IOLANTHE

Still being quite new to Gilbert & Sullivan, Iolanthe was brand new to me, all I knew was it was about fairies! It was a lovely afternoon’s entertainment and very different to what I was expecting. I think it is my favourite G&S so far.

Traditionally directed by Derek Hill, the curtain opened, transporting us to the Arcadian fairy glade, all the scenery designed and made in house. The costumes colourful and the fairies enthusiastically entering “tripping hither, tripping thither”. The Fairy Queen initially unforgiving but coming round and pardoning Iolanthe from her banishment was suitably elegant and commanding, supported by fairies Ceila, Leila and Fleta who all embraced their individual characters. Iolanthe played the role softly and showed her loyalty to her son well. Half fairy and half mortal Strephon I found very endearing. Phyllis the shepherdess who is the object of Strephon's affection, was confidently played. I really enjoyed the performances of the Peers of the House of Lords who made a lovely strong sound and some great individual characters, fully exploiting the comedy in the piece. Lord Tolloler and Lord Mountarat extracting all the comedy possible from the roles. I particularly enjoyed the Lord Chancellor, a confident, very physical performance. Another highlight for me was Private Willis in “When all night long a chap remains” also coping very well with the Fairy Queen’s advances.

The orchestra made a beautiful sound and was ably led by Richard Abrams. Choreography was simple but appropriate to the cast. The set design was effective with the fairy glade and then Central London well depicted. The sound was well balanced, and the lighting design well executed, with the Fairy Queens’s spells very well timed. All the costumes were well thought out and in keeping.

Congratulations to all the creative team, cast and crew.

 

                                                                                                                      PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

 

 

 

 

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