The Grand Duke

Girton Musical Theatre's production of The Grand Duke was a delightful and engaging performance. The show, often described as the "Four weddings and two funerals G&S," is set in the fictional duchy of Pfennig Halbpfennig and follows the fortunes of a local theatre company involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the tyrannical Duke Rudolph.

G&S productions are less common than several years ago and this was one I was not familiar with, so I was really pleased that the programme had a detailed synopsis of both acts. This was a small thing but really helped me understand what was going on as it was cerebrally challenging with a very convoluted plot – thank you Messrs G&S!.

The show opened with a lovely little bespoke G&S style announcement about switching off mobiles – a nice touch and gave the audience permission to laugh! The laughter continued throughout the night. Overall, this felt like G&S’s answer to the modern-day pantomime. Who else would write a show using sausage roles as the secret sign that one is involved in a conspiracy?!?

As the curtains opened, we were treated to a visual delight. The set was very impressive with a variety of backdrops in a Tudor style and a couple of different levels up stage. Clearly a lot of work had gone into this and at the interval it was almost entirely transformed- very impressive. Well done to Helen Wilson who not only directed this show, but I understand was responsible for the majority of the set design. This, as many of the smaller details already mentioned, was well thought through and very well executed. I appreciate the hours that must have gone into this production.

As we were treated to the full orchestra’s overture, we were introduced to the cast as they prepared for the wedding breakfast under the direction of Ernest Dummkopf the theatrical manager (played by Steven Aronson). Steven provided the audience with many of the chuckle moments throughout. The cast were all strong individually and collectively and the costumes were vibrant and gave the whole production a sense of polish. I understand they were mostly hired in, but well-chosen all the same.

The most impressive element of this show was the harmonies. G&S is known for its complex SATB and the execution by the group was impressive. Well done all and special mention to Patricia Davies (MD) for both the perseverance to get the harmonies to work but also for the full orchestra which sounded amazing. As a tiny nit-pick, sometimes the diction of the ensemble needed more work. From research after the show, I can see Act 2 had various Greek-sounding exclamations of “Opoponax” Eloia!” which makes more sense as I couldn’t fathom what to me sounded like the “pepper-neck lawyer”.

A standout moment was the performance of "Sing Hearts and Diamonds, Spades and Clubs!", showcasing the vocal prowess of Ludwig (Ariel Cahn), Lisa (Hannah Green), Dr. Tannhauser (John Yates), Ernest and Julia (Vic Olphin). The song changed the singing order of the playing cards throughout, supported by the ensemble lifting oversized playing cards in time with the song and the four cast members performing the accompanying hand actions. The concentration needed was palpable! A valiant effort and I dare say the rehearsals for that scene must have been a hoot.

Other noteworthy performances included Øistein Anderson as Rudolph and Maggie Phillips as Baroness von Krakenfeldt, both delivering strong characterizations. However, the show-stealer was Julia Jellicoe, played by Vic Olphin, whose vocal control and performance in "So End my Dreams" were reminiscent of the D’Oyly Carte era.

Overall, The Grand Duke was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, showcasing the talent and hard work of the cast and crew. Girton Musical Theatre should be commended for their delightful rendition of this lesser-known G&S gem and changing my formerly anti-G&S wife’s mind on the virtues of the G&S operetta – a feat indeed!

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