Princess Ida

This collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan opened at the Savoy Theatre on 5th January 1884, although it nearly didn’t materialise. Following their success with “Iolanthe”, Sullivan apparently became jaded with composing music for comic operas and felt that such work was not helping him to be recognised as a composer of serious music; he informed Gilbert that he was not prepared to be involved with this project. (How ironic that during the run of “Iolanthe” Sullivan should be knighted for his services to serious music!) Eventually Sullivan relented and together the pair produced this opera which differed from their previous efforts in that it is in three acts, the dialogue is entirely in blank verse and that the soprano title role required a more dramatic voice than their earlier comic works. Gilbert based his story, entitled “Princess Ida”, on a poem written by Tennyson in 1847, in which a princess founds a women’s university and teaches that women are superior to men and should be the rulers. The prince, to whom she was married in infancy, sneaks into the university with two accomplices intending to claim his bride. They disguise themselves as women students but are discovered and a war between the sexes ensues.  Despite its lack of popularity, “Princess Ida” is claimed to contain some of the best work by both Gilbert and Sullivan.

In this production the extensive knowledge and experience of G&S works possessed by Lynne Loose were much in evidence as she carried out the roles of both Stage and Musical Director. There were strong performances, particularly from Ruth Palmer as Princess Ida, Alison Johnson-Smith as Lady Psyche, Margaret Wainwright as Lady Blanche, Emily Mayo as Melissa and Joanna Hingley as Sacharissa. Competent characterisation was delivered by Stephen Oliver as King Hildebrand, Ian Ferguson as King Gama, Laurence Lewis as Cyril, Tom Pearson as Prince Hilarion and Ken Wainwright as Florian. The fifteen piece orchestra’s delivery of Sullivan’s music was excellent. The appearance of members of the Welland School of Dance who demonstrated their talents during this production was an added bonus for the audience. The set designs were most appropriate and the lighting plan very effective. Much thought had been given to the costumes which were very impressive. This was a most entertaining performance for which all who were involved deserve congratulations.

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