Merrie England

In days gone by this comic operetta which was originally performed in 1902 followed the Sullivan / D’Oyly Carte era. Staged over time by countless societies and groups in the world of amateur theatre it quickly established itself as a firm favourite with audiences across the land. Somewhat dated now it has lost its lustre a bit given the changes in musical taste. Though for followers of G&S like me it has an appeal. Certainly the splendid Edward German score has some magnificent pieces of real musical quality at times following a regular Gilbertian theme.

The choice of show here owes the decision to the time of Queen Elizabeth II 90th birthday celebrations just round the corner and the impending 400th anniversary of the death of the Bard William Shakespeare.

Set in the court of Queen Elizabeth I as she visits the Mayday celebrations in the village of Windsor, the show involves everyone from monarch to villagers in a microcosm of eccentric England. Travelling actors suggest Shakespeare would be better with songs added; “Robin Hood” and “St. George and his dragon” appear and many other characters from history real and imagined with not a patriotic stereotype left untouched.

As an audience we were transported to another world and another time enjoying the antics, comedy and well delivered stage craft from a principal line up that did full justice to the script and score. Those in Quintets, Quartets and Trios produced delightfully appealing harmonies with some assured performances that brought the whole show to life with a degree of raucous anarchic fun.

There were notable performances from Peter Privett as thespian ‘Walter Wilkins’ and his comedic animated A-Z rendition of Romeo and Juliet, Peter Brooks ‘Earl of Essex’ double act of Colin Westbury and Alan Martin as the battling brothers ‘Long Tom’ and ‘Big Ben’, Charlotte Brooks as the attention-seeking ‘May Queen’ and Elizabeth Brooks as ‘Jill-All-Alone’ who gave an accomplished performance.

Performed with great enthusiasm and style by all on stage the strong chorus were very good indeed throughout the show. Stage movement not to say an injection of some choreography would have made their performance less static though the superb harmony singing more than made up for this shortcoming. Costumes were in keeping with the period but the wearing of modern spectacles, wedding and engagement rings diminished the authenticity a little

A simple but effective set was the backcloth for this production and a well-balanced orchestra provided the right tone and volume for the host of varied musical pieces. It was good to experience a musical so rarely performed.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

on Behalf of Annette Nuttall District7

NODA – Be Inspired by Amateur Theatre

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