10th April 2025
Shrek – The Musical
Glastonbury & Street Musical Comedy Society, Strode Theatre, Street, Somerset
The Sorcerer
Author: Debi Weaver
Information
- Date
- 10th April 2019
- Society
- Swindon G & S Society
- Venue
- ARTS CENTRE Swindon
- Type of Production
- G&S
- Director
- Derek Hill
- Musical Director
- Richard Abrams
- Choreographer
- Paula Read
SWINDON GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY
THE SORCERER
As seen by Debi Weaver (NODA South West District 16) on Wednesday 10th April 2019 at ARTS CENTRE Swindon
DIRECTOR: Derek Hill
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Richard Abrams
CHOREOGRAPHY: Paula Read
The Sorcerer is the 3rd collaboration of Gilbert & Sullivan, first performed in 1877. Set in the village of Poverleigh it begins at the celebration of the betrothal of Alexis and Aline. Alexis disagrees with the outdated view of social distinctions when it comes to love and marriage and hires the Sorcerer Jonathon Wellington Wells to concoct the perfect love potion, however this backfires in several ways.
This was a traditional version ably directed by Derek Hill, and as is traditional, several modern and local references were included to ensure audience laughs.
Alexis was played with aplomb by Robert Felstead and Aline was well played by Natalie Shirley- Chequer. A personal preference maybe, but I would have liked to have seen more engagement between the two characters, and less “playing to the front”
A highlight for me was Stuart Benjamin as John Wellington Wells who gave a very lively and entertaining characterisation.
Great support was provided by the ensemble who were very well rehearsed, and mostly remained animated throughout, clearly enjoying themselves. I did feel that at times the diction was not always clear and I struggled to hear all the words.
There were some great cameos, I particularly enjoyed the Notary played by Alan Fryer, and the 3 members of the band with the clumsy trombonist making me giggle.
The set was simple but effective, working well on the small Arts Centre Stage, and the costumes were appropriate for the era and complimented the production.
The Orchestra led by Musical Director Richard Abrams were excellent and although in general the sound balance was good there were moments where I struggled to hear all the voices It looked as though some of the cast had microphones and others didn’t which did also impact the balance at times.
My congratulations to the cast, crew, musicians and production team for a great production and the much-appreciated hospitality.
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