Iolanthe

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative
( on behalf of Mike Purnell -local NODA contact)
on Saturday, 16th, May, 2026
at Prince’s Hall, Clevedon, Somerset.

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.
I had not seen “Iolanthe” in it’s entirety before this evening. The brief excepts seen
did not fill me with promise to watch the whole of the show. I was proved wrong.
The stage was open as the audience filled the seats. The back wall was filled with a
projection of a garden. In front of the rear wall hung a washing line with fairy wings
out to dry. At the time of the first performances of this show the real stage hit for
Victorian audiences was Pantomime. Perhaps this would be a move by G&S to
capture the latest fad? The seated members of the audience were treated with
marshmallows handed out by members of the fairies cast. This caused amusement
pre-show and was an immediate hit with the audience. Well done to those brave
enough to wander around the almost full house. (Please note - I didn’t get a
marshmallow!)
Great to see how much hard work your Musical Director Richard Lennox is still
doing. Not only coaching you all and playing all the accompanying music but the
patience he shows when waiting for you all to meet your cues. Well done Richard.
Once the show started we saw all the colourful charming fairies. I’m sure those
ladies would not mind me saying they were of a more mature age. However with
their gentle dance movements and wonderful singing their age never entered into my
reckoning. Here was a group really enjoying entertaining those out front. Their
standard did not fail throughout the show. They were so colourful, tuneful and always
interested in the action on the stage that they filled the stage with life. Well done
Ladies! I cannot fail to mention Francesca, the Fairy Queen. Not only did she dwarf
her fairies but her voice was amazing and every entrance delighted us all. Her
costume shone out but this whole show was beautifully dressed. Congratulations to
Molly and her team.

Phyllis and Strephon acted by Fiona and Owen took the roles of the young lovers.
They worked very well together in their brief appearances, as their liaison was really
only the catalysis for the whole opera.
Not to be outshone by the fairies the male side of the cast stood out in their
performances also. Firstly I must comment on Chris playing the role of Lord
Chancellor. Chris, with his masterly ability to move his mouth and tongue around any
complex verse and keep in the right key, did his usual great job. He was also the
person to keep up the tradition of having new topical verses to perform. Always, for
me, it is one of the key points to look for. And, judging from the number of laughs
achieved, was well received by the audience.
Of course the smallest guardsman on duty, Richard , managed to steal the show,
with his performances. Whilst the other scene stealers were David and William,
playing two of the Earls. Their wonderful rich, round voices blended well together as
did their team work. Here again were two actors enjoying themsleves and I sincerely
hope they manage to do that again. As an audience we always respond well when
we see actors and singers enjoying the work and applause.
I really enjoyed tonight’s show – even if it may not have been pure G&S. I haven’t
studied G&S in detail. But tonight I shared the experience provided by Clevedon
Gilbert and Sullivan Society and was very glad I was able to do so. Spread the word
folks and support such a worthy group. Like me you may even get to enjoy it all!

Congratulations Clevedon Gilbert & Sullivan Society on a good show!

Kind regards

Bob Allen. NODA SW district 14 Representative

P.S.

Last year I was able to speak briefly with Dan Mullholland who was lead tenor
in H.M.S. Pinafore. He was very tall to interview but was gracious, modest,
had a great voice and even better smile! I understand your loss.

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and

only reflects the performance seen.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.