The Gondoliers

The Three Towns’ Gilbert and Sullivan production is The Gondoliers. Reflecting their friendship of two kings coming together as once again they poke fun at the upper class, politics and the monarchy and it still stands today and gets the laughs. Set in Venice and the fictional Palace of Barataria where two kings’ rule as one in an idealistic ‘republican equality’. The Gondoliers was performed for Queen Victoria in 1891 at Windsor Castle the first opera to be honoured so.

Act 1 the Set is painted to represent the archways of Venice with raised walkway at the back and bistro chairs and table stage left. The distinct red and white Gondoliers oars propped up at the back of the stage. For the Palace, steps leading down centre stage and covered in red carpet that draped up the wall at the back to give a palatial feel. At the top of the steps a walkway and centre stage a statement chair. Velvet chairs to be used by the cast either side. Set Construction David Kay, Derek Morris, Paul Dainton, Olivia Finley, Harry Ainsworth and Eddie Kearsley. Lighting and Sound added to the effect of the show. Sound by Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Lighting by Josh Smith and Karl Gerrard. The costumes were in keeping and all looked very colourful. I did wonder as The Grand Inquisitor changed his clothes at the palace that Tessa and Gianetta may have had a costume change too with regards to the time lapse. The Plaza-Toro family looked splendid in costume at the palace. Costumes by Charades and Wardrobe by Ann Batchelor and Margaret Laithwaite.

Phil Boardman as Musical Director expertly conducts the fabulous orchestra and cast with rousing, rhythmic intensity that is a joy to hear – excellent!

The Contadine (Venetian Girls) and the Gondoliers supported the cast and were in fine voice. Again I marvel at how many words you can fit in - it’s like a vocal gymnasium.  Allen Christey-Casson is Antonio. Harry Ainsworth takes on the role of Giorgio. Beth Garrett is Fiametta, Kate Blezard is Vittoria and Ken Rees is Don Alhambra Del Bolero (The Grand Inquisitor) who did have a slight recall lapse - I hope this did not put him off too much.  Wendy Henshaw as Inez (The King’s foster mother) comes on at the end and wows with her vocals and presence.

David Griffiths as Marco Palmieri one of the Gondoliers/Kings in fine voice especially with Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes. Tim Henshaw as Giuseppe Palmieri the brother who is also a Gondolier and King bringing lots of energy to the stage. Marco’s new bride Gianetta played by Victoria Goulden delights and Giuseppe’s new bride Tessa played by Jennie Heywood making easy work of When A Merry Maiden Marries. All four working well together.

I thought it was great casting of Luiz and Casilda. Luiz the Duke’s attendant played by Paul Bailey. Casilda played by Julia Dutton as the spoilt rich girl promised to another. Their scenes together and O Rapture When We Are Alone Together was lovely. They had some great comic moments too and Paul’s character when with the Duke at the beginning was spot on.

Last but not least the director David Kay takes on the role of The Duke of Plaza-Toro or should I say ‘The Duke Of Plaza-Toro Limited’ (!). His wife The Duchess of Plaza-Toro is played by Barbara Mayers. Two hilarious characters to play with and play with them they did. On The Day That I Was Wedded was laugh out loud and with David in the background playing up to everything she sung about it was so funny. Working well together they uplifted the show every time they came on. What fun!

The cast and crew must be delighted with this show. Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Kathryn and I.

Liz Hume-Dawson

D5

 

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