The Complete Works of Gilbert & Sullivan

The curtains were closed on the set when we arrived at Woodhouses Church Amateur Operatic Society`s performance of The Complete Works of Gilbert & Sullivan, there was red, white and blue bunting across the top of the proscenium pinpointed in the middle with a floral 100 sign to celebrate the society`s centenary show. To stage right I could see some fisherman`s netting, a ship`s wheel and a venetian gondolier`s pole. To stage left there was a Chinese temple entrance type area with two thrones and two other dressed chairs, red roses were entwined around a balustrade, Union Jack flags could be seen on the floor  and a set of samurai swords were to the front of the stage, there was also another one hung above the piano.  Lighting was sympathetic to the songs .

Our compere`s for the evening were Greta and Peter Shellard, they introduced us beautifully to the different section/headings s that the songs from each operetta had fallen in to. Before the concert could officially begin we had to welcome Queen Victoria and her consort to the stage area – it was a nice touch and added a little comedic element, they were suitably dressed in evening dress and very sparkly tiaras. Everyone on stage was in costume supplied by The Boyz , again it added another extra element of interest.

I did particularly enjoy “Kind Captain I`ve Important Information” performed by Nick Lowe and Mike Nash-Whitmore, their facial expressions were an absolute picture ! I would have liked the ladies “Gaily Tripping” to have had a little bit more attack and care to diction – I do appreciate that it is a tongue twister of a song though. I also enjoyed hearing Susan Fletcher stretch her vocal chops with Gerard Marsden in “ Refrain Audacious Tar”. “Oh Joy Unbounded”  performed by Julia Smith, Lawrence Shoebridge, Nick Lowe, Steven Miller and Oliver Hingston was another high point for me in this concert, there was a lovely lightness and bounce to the delivery. Those are just a few I have picked out that stayed with me, please do not be disheartened if I haven’t mentioned you.  The whole of the concert ensemble did a good job, there was a little bit of choreography which was executed well especially in the tight performance space, stories were visibly told and a good connection was made with the audience.

Anne Butterworth as Musical Director did a lovely job of keeping a good pace throughout all the numbers. As always my hat goes off to the accompanist  Anthony Hunt – he has a very tough job to do.

Thank you for inviting me, both myself and my guest enjoyed your production of The Complete Works of Gilbert & Sullivan. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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