Iolanthe

 

Dore G & S Society are one of the few well-established societies keeping the wonderful world of Gilbert and Sullivan alive. Due to very tough theatre times with rising outgoings,theatre closures but thankfully audiences that continue to embrace G& S , Dore G & S Society decided to perform Iolanthe over three weekends in three different venues. This of course creates many problems for the production team, non theatre setting including Crookes Social Club followed by Dore Community Centre on Sat 13th April and finally out to Whittington Moor Methodist Church on Sat 20th April all 2.30 pm performances. Not wishing to disappoint their audiences and to keep the society members the society decided to perform Iolanthe as concert version. 

Steve Andrews as Director must be credited for his vision in predominantly staging the ladies mainly stage right and the men stage left, this allowing the female cast entry to the narrow stage through the backdrop curtain whilst the men entered and mainly exited stage left.Cleverly thought out floral dresses for the ladies, except the Fairy Queen dressed in twinkly cloak on a full length dress whilst the men , excepting two , in Dinner dress along with their political colouredsashes. . 

The story of life as fairies contrasting the humour around staunch and differing political views was exploited with great direction. The ladies portraying a life of everlasting youth and innocence? or not? whilst the stiff upper lip of the Peers ran through until the latter scenes when truth a secrecy was .

Martin Yates as Musical Director along with Chris Flint performance pianist, two truly valuable members who achieved excellent results from the talented actors, not an easy situation when historically an orchestra would have been used but worked extremely well. Of course, not forgetting the invaluable part Judith Sunderland played performing the trumpet.

Leila by Rebecca Lambert, Fleta by Sue Corker and Celia by Angela Wade led many of the ladies Choruses with polished performances, clearly delivered lines and joyful singing. Strephon by Mike Willis the son of Iolanthe, a fairy, having had an affair with a mortal,The Lord Chancellor.  He ended up with the unfortunate life of being an everlasting fairy for the top half of his body whilst being a mere mortal from the waist down. This situation provided many memorable innuendos, a well performed part with great delivery in word and song. 

Fairy Queen by Carolyn Bean gave a powerful stand out performance showing sadness that Iolanthe had been banished, but strength in promoting the position of Strephon, lovely individual performance throughout finally being resolved with a favorable outcome. Iolanthe by Charlotte Waring performed her role with poise and emotion, having been banished 25 years ago and striving for a return to being accepted, another well delivered role 

Lord Mountararat by Mike Tipler, powerfully delivered role with clarity and quality singing. Involved in many memorable scenes not least when in conversation with Lord Tolloller, over the question of whom would marry Phyllis. I particularly enjoyed the trio of ‘If you Go In ‘, and many other numbers you sang. 

Lord Tolloller by Alex Hayward Browne , a larger than life figure with a quality voice delivering excellent clarity in words and song, involvement of the many scenes with the Peers and memorable interactions with Lord Chancellor and Lord Mountararat .

Phyllis by Judith Sephton being wooed by Strephon the shepherd, acted out some lovely scenes eventually being won over by The Lord Chancellor. Your well delivered song, ‘Nay tempt me not’ along with ‘None shall part us’ with Strephonbeing two of my favourites. The Lord Chancellor by Ian Stewart a very commanding role performed well. Many excellent scenes,adding fun and laughter when somewhat under dressed, excellent delivery of song and word . I really enjoyed your song ‘Love unrequited robs me of my rest’, Private Willis by Dick Bell, opening Act 2 with your military discipline with a glint of humour. The poise shown whilst standing stage right along with great facial reactions, a great well performed cameo role.

Through the performance the quality of singing from all the cast and very strong ensemble was excellent, to hear all the voice ranges clearly and blending so well was very good. A true tribute to all the performers that not a single mic was used,but instead well trained and projected voices throughout. 

A thoroughly enjoyable production, cleverly performed under difficult circumstances. 

Thank you to the front of house who made us very welcome. Please support this excellent production

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