Iolanthe

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to attending this Societies’ Production. This as always is a true Village Community project as was reflected by the acknowledgements in this years programme. More than fifty individuals and organisations had once again combined to make this possible. A truly magnificent accomplishment. Aside from rehearsals, before performing to their enthusiastic audience, the venue must be converted from a regularly used barn into a believable theatre complete with stage scenery, lighting and sound equipment plus a carpeted auditorium and fully licensed bar. Add to this the outside temporary conveniences and marquees for dressing rooms and band rooms. Congratulations, what an amazing feat.

This particular G. S Operetta is a favourite of mine, as it was one of the first shows I saw when moving to the area in 1971. I was not disappointed, as from the moment we were treated to the overture from a highly professional orchestra (if slightly slow for my taste), I knew we were going to experience a really great production! This proved to be the case with the opening number performed by “The Fairies”. How refreshing to have this number updated by turning it into a comedy number with the aid of the hilarious costumes using additional footwear, leg warmers, wigs, hats, glasses and oversized wands, truly inspirational to watch. We were then treated to some really outstanding performances from both principal characters and chorus alike. Lucas Elkin as the Lord Chancellor, William Hale as Earl Tolloller and Richard Morris as Earl of Mountararat, who I was privileged to direct some forty years ago as The King in “The King and I”, he still has the ability to play a riveting performance. These gentlemen were well matched with some excellent performances from the ladies of the company. For instance Camille Sugarman-Banaszak as Queen of The Fairies played her character with the expected command of diction and well modulated vocals. Well done! The title role of “Iolanthe” by Lisa Bullen gave us a well executed performance even with a technical hitch that created a late entrance, she still managed to pick up the atmosphere whilst disentangling her wings, to the added enjoyment for the audience. How Tim Winn as Strephon continued with an Oscar winning performance was a masterpiece. I would not like to have been in his shoes! What a beautiful voice from Anna Murgatroyd as “Phyllis” (an Arcadian Shepherdess and Ward in Chancery). This company was certainly blessed with some superb voices this year and we must not forget the brilliant comic opening to Act 2 from Geoff Reed as Private Willis (of the Grenadier Guards).

This production scored on all levels from the well drilled Orchestra under Angela Roebucks baton, the costumes and directions by Lynne Bullen, to the excellent team of stage crew led by Stage Manager David Hincks.

The entire production was a class masterpiece, congratulations!

Thank you for inviting me

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