The Sorcerer

As noted from the programme it has been a busy period for all at The Savoyards who are in fact celebrating their 60Th anniversary year, undertaking a number of special concerts and also many NODA long service awards that were presented by Honorary President Christine Doolan, included were milestone awards for Janet Jones (55 years), Janet James (50 years), and also rehearsal pianist, Joan Jennings (50 years). On behalf of NODA I would like to offer many congratulations to all recipients for such dedication to the society.

I always look forward to seeing any Gilbert & Sullivan productions especially in the case of The Sorcerer as I’ve not seen it before. When reading through the synopsis beforehand I was immediately intrigued and eager to find out what would happen on stage, always a good indication of audience engagement.

The curtains opened to show a colourful marquee upstage, complete with seasonal bunting and plentiful realistic prop cakes and other tempting food items. I think all the village were present, celebrating and dressed to impress, Janet James had chosen the perfect costumes for everyone as expected.

Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre (Stephen Yeomans) started the proceedings. Rob Mead played the somewhat eccentric Vicar, Dr Daly. He was perfect for this role and was totally unaware that Constance (Jane Carter) was somewhat smitten with him. Smooth talking, sophisticated Alexis was played by Sean Clothier. The plot develops into disaster when he wants all the village to feel the love that he and Aline (played by Elissa Street) have, so he engages the larger than life family Sorcerer John Wellington Wells (Paul Carter) to make a secret love potion. Special mention must go to Paul for ‘The Sorcerers Song’. The making of the potion in the steaming tea pot was also very effective. Deborah Webb played Mrs Partlet, Constance’s Mother and Aline’s Mother, Lady Sangazure, was played by Janet James.

The above were well supported by James Dooley, Peter Hazelwood and Adrian Edmonds who played the Notary, A Deaf Old Man and Hercules respectively. They were also joined at the celebrations by eleven or so villagers that ensured the ensemble singing sounded superb and full of wonderful harmonies throughout.

Whilst the set was very simple the story line was not so, especially when the potion puts everyone in the Village to sleep only for them all to wake 12 hours later and fall in love with the very first person they set eyes on. Inevitably there were some interesting and totally unsuitable pairings going on when everyone awoke which really made the audience laugh out loud.

A very enjoyable evening once again from The Savoyards who succeeded well in what they do best, performing Gilbert & Sullivan. Thank you once again for the invitation. I attended with the Noda Regional Councillor Andy Brown who was also impressed, being the first time of seeing the society.

Looking forward to The Mikado.

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