Download the new logos for the programme and poster competition

Iolanthe

Author: Julie Petrucci

Information

Date
28th February 2014
Society
Girton Musical Theatre
Venue
Girton Glebe School, Girton
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Helen Wilson
Musical Director
Petrina Lodge
Choreographer
N/A

This year’s offering from Girton Operatic was Gilbert & Sullivan's satirical "fairy opera" Iolanthe which was first performed at the Savoy on 25 November 1882.   

In regular G&S fashion, it’s a rather silly tale that makes fun of class distinctions. The score is certainly a good one, with rousing marches and anthems, lovely duets and some particularly fine numbers for the Lord Chancellor and the Fairy Queen.

With a second act set in the heart of the British establishment - the Palace of Westminster - and featuring a men’s chorus of Peers of the Realm, the object of Gilbert’s satire in 1882 is still somewhat topical today.  Running alongside the political storyline is that of the ‘Arcadian Shepherdess’ and Ward of Court, Phyllis, and her ‘Arcadian Shepherd’, Strephon, who is half a fairy - from the waist up!

The first act scenery for the fairy dell was excellent equalled only by that of the exterior of the Palace of Westminster in the second act.  A tribute to the set construction and set painting expertise of the Girton Operatic conglomerate of cast and production teams. Well done too to David Hinks and his stage crew for achieving a complete set change during the interval.  

The costumes were extremely well done by Maggie Phillips and her team; lovely and colourful for the fairies and richly fine for the peerage.  How they loved the swish of those wonderful robes!  Set and costumes were enhanced by an excellent lighting design courtesy of David Hubbard although I found the whirling projection during the “Nightmare Song” distracting and which, I felt, detracted from the song.  I understood completely that it was the Lord Chancellors whirling thoughts but……..!

The opening chorus with the fairies was suitably lively.  All confident in both voice and movement.  The same cannot be said for the opening chorus of Peers though.  I felt they lacked both confidence and volume. 

We were treated to a bravura performance by Jerry Harrison who led from the front as the Lord Chancellor which instilled confidence and volume to the Peerage. A fine actor and singer whose skillful delivery of the tongue-twisting “Nightmare song” was a tour de force. 

There were stellar vocal performances from Clare Richards (Iolanthe), Mary-Rose Hubbard (Fairy Queen), Bob Ball (Strephon) and Kynara Lodge (Phyllis).  I have to say though that, lovely as Ms Lodge’s voice undoubtedly is, I did have difficulty understanding some of her lyrics. 

The amorous earls, Roger Few and George Thorpe produced the right sneering hauteur as Mountararat and Toller, two of the Peers seeking Phyllis' hand, and Jeffrey Lewins left a strong impression after his fun act two-opening solo as Private Willis standing guard outside Parliament.  Compliments too to Jo Lewry (Celia), Joanna Blakeman (Fleta) and especially Maggie Phillips (Leila) the three principal fairies.

This was a highly pleasurable show, musically directed and conducted by Petrina Lodge, directed by Helen Wilson who not only teased out all the humour in the show but also added some extra humorous touches of her own.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

Other recent show reports in the East region

Funders & Partners