In September 1987, a group of passionate Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts came together in Ramsey to form the Ramsey G&S Society. The society’s first production, Trial by Jury, was staged at Ramsey Grammar School in 1988 and proved to be a great success. 

Encouraged by this positive reception, the group made the decision to relocate to Douglas, adopt a new name – the Manx Gilbert & Sullivan Society – and set their sights on performing at the island’s premier venue, the Gaiety Theatre. 

Their first production at the Gaiety came in 1989 with a one-night-only performance of The Mikado. Despite being produced on a modest budget, with homemade costumes and sets, it was met with enthusiasm and marked the beginning of a long and successful tradition of G&S performances on the island. 

Over the years, the society expanded its repertoire, performing most of the well-loved Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. However, as audience interest in traditional G&S works began to decline, the society made the decision to diversify and explore a broader range of musical theatre. This shift began in 2006 with a production of The Merry Widow. 

In April 2018, to support this new creative direction, Centre Stage Productions was established as a subsidiary company of the Manx Gilbert & Sullivan Society. This new name would be used specifically for all non-Gilbert & Sullivan productions – opening the door to fresh opportunities and wider appeal, while still honouring the society’s roots.