Iolanthe or The Peer and the Peri

Iolanthe is a comedy by Gilbert and Sullivan about a fairy who is exiled for marrying a mortal. Twenty-five years later, her half-mortal son, Strephon, wants to marry a mortal shepherdess named Phyllis, but the fairy law forbids it. This leads to a satirical conflict between the fairies and the House of Lords who are all competing for Phyllis's hand in marriage, including the Lord Chancellor. 

The opening curtain drew back slowly for dramatic effect to reveal a very good looking open and colourful set. The singers were well supported by just two pianos, which was quite sufficient. We soon meet the chorus of Fairies, also well dressed with a variety of coloured wigs and a touch of sparkle. We learn that Iolanthe has been banished by the Queen (Rebecca Fearnley) who sings a strong and clear ‘Iolanthe! From thy dark exile’ but soon pardons her. A great performance throughout. It was good to see Ellen Fearnley take the role of Iolanthe with a very nice voice and good presence.

Strephon, Iolanthe’s son who is half fairy and half mortal is played by a dashing James Jarvis, with an endearing accomplished performance in his first major role. His intended, Phyllis is well played by Sim Small and they work well together. I enjoyed their duet ‘None shall part us from each other’ which was gentle and warm. There is another impressive moment when the Peers arrive, in lavish cloaks and crowns, singing ‘Loudly let the trumpets bray’, plus some stylish moves.

Strephon is not the only one to have eyes for Phyllis, including the Lord Chancellor well played by Mark Tooby who as expected handled his rapid patter numbers well, (and light on his feet) especially ‘Love, unrequited, robs me of my rest’ in Act 2. Two of the Lords who also making a bid for Phyllis are George, Earl of Mountararat (Paul Ellis) and Thomas, Earl Tolloller (Samual Taunton). Both excelled as usual in voice and characterisation. Act 1 closed with a lengthy and well-rehearsed final company number.

Act 2 opened with ‘When all night long’ sung by Private Willis, suitably played by Tim Cranmore with his own brand of humour. I enjoyed ‘When Britain really ruled the waves’ led by Ellis  - loved his Peer accent! ‘If you go in, you’re sure to win’ sung by Ellis, Taunton and Tooby was an excellent trio, although I did wonder about the Union Jack pants, but it was funny! Ellen once again proved to have a tuneful and pleasant voice with ‘My Lord, a suppliant at your feet’.  Christine Davies (Celia), Catherine Harvey (Leila) and Zanna Tooby (Fleta) added worthy support throughout.

Congratulations to director Bev Butler and all others on and off stage and my thanks for the usual warm welcome.

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