Iolanthe

I was pleased to be invited to Tees Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society to report in its production of Iolanthe. This is the first time that I have seen this Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta and Margaret Jones as Director did fantastic job in presenting it with its with strong principal numbers married together with rousing ensemble work. Stephen Sild as musical Director led a well-balanced orchestra which never over shadowed the cast. It was also pleasing to hear voices without amplification. Well done to David Beall as Chorus Master. The whole production moved at a good pace and the tempo was maintained at all times. The singing was first class, as were the costumes supplied by Alan Graham and Sharon Bolton. There were two good colourful sets, one in each half, and the lighting was very good.

The show opened onto an Arcadian landscape where a company of fairies danced onto the stage singing their fairy chorus “Tripping Hither, Tripping Thither”. Iolanthe was well played by Catherine Williamson with a nice warm tone of voice who gave a sympathetic performance in the title role, and, as the script requires, was too young to have a handsome son like Strephon, played by Adam Hegarty.  Adam had a lovely tone to his singing voice and did justice to his high range in his solo numbers. His future bride, Phyllis, played by Samantha Holden had a beautiful soprano voice and connected with her dialogue perfectly.  She had excellent stage presence and worked well with Adam. Frances Cook, as the elegant Fairy Queen, gave everything that was required of this part.  She looked perfect, and had a singing voice to match, very commanding and well projected.  I particularly likes “O Foolish Fay” which she sang with the fairies and was beautifully delivered. The fairies played by Inez Antunes, as Leila, Rebecca Toth, as Celia, and Fiona Gibson, as Fleta, .each had their own personality but collectively were lovely to both hear and watch. Alistair Bolton, as Private Willis, was an upstanding man and looked very resplendent in his guard’s uniform.  He sang the sentry song which opens Act 11 so well it was no wonder the Queen fell for him at the end.  The peers were all well-rehearsed and created some interesting scenes particularly the Tantantara song.  Nicely timed comedy from the trio, Mike Harbisher as Earl of Mountararat,(loved his musical number “When Britain Really Ruled the Waves”), David Beall, as Earl Trolloller, with fantastic vocals very pleasing to listen to, and John Hegart, as The Lord Chancellor, who delivered a very polished performances singing very clearly and with plenty of enjoyable humour throughout his whole performance.

In true G&S style all ends well everyone getting married and flying off to Fairyland. This company is certainly blessed with some superb voices in its a large and enthusiastic cast

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