Iolanthe

This well loved G & S show first performed in 1882 touches on political issues which are still being discussed today. Sounds stuffy, not a bit! Much like the TV show ‘Yes Minister’ watching it today is still as funny as it was then.  Under James’ experienced direction he captures so much humour and with his own personal twists including changing some of the words of the songs and as it’s out of copyright, he can freely do that.

The storyline tells of Iolanthe, a Fairy, who has been banished from fairyland as she had married a mortal; who actually turns out to be the Lord Chancellor. Strephon, her son, wants to marry Phyllis who is a ward of the Court of Chancery. However all the members of the House of Peers also want to marry her.  With her magic powers Iolanthe and the Fairies proceed to turn this male dominated establishment onto it’s knees, proving they had Women’s Lib  back in 1882!

Vita Lukoseviciute plays the title role charmingly,  with a beautiful clear singing voice. Her son Strephon (Phil Tattersall) along with the love of his life, Phyllis (Becca Kirby) thrived in their respective roles both having many songs which were well performed. Becca was certainly enjoying her role with all the Gentleman of The House vying for her attention.  Paul Jennings was The Lord Chancellor and captured the comedy of this befuddled elderly man just perfectly. Lucy Pakes as Queen of the Fairies, as always, gave a polished performance with a haughty superiority and yet with a wicked twinkle in her eye as she tries to catch the attention of Private Willis.  He is the Sentry outside the Houses of Parliament and is played by Ed Gerrie.  He opens Act 2 with a solo and to everyone’s amazement  he takes his electric guitar off his back and plays the song with a true ‘Brian May’ style ‘riff’, just brilliantly.   I was convinced he was playing ‘air guitar’ but it was later confirmed he was playing live.  He is a talented guitarist and musician as well as a singer. Amazing!

There were also good performances from Sean Lilley as Earl Tolloller and Glynn Mckay as Earl of Mountararat  who   along with The Lord Chancellor take to scooters madly careering around the stage to everyone’s amusement. The principal Fairies with Mareth Bassett as Celia, Claire Shadbolt as Leila and Lisa King as Fleta along with the chorus of Fairies were all very funny and delightful as they danced and sang through their numbers. The men’s chorus of Peers looked very regal in their red velvet and Ermine capes with some strong and harmonious singing.  It was good to see a large cast with lots of new members who had obviously thoroughly  enjoyed working together and making this such a happy and quality production to be a part of.

The costumes all looked excellent and a lavish set was effectively enhanced by good lighting. Also the imitation walking  sheepdog,  a Dave Borthwick invention, looked amazing.   All credit to  Director, James, for his innovative  interpretation and modernisations and  MD, Sue, for her unrelenting enthusiasm culminating in a fabulous and entertaining evening.

Well done to Becca Kirby  for producing an excellent programme, the first in my District with the new NODA rebranding.  Many thanks to Fred James, Judy and Mike Wadman and the FOH team for your hospitality.

Catherine Dixey. NODA East Representative District E12

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