Iolanthe

The show started with a delightful overture, congratulations David Henshaw, Conductor and Musical Director for all his hard work and to the very talented 13 piece orchestra who played throughout, the sound was amazing!

The curtain opened with a stage full of colourful fairies who performed the light and fun number ‘Tripping Hither, Tripping Thither’. Melbourne has a cast of very strong female and male singers and the harmonies were delivered very well.

Katharine Dryen played the Queen of the Fairies and Helen Blatch as Iolanthe, two very memorable performances. Allie Sturla played Phyllis an Arcadian Shepherdess and Ward in Chancery. Allie has a beautiful soprano voice and it was a delight to listen to her, she really shone in this role.

Supporting female roles from fairies Jean Edwards (Celia), Jenny Smith (Leila) and Paula Bettison (Fleta). I loved all the fairies and their individual characters, their reactions when they were on stage really helped tell the story.

It was fabulous to see so many strong males appear on stage as the peers sang ‘Loudly Let The Trumpet Bray’. Congratulations to Melvyn Edwards playing Strephon an Arcadian Shepherd, he has a lovely tone to his voice. I did feel quite sorry for his character in parts of the show and I was glad when it all worked out in the end.

Excellent performance from the Lord Chancellor played by Mike Mcghee, I loved his rendition of ‘Love Unrequited Robs Me Of My Rest’. David Stapleton played the Earl of Mountararat very well as did Mike Tebbutt the Earl or Tolloller. I particularly enjoyed their trio ‘If You Go In’.

Private Willis was played by Vaughan Saxby who looked just the part in his uniform. All the costumes were absolutely fabulous in this production with every character portrayed well. 

The set design worked well throughout and I particularly loved the swing. I thought the programme and poster were of an excellent quality. The lighting was good and the sound was great, many congratulations to David Martin. Not one member of the cast used a head mic! the projection and clarity of the singing and speaking voices from all the cast was excellent!

I am sure Gary Askam, Show Producer and Director is over the moon with this show, everyone has obviously worked very hard. There was a full auditorium who had a great night out, many congratulations to all involved.

Thank you, Melbourne Operatic Society, for keeping the wonderful world of Gilbert and Sullivan alive! I look forward to seeing your next production of The Mikado.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.