Princess Ida

Princess Ida is betrothed, at the age of one to Prince Hilarion of England. They are due to marry when she is 21 but by that time she has created an academy for women who eschew men entirely (very 21st century!) and doesn’t turn up. Consequently her father and brothers are imprisoned by Hilarion’s father. Prince Hilarion and his friends break into the academy, disguise themselves in order to access the establishment and rescue Ida from herself, which, after various bits of G & S jiggery pokery, and tenuous story links, they succeed.

The title role of Princess Ida was played by Sue Richardson, showing once again her vocal strength and the diversity of her considerable acting ability- the imperious nature of the character there for all to see. Sue was ably supported by her long-standing (sometimes sitting) betrothed Prince Hilarion, played with enthusiastic vigour by Neil Hastings, showing a more gentle and fun loving contrast to Ida`s brothers.

For me, Angela-Lee Kennedy almost stole the show as Lady Blanche, Professor of Abstract Science and convoluted conundrum conveyor- all of which were enunciated wonderfully with comic timing to match.

Jenny Brooks played Melissa, daughter of Lady Blanche, confident in her rendition of ‘Death to the Invader’, with Rachel Mercer in fine voice as Lady  Psyche, the Professor of Humanities-their love interests Florian and Cyril played well by Iain Lamb and Matthew Armstrong, though I do think Cyril`s pelvic thrusts and strategically positioned cakes were a little over the top during Merrily ring the luncheon bell, and didn`t really seem in-keeping with how the rest of the production had been directed.

Graham Beevers was in top form, making an imposing King Hildebrand, and John Reid playing the embittered King Gama equally well-though I must admit, the wig and costume looked a little like `left over Hallowe`en costume` compared to everyone else`s.

David Barker, Ed Dixon and Norland Green assuredly played Gama`s sons, Arac, Guron and Scynthius providing amusement a-plenty in “This Helmet I suppose”. Emma Gibbard, Andrea Capstick and Karen Munslow  acquitted themselves well as the girl graduates Sacharissa, Chloe and Ada.

Chorus work was very good with all their big numbers and harmonies, diction perfect throughout

Whilst most of the humour in the show worked well, I thought that some of the modern day references were lost and the added scene/dialogue between Hildebrand and Ida were unnecessary.

The set and lighting were effective, and made good use of the stage.

Choreographer Rachel Mercer had devised appropriate and effective moves, which took into account the abilities of the cast, size of the cast and the small stage.

The orchestra under Musical Director, David Tattersall sounded great, as did the chorus and it was obvious for all to see and hear that David had worked them hard.

Producer, Margaret Barker must be really pleased with how hard everybody worked in this production and how the companies` enjoyment of the production came across to the audience

Congratulations Staveley Amateur Operatic Society, and thank you for your hospitality.

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