• Have you or a loved one been personally victimized by an emotional attachment to a decades-old children’s fantasy series that doesn’t love you back?

• Do you want to support new, unapologetically queer art instead of lining the pockets of a militant transphobic billionaire?

• Have you ever listened to “I am the very model of a modern Major General” and thought “This would be even better if it pissed off all the worst people on the internet?”

If you answered yes to any of these questions, Paradox Opera has the perfect show for you!

The Genders of Gybberidge is a brand-new comic operetta about a prestigious (and legally distinct) magic school in the English countryside. The Gybberidge Academy of Mystic Arts values structure and adherence to tradition above all else, but the school's carefully-maintained status quo will be thrown into chaos when a new transfer student comes out as transgender. As things quickly spiral out of hand, factions will form, loyalties will change, and members of the audience will get several absurdly catchymelodies stuck in their heads. But who will emerge victorious in the battle between progress and tradition? Can a ragtag group of queer students withstand the wrath of the overbearing Headmistress Tervington?

With a libretto written by trans baritone Gwen Hyland and a delightfully energetic score composed by Vince Gover, The Genders of Gybberidge draws stylistic inspiration from the satirical comedies of Gilbert & Sullivan and thematic inspiration from present-day problems – most notably, The Author Who Shan’t Be Specified and the growing tides of anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment across the US, the UK, and elsewhere. Paradox Opera firmly believes that trans rights are human rights and is proud to bring audiences a story about queer joy, shrugging off oppressive systems, and finding community with other joyful outcasts. The support you give us here will directly benefit the queer artists and performers who will make this show a reality, and allow our company to continue its mission of making new, adventurous opera accessible to long-time opera fans, newcomers, and everyone in between.

The creative duo behind The Genders of Gybberidge, Gwen Hyland and Vince Gover are partners in both words and music. Gwen is a baritone and playwright whose performances blend comedic flair with deep humanity, while Vince is a composer, lyricist, and baritone known for his witty operettas and vibrant musical storytelling. Together, they craft operas that are as smart and funny as they are heartfelt—and they’ll also be starring in the world premiere cast of Gybberidge.