
What was it about that first holiday that made you want to come back?
Dead easy question to answer!
It was because it was FUN! FUN!! FUN!!! every waking moment - need I say more?!
Many guests say it feels like one big family. Is that how you feel?
Yes, I suppose it does feel like one big family. But I must stress it’s a very welcoming family. I like to think that everyone goes out of their way to make “Newbies”, for want of a better word, feel welcome.
Have you made lasting friendships through Theatrical Adventures?
James and I enjoy meeting like minded people and have made many friends through TA. I’m thrilled to think that we’ve made quite a few lasting friendships too. It’s great to be able to meet up with friends from all over the world, whether it be on a Theatrical Adventure, or at the Festival in Buxton, up in London or even here at our home on the Isle of Wight!
What do you enjoy most about the evenings with the singers from the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company?
We both absolutely love the nightly recitals given by the NGSOC and we are always delighted by the wide range of music they perform - there’s something for everyone. And I in particular love to be able to get close-up and personal with the performers. Anyone who knows me well will realise I have a penchant for a lyric tenor ...
Do you have a favourite river?
Another easy question!
Yes, my all-time favourite has to be the Douro because the scenery is absolutely stunning and because night time sailing is not permitted, you get to see it all twice! Then there is all the port and the wine to think about ...
Finally, what would you say to someone who’s thinking about joining us for the very first time?
It’s not “What would I say?” - It’s “What do I say?” Without fail I say “Go for it - you’ll love it!”
DID YOU KNOW?
James is a keen birdwatcher and has recorded an incredible 177 different bird species while travelling on Theatrical Adventures river cruises! Here is his picture of a Syrian Woodpecker, seen on the banks of the Danube.
