The Grand Duke

The Grand Duke may not be one of Gilbert and Sullivans best known and loved operettas but it has some wonderful music and amusing characters. The plot is to say the least confusing and somewhat bizarre but this strong cast brought the whole production to life with fabulous singing, well defined characters, fun and frolics.

Although billed as a semi staged production, this was a most innovative, creative production and far from being just a concert. With limted performance space, the minimal set and clever use of props created the required atmosphere while the simple but cleverly chosen costumes enhanced the overall production.

In the title role of Grand Duke Rudolf, Sebastian Davidson exuded high energy and delivered his musical numbers with great articulation and style. He and his somewhat miserly Baroness Von Krackenfeldt, Mairi Coyle, were a formidable duo with slick comic timing and spirited duets. The somewhat supersilious Ernest Dummkopf was very well portrayed by Theodore Rankine-Fourdraine.

Young Matt Markham has a beautiful voice and was a most dashing, charismatic Ludwig caught up in the confusion of being engaged to four women while he is supposed to be marrying the lovely, demure Lisa, Emma Lawson. The diva of ‘the company', Julia was deliverd with real conviction by Annabel Hamid who gave a most assertive, dramatic performance. With so much confusion in trying to sort out who reallly is the Duke and who is married to who it was just as well the Notary Dr Tannhauser could solve the issues. Peter Cushley played this role with utter calmness and serenity and his numbers were beautifully sung.

There were some random moments in this production no more so than Ian Lawson’s Herald and the Back to the Future ensemble! It was wonderful to see Bruce Graham making a guest appearance as the Prince of Monte Carlo. With an outstanding bass voice he most certainly made an impact. His charming daughter the Princess of Monte Carlo was played with great charm and sung with real purity and ease by Nicole Dickie.The roulette scene was quite inspirational with the ingenious costumes representing the dice and movement depicting the turning of the roulette wheel. Very clever production.

All of the supporting roles were very well played. A small ensemble mainly flanking the stage were in fine voice bringing the chorus numbers to life with real gusto. No need for an orchestra when you have maestro David Lyle playing the entire score and accompanying the singers on the piano with such ease.

This was a most enjoyable, imaginative production which showcased the talent and versatility of the cast and production team. Its a pity The Grand Duke isn’t performed more often.

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