The Gondoliers

With a plethora of tuneful songs the Society revelled in the opportunity to present ‘The Gondoliers’ after a ten year break. The opening scene, colourfully dressed and energetically portrayed, set the standard for the rest of the show. With an orchestra sympathetically in tune with both the principals and the chorus, the libretto was delivered to a high standard.

 Although repeating the storyline of babies being exchanged and growing up ignorant of their parentage and a reliance on a dominant female character, Gilbert’s clever, topical lines keep coming up freshly amusing to hold the audience’s attention. All the leading parts were well cast, Marco (Paul Richmond) a strong tenor voice with particularly good diction, Guiseppi (Alex Hayward Browne) a very happy and relaxed portrayal, together with Gianetta (Carolyn Bean) and Tessa (Jo Hutchinson) nicely contrasted but a pleasing team. The “upper crust” was also served well with the Duke of Plaza Toro (Ian Stewart) played with more authority than often seen, until put in his place by the physical and vocal dominance of the Duchess (Judy Savournin). Their daughter Casilda (Gwen Knight) did justice to her small singing part and trod the boards confidently as the Queen- in -Waiting. Meanwhile Don Alhambra del Bolero (Brian Eyley) was suitably serious in his attempts to correct the egalitarian tendencies of the court. A joyful production that was a credit to the Artistic and the Musical Directors.

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