Princess Ida

Princess Ida

Hull Savoyards Amateur Operatic Society

 

Director Kathryn Lay & Musical Director Martin Lay

Cottingham Civic Hall

26th June 2025

 

From the moment the audience stepped into the theatre, the Hull Savoyards offered a warm welcome that set the tone for an enjoyable evening of the crazy Gilbert and Sullivan world. Their production of Princess Ida was a visually vibrant, polished, and humorous rendition of Gilbert and Sullivan’s rarely performed operetta, brought to life with charm, energy, and exceptional musicality.

A standout feature of the evening was the superb live performance by the Kingston Savoy Orchestra. Their playing was nothing short of outstanding, adding richness, energy, and polish to the entire production. Every overture, underscoring, and accompaniment was delivered with precision and flair, enhancing the emotional tone of each scene. The balance between the pit and the stage was handled masterfully, allowing the singers to shine while giving the music its full due. Musical Director Martin Lay did a truly exceptional job, guiding the orchestra with confidence and sensitivity. His interpretation of Sullivan’s score brought out both the grandeur and the subtle humour of the music, showcasing a deep understanding of the operetta’s style. The cohesion and expressiveness of the orchestra lifted the entire performance and were instrumental—quite literally—in its success.

Vocally, the show was of the high calibre we have come to expect from the Hull Savoyards. Alice Giblin in the title role of Princess Ida commanded the stage with regal poise and a simply stunning soprano voice. Her performance was both vocally powerful and emotionally engaging. Sammy William as Lady Psyche lit up the stage with an excellent presence and sparkling delivery, while Louise Jacques gave a graceful, effortless performance as Melissa.The comedic trio of Hilarion (Stuart Sellens), Cyril (Tom-Colin Thorpe), and Florian (Peter Jonas) was a particular highlight. Their camaraderie and timing brought waves of laughter from the audience, with each bringing a unique charm to their role.

In the royal corners of the production, Peter Perkin gave a suitably commanding and humorous performance as King Hildebrand, balancing gravitas with drollery. Samuel Emeny’s portrayal of King Gama was another comic gem, with excellent timing and characterisation that drew out the absurdity of the character with delightful flair. Val Marshal as the formidable Lady Blanche brought sharp wit and dry humour to her role, adding further colour to an already vivid production.

Director Kathryn Lay deserves special credit for her clever staging and thoughtful placement of characters, which kept the visual flow engaging and helped maximise both dramatic and comic effect. The costumes were nothing short of fantastic—rich in detail and appropriately grand—while the charming scenery transported the audience effortlessly into the whimsical world of Castle Adamant.

Overall, Hull Savoyards’ Princess Ida was a tremendous success—a skilful blend of glorious music, tight direction, and witty performance. It’s a rare treat to see this operetta performed, and in the hands of this talented group, it became a sparkling jewel in their repertoire.

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