The Sorcerer

The Sorcerer may not be the most popular of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas but it is a little gem full of wonderful music, fun and wit.

This most  innovative production was moved forward in time to the 1920’s and many of the residents in the village of Ploverleigh were notable fictional or historic characters from that era including Hercule Poirot, Laurel and Hardie, Charlie Chaplin and Sherlock Holmes to name but a few. The fashion of the 1920’s was flamboyant and flattering and the cast all looked fabulous in the most authentic, varied and colourful costumes in a most picturesque village setting .

From the first note of the overture to the  final note of the score, the orchestra under David Lyle’s masterful direction was sublime. The gutsy ‘Ring Forth Ye Bells’ opening Act 1 immediately defined the strength of the ensemble singing which was superb throughout.

The villagers have all gathered to celebrate the marriage of Aline to the aristocratic Alexis who becomes obsessed with the idea that love levels all ranks. He  somewhat naively summons Mr.Wells, the sorcerer to brew a love potion which when taken will result in everyone falling in love with the first person they see when they awake.This of course results in chaos  and some very peculiar pairings. The finale of Act 1 when the spell is administered was most effective with the slow motion as people fall asleep most atmospheric. I did like the teapot!

Theodore Rankine-Fourdraine was well cast as the handsome Alexis with an excellent stage presence and fine singing voice. Both of his solo numbers, ‘Love feeds on many kinds of food’ and ‘Thou has the power thy vaulted love’ are in my opinion two of Sullivan’s most beautiful numbers and were sung with passion and conviction. Rebekah Lansley, Aline, gave an assured, confident performance. With a beautiful singing voice which soared effortlessly her solo number ‘Oh happy young heart’ was joyous. Alexis and Aline’s voices blended perfectly in thier duets .

There is a love interest between Alexis’ father Sir Marmaduke and Aline’s mother Lady Sangazure. Scott Thomson ably portrayed the somewhat pompous Sir Marmaduke with some good comedy timing. Annabel Hamid, a most stylish lady had no problem in displaying her affection for Sir Marmaduke and their duet ‘Welcome joy, adieu to sadness' was amusing, lively and very well articulated.

Liz Landsman and Emma Lawson worked extremely well together as the lower class Mrs. Partlet and her stroppy, gawky, love sick daughter Constance who pines for the love of the vicar Dr. Daly. There were some very funny moments as Mrs Partlet tries to marry off her daughter with both maintaining thier strong Somerset accents throughout. Constance joy and frustration was clearly evident when matched with the ‘Deaf Old Man’. Ian Lawson who made the most of every moment of this fun part. ‘Dear friends take pity on my lot’ was well sung and  most amusing.

Peter Cushley was a most warm hearted vicar, steadfast in his duties but frustrated that he cannot find love. ‘Time was when love and I were well acquainted’  was sung with such feeling as was the melancholy ‘Oh my voice is sad and low’ although the saxophhone playing brought out a twinkle in his eyes.

The quintet ‘I rejoice that it is decided’ was one of the shows highlights with the voices blending so well and business with the hankies perfected.

Brian Boardman was a most dignified Notary.

Sebastian Davidson was indeed a fabulous Sorcerer. Exuberant, light footed and mischievous he was totally immersed in the role giving a spell binding performance.

Introducing himself ‘My name is John Wellington Wells’ was articulated so well so that every word was heard in this fast moving patter song. The Act 2 number ‘Oh, I have wrought much evil with my spells’ with the lustful Lady Sangazure was  humorous and catchy. His many magic tricks worked extremely well and the fabulous lighting and pyrotechnics really made these scenes quite remarkable. His exit was quite magical. Lighting throughout the production was creative and brought life and atmosphere to the varying situations.

This was a truly magical production with an impressive line up of principal characters and a cast of animated villagers and high spirited bridesmaids who were always on the move. Some clever referals to Donald Trump’s tariffs and Instagram brought a freshness to this production which paid a great deal of attention to detail. Full bodied singing supported by a grand orchestra, colourful set and costumes and a most imaginative well staged, well directed production was very well received by a most appreciative audience.

The Sorcerer may not be one of G&S most popular operettas but it is full of fun and wonderful music and this company gave credit to both the score and the script.

Fabulous!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.