IOLANTHE (NODA REVIEW)
New Rosemere AOS
Iolanthe is a delightful mixture of fantasy, fun, enough good music to satisfy a strong singing society whilst retaining a resonance in the storyline with today's political scene.
The ladies chorus 'tripped hither and thither' to great effect clad in the most effective pastel-shaded, diaphanous costumes: attention to detail, from head to toe, in the costuming department was very evident throughout. In a similar vein one could not have wished for a more stately group of peers, equally well bedecked in excellent costumes.
The ever reliable Pat Killeen was excellent as the imperious Queen of the Fairies whilst Bemard Killeen, a seasoned Gilbert & Sullivan performer, tumed in a brilliant characterisation as the Lord Chancellor.
The excellent tenor voice of Jim Lancaster as Lord Tolloller resounded throughout the theatre and he was ably supported by the ever improving Rob Peace as Lord Montararat.
The two halves of Strephon, played by Clive Green, were perfectly synchronised. The upper fairy half, with more than a passing resemblance to Benny Hill, was extremely expressive whilst the lower mortal half, if the reactions of Phyllis were anything to go by were, potentially, in good working order.
Liz Tatlock made a very elegant Phyllis who sang beautifully whilst Liz Gent played the part of Iolanthe. As I have come to expect from this society diction was perfect and the singing was of the highest quality.
This was a production where all the elements, costume, scenery, props, wigs, sound and lighting were drawn together with precision.
To top off this confection Musical Director Charles Galloway and his excellent orchestra added the final dollop of cream!
A classic Gilbert and Sullivan production, updated to add those final, much needed, subtle touches.
PRINCESS IDA (NODA REVIEW)
New Rosemere AOS
A traditional offering from producer Rita Whitelaw which vas a well conceived and colourful production, where the singing, from principals and chorus alike, was outstanding. This traditional approach even extended to the playing of the National Anthem, something not often practised these days, in my experience.
Hilarion (Jim Lancaster), Cyril (Clive Green) and FIorian (Robert Peace) were all vocally on top form, even managing a modicum of humour along the way.
The role of King Hildebrand was in the capable hands of Derek Jackson whilst King Gama, not as grotesque a character as I have seen, was well played by the experienced Bernard Killeen.
Gama's three sons, Arac (Tom Leyland), Guron (Steve Hope) and Scynthius (Tom Pickering) were impressively costumed and made a fine job of the roles without, perhaps, making the most of the opportunities for comedy that the parts present.
Not to be outdone, the ladies also provided some fine performances. Jenny Ryan gave a nicely controlled performance as Lady Psyche whilst Elizabeth Gent's solo, as Mellisa, "Death to the Invader" was excellent.
This latter day "women's-lib" storyline didn't seem to affect Lady Blanche played by Fran Davies. Along with a strong portrayal came a Madonna style bra, presumably forged at the local foundry and definitely not for burning. An outstanding performance whichever way you look at it.
Finally came a performance of the highest quality from Lisa Murphy as Princess Ida.
A satisfying evening's entertainment from an accomplished Gilbert and Sullivan society.
UTOPIA LIMITED (NODA REVIEW)
New Rosemere AOS
This is a very Gilbertian eye view on the merits or otherwise of the anglicisation of the far flung colonies of the Empire. Having seen Utopia on two previous occasions I have to admit my understanding of the plot was very LIMITED. The surgical incisions to the libretto made by producer, Rita Whitelaw dispensed with a lot of irrelevance and at last the light began to dawn.
There were also many up-to-date touches embedded in the libretto which added to the overall effect.
Gilbert had also used many snippets from previous operas even Capt Corcoran (Tom Pickering), and one of the' Flowers of Progress' had temporarily escaped from H.M.S. Pinafore.
His cohorts were the very upright First Life Guard Capt Fitzbattleaxe (John Sangster), Lord Chamberlain Lord Dramleigh (Steve Hope), Company Promoter Mr Goldbury (Rob Peace), Queen's Counsel, Sir Bailey Barre (Jim Fletcher) and County Councillor Mr Blushington (Andrew Harper).
The English contingent was completed by Lady Sophy (Ann O'Shea), governess to the Utopian princesses.
Of the Utopian islanders we had a resplendent King Paramount (Ken Rees), Tarara (Alan Ruscoe), the Public Exploder who was petrified of his own explosives. Calynx (Clive Green) adorned in grass skirt and tailcoat and two scheming wise men Scaphio (Allen Christey) and Phantis (Colin Magenty) intent on maintaining the status quo.
The Utopian ladies consisted of Princess Zara (Lindsay Farnworth), Princess Nekaya (Eleanor Molloy) and Princess Kalyba (Hannah Carolan).
I have purposely refrained from individual comment because, in the main, both principals and chorus alike offered the very best to be seen on an amateur stage.
The ubiquitous patter song, this time for seven people, was excellent whilst the unaccompanied number was a joy to listen to.
Scenery and costumes were of a high standard and the whole production sat on the back of an excellent orchestra under the baton of musical director, Elaine Lowe.
This was a creditable production of this little performed opera.