The Sorcerer

The Sorcerer is one of the lesser produced Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, although this Hereford Society has staged it on 4 previous occasions, the last in 2010. This production however was in celebration of its 75th anniversary and a fitting one at that. Overall sticking to its traditional style, the temptation was not lost to inject some modern-day references, not least to Alton Towers and payment by Tesco club card!

I was particularly pleased that the large orchestra, located in the pit, was effectively led by the guest conductor Colin Hales, never overpowered and fully complimented the principals and excellent chorus. A good-looking set provided an attractive background and the space for full company numbers and their beautiful costumes to be displayed.

‘Alexis’ and ‘Aline’ whose betrothal is being celebrated, are very well played by Ed Boreham and Laura Harrison. Ed’s uplifting personality was engaging, as ‘Alexis’ pursued the belief, contrary to that of his father Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre,  that men and women should be coupled in matrimony without distinction of rank. Laura sang beautifully throughout, one highlight being ‘Happy young heart’. ‘Alexis’ finds the solution to his dream of making the whole village happy, through a love-philtre prepared by ‘John Wellington Wells’ (the Sorcerer) played with total conviction by Alan Durman with support from his assistant ‘Hercules’ played by Catrin Pugh. Alan’s number ‘My name is John Wellington Wells’ was expertly conveyed, with fluid movements and fine voice. I liked the loud checked suit! When the spell was cast, we even had some on stage pyrotechnics to good effect!

All who drank the love -philtre fell asleep and on waking chaos ensued. Even Sir Marmaduke (Jim Smith) falls in love with the lowly Mrs Partlett (Jess Squire). Jim had great stage presence with clarity and Jess played a down to earth chirpy and amusing character very well. One not so happy is ‘Constance’, acted and sang well throughout by Amelia Williams, who ‘falls’ for the ‘old and deaf’ notary (Richard Hichens).   ‘Alexis’ persuades’ Aline’ to drink the philtre to cement their relationship but this back-fires when she falls for the local vicar Dr Daly (Fred Miln). Although young, I very much liked Fred’s performance with a good voice, confident presence and smile. Congratulations are due to both Fred and Amelia for being awarded their Young Performers Bursary, to help further their theatrical studies.

Further vocal support was provided by the rich tones of Jim Smith, and Gill Haslam (‘Lady Sangazure’); their duet ‘Welcome joy!’ was sung with great poise and Gill’s duet with Alan singing ‘Oh I have wrought much evil with my spells!’ was also strong. To resolve the chaos, the only recourse is for ‘Alexis’ or ‘Wells, the sorcerer’ to sacrifice themselves and die, and the latter suitably obliges.

Director Alan Durman is to be congratulated and all involved should be very pleased with this production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.