Iolanthe

My latest visit to the Tees Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society was to watch their latest offering….’Iolanthe’.

The story follows the life of 2 young people who wish to marry. An easy task you may say, not for these two!

25 years prior to the action, ‘Iolanthe’, played superbly by Debbie Hodgson, married a mortal, ‘The Lord Chancellor’ who was played with conviction and poise by Alistair Bolton. This was seen at the time as a capital crime. However the Fairy Queen (played with power by Anna-Maria Jackson) reduces the sentence to banishment on condition she doesn’t see her husband again.

‘Strephon’, played forcefully by Adam Hegarty is ‘Iolanthe’s’ son who is now a shepherd, wishes to marry shepherdess Phyllis who in this production was brought to life by Stacey Dobson. A superb portrayal with the wit and beautiful vocals that befits the character of ward in Chancery. There is disapproval and of course she doesn’t yet know her beloved is half a fairy!  Inevitable confusion continues throughout, taking us to the Houses of Parliament, but in true G & S style by the end all is resolved – everyone gets married and flies off to Fairyland!

Peers were well rehearsed and created some interesting formations – particularly for the Tantantara song. Nicely timed comedy from trio, Earl of Mountararat played by Mike Harbisher, ‘Earl Tolloller’ portrayed Steve Magor and a strong, polished Alistair Bolton as The Lord Chancellor.

Other principal characters included a true stalwart of G&S, Gillian Sild in her role as ‘Celia’. Scary yet very funny with it. Megan Caisley as ‘Leila’ brought a youthful sincerity to the part and Dave Cadman had the audiences in stitched as Grenadier Guardsman Private Willis with his deckchair and flask! I particularly liked his version of ‘When all night long a chap remains’.

Principal and chorus singing was clear, and enjoyable, there was plenty of humour.  I have to give a big shout out not only to the ladies chorus but to the mens chorus. Wow! What strong harmonies you had which is something of a rarity nowadays on stage.

Excellent direction from Margaret Jones and a great Orchestra under the expert baton of Stephen Sild really added to the piece as did the atmospheric lighting and simple yet effective sets.

Thank you for the invite and well done to you all on a great show.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.