Matlock Gilbert & Sullivan Society

Reviewed by: Joyce Handbury on Thursday 16 June 2011
Venue: Medway Community Centre, Bakewell
Type of Production: Gilbert & Sullivan
Producer/Director: Nic Wilson
Musical Director: Melanie Gilbert
Choreographer:

Show Report

I am pleased the society played this production in the traditional fashion because, for me, the costumes are such an integral part of this particular show. Throughout, the full cast singing was superb and all the chorus members were totally involved in their reactions to what was happening around them and the director, Nic Wilson, blocked and moved them in great style on this very small stage. Lesley Kraushaar was ideal for the role of Elsie Maynard her singing was a sheer delight as was that of Helen Booker as Phoebe Meryll and Liz McKenzie was indomitable as Dame Carruthers. Max Taylor’s strong powerful voice was tailor-made for the role of Colonel Fairfax and his great aptitude for comedy made Chris Kraushaar a most suitable choice for playing the jailer and wannabe jester, Wilfred Shadbolt. Richard Simmonds was imposing as the Lieutenant of the Tower and convincing performances were given by David Stokes as Sergeant Meryll and Andrew Moore as his son Leonard. Nic Wilson was terrific as Jack Point portraying a vast range of emotions in both his acting and singing getting every ounce of comedy out of the part whilst capturing the vulnerability and hopelessness of the character. As well as great chorus singing there were some wonderful duets, trios and quartet vocalisations especially that of “Strange Adventure” sung a cappella by Max Taylor, David Stokes, Liz McKenzie and Wendy Costigan. The performances of the principals and chorus accompanied by a nine-piece orchestra totally compensated for the simplicity of the set and the smallness of the venue and apart from a minor sound balance problem marring the audibility of two of the female performers in Act 1 it was a most impressive and enjoyable production. Congratulations to all involved especially to Melanie Gilbert the Musical Director and Nic Wilson the Producer.