A Policeman's Lot Is Not A Happy One

I attended a wonderful setting at St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham to hear a revue of Gilbert and Sullivans well well-known and much-loved songs. A simple story made from a courtroom drama, complete with Usher, Barrister, Policeman, and Judge, presenting cases that the jury had to hear and the public in the gallery commented on. The clever script was written by Elaine and Adam Bishop, directed by Adam and musical director Elaine, and brought the funny and dramatic story to life. Thank you for the warm welcome from the front-of-house team led by Heidi Clayton.

Well done Grantham Operatic Society for a fabulous performance, visually and musically delightful, you all looked like you were enjoying the show and brought a superb production to your audience, who all enjoyed every moment. Judge (John Carter) arrived slightly the worse for wear and climbed into his robes and wig ready to start the say. John’s characterful performance and wonderful voice were just right for the part and clever lyrics told his story very well. Usher Tom Fletcher, sang magnificently, ‘All hail, great Judge’ and ‘Swear thou the jury’. For such a young performer, he exuded the pomp and ceremony, perfect for the part. The first section also included ‘Hark the hour of ten is sounding’ and ‘When I, good friends, was called to the bar’, all from ‘Trial by Jury’, a clever use of songs to set the scene for the evenings romp through some well-known G&S staples. Barrister, Helen Grey and Policeman, David Wright brought energy to their roles throughout.

There were 4 cases for the Judge to preside over, the first was of truanting schoolgirls Yum-yum played by Millie Sheppard, Peep-Bo played by Molly Wade, and Pitti-Sing played by Charlotte Scorror. Their cheeky manner and high-energy performance were wonderful. (Including an homage to Beyonce's dance moves). The songs from Mikado were used to tell the story from ‘Three Little Maids from School, ‘So Please You’, ‘The Threatened Cloud has Passed Away’ along with Judge and full chorus singing ‘As Some Day It Must Happen’. Policeman David Wright’s facial expressions and acting performance were hilarious in this section. The chemistry between the players was wonderful and the comic timing was perfect.

The next case was told with songs from HMS Pinafore. A breach of promise of marriage told through song between Josephine (Daniella Bridge) and Ralph (Adam Bishop). Sir Joseph played by Steve Sale, ‘I am the Monarch of the sea’ and ‘When I was a lad’, gave a tremendous performance. Joined by the chorus, Cousin Hebe (Suzanne Webb), sister, and Aunts, played by Chloe Rosser, Paula Yeomans-Hill, and Lottie Morris all gave strong performances and the harmonies filled the church, just wonderful. David Wright sung the titular ‘A Policeman’s Lot is Not A Happy One’, his acting was so funny and demonstrated the humorous side of his role really well. ‘Farewell my Own’, was particularly poignant, and sounded wonderful. This song included Ben Atkinson and John Palmer as Carpenter and Boatswain, their voices blended so well and the chorus parts were confident and well-acted. This section ended on one of my favourite songs from The Sorcerer, ‘Now to the banquet we press’, which led everyone off for the interval. Where refreshments were served and raffle tickets were sold and I chatted to several audience members who told me they were enjoying the show.

Act 2, the performance area filled from the church, which was a clever touch, starting with Usher, Tom Fletcher, Barrister Helen Gray, and Policeman David Wright who started the proceedings with, ‘When all night long’ from Iolanthe, ‘Dear Friends, take pity on my lot’, from The Sorcerer and ‘Silence in court’ from Trial by Jury. It finished with Judge John Carter singing on the list with some clever modern lyrics that had the audience chuckling. Case 3 featured songs from The Gondoliers, Pirates of Penzance to tell the story of the stolen infant. Stand-out performances by the Gondoliers, Ben Atkinson and Steve Sale, and John Palmer as Don Alhambra, brought this section to life. I also enjoyed ‘A Regular Royal Queen’, sung by Suzanne Web and Millie Sheppard as Tessa and Gianetta with Ben and Steve. Clever funny interpretation and lovely characterisation.

The final case featured songs from The Pirates of Penzance with John Palmer's excellent performance as The Pirate King. Wonderfully over the top and with such a magnificent voice. The stupendous performance of Modern Major General by Adam Bishop was really enjoyable and the audience were tapping along to the rhythm. ‘ A rollicking band of Pirates we’, filled the church with sound, a really clever ensemble piece, and enjoyed by those on stage and off. Ruth played by Paula Yeomans-Hill was lovely and she sung ‘When Fred’ric was a little Lad’ with great style and character. It seemed to me that the players who were in the Jury and public gallery, each had a character and they played them to the fullest. Well done to Joan Coyne, Mary Duggan, Daniel Ferguson, Anthony Fletcher, Honor Grantham, Diane Hale, Jayne Palmer, Harriett Rebekah, Jane Richardson, Karon Rosser, and Paul Skelton really well performed and you all looked like you were enjoying yourselves.

The programme and poster are very good, designed by Ben Atkinson and I will put both forward to the NODA 2023 Poster and Programme Competition. Your set by Adam Bishop, was simple and well managed, utilising elements from the church, with such a superb backdrop, you needed nothing else. Props and costumes were organised by Elaine Bishop, Paula Yeomans-Hill and the beautiful red and fur Judges robe was made by Rosemary Gibson. The sound was excellent, well done Leigh Bridge and the accompanist Samantha Kerby-Hall did a superb job along with percussionist Nigel Howitt to bring the songs to life. Elaine, you brought a great team together and I loved the whole show.  A wonderful evening, celebrating Gilbert and Sullivan's songs and characters. A clever and inspiring review of well-loved songs that I went home humming. 

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