Cox & Box / Sorcerer

Tees Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society provided a good evening’s entertainment with this duo of operettas. Commencing with the shorter "Cox and Box" the two gentlemen businessmen Mr Cox, (Mike Harbisher) a Hatter and Mr. Box, (Paul Dixon) a Printer have a dilemma.  They both rent a room from Sergeant Bouncer, (Gordon Smyrell) who very craftily rents out the same room to both, one by day and one by night.  Of course the inevitable happens when one is given a day off and they meet for the first time.  All is resolved in true G & S fashion when they turn out to be long lost brothers.

The set was well designed and the action remained in the kitchen throughout the production. The good singing was enhanced by the excellent support from the two piano accompanists of Stephen Sild and Nicola Taylor. The trio of actors ensured the comedic value of this production came through and many laughs were had by the audience.

"The Sorcerer" - In the village of Ploverleigh everyone is there to celebrate the betrothal of Alexis and Aline. 

Alexis is obsessed with idea of love levelling all ranks and social distinctions.  To promote his beliefs, he invites the proprietor of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers, to brew a love potion.  This causes everyone in the village to fall in love with the first person they see and results in the pairing of comically mismatched couples.  In the end, Wells must sacrifice his life to break the spell.

Alistair Bolton was outstanding as John Wellington Wells (The Sorcerer). The director used local and topical innuendoes to enhance his performance and the audiences’ enjoyment. The parts of Aline (Samantha Holden) and Constance (Catherine Williamson) a local village girl who is in love with the vicar, were sung beautifully. Particular congratulations to Catherine who maintained her composure and singing whilst a mishap occurred behind her. The other principals, Gordon Smyrell (Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre), Neil Sild (Alexis), Gillian Sild (Lady Sangazure) and Annette Simpson (Mrs Partlett) all played their roles well.

Adam Hegarty as the vicar of Ploverliegh spent most of his time bemoaning the lack of love in his life (remedied at the end of act 2) to great effect.

The staging and setting were excellent with the backdrop transporting the audience to a country house garden. The chorus and musical accompaniment enhanced the whole performance. All in all a good night’s entertainment. Well Done.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.