The Sorcerer

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society have tackled the lesser-known production of The Sorcerer, and yet again they have done it justice. Gilbert & Sullivan productions are not an easy task especially with the range of parts, songs and the abstract nature of some of the storylines but the company did a brilliant job. The characters were full of life, diverse and the story was clear and staged well to allow the audience full enjoyment of the mayhem that one tea party and a philtre can cause.

In this bright, loving and clever production the whole cast showed clear character and acted brilliantly from start to finish but I cannot start the review without mentioning the support behind the curtain. When talking to very proud director, Alistair Bolton, after the show it is clear that there is so much support from volunteers that we don't see. People making props, helping with set design and supporting backstage and in the rehearsal room. The best thing is that it all shows on stage and to the very happy audiences. I was lucky enough to come to a rehearsal a few weeks before seeing the show and was warmly welcomed into their rehearsal space, where the strength of their community was clear to see.

When entering the theatre the audience were welcomed to an open stage depicting the detailed and vibrant exterior of Sir Marmaduke’s Mansion. The set filled the full depth of the Middlesbrough Theatre stage with raised platforms and a working doorway which provided us with lots to explore visually throughout the performance. The lighting worked well alongside the set in depicting night, day and working effectively when the spirits were being summoned.

The cast was filled with big and enjoyable characters, Debbie Hodgson & Megan Caisley played the mother and daughter duo Mrs.Partlet and Constance, both performers were engaging and enjoyable to listen to throughout, a well matched couple of performers. Their solos and duets showed off their performance ability well as they created a believable and heartfelt relationship. Steve Magor playing the beloved Dr. Daly was able to play a brilliant town vicar with truth, sincerity and the right amount of humour for the role. His voice was well used in this role and so was his brilliantly expressive responses to the situations around him. Gillian Sild and David Beall were also a couple brilliantly partnered together! Their on and off romance as Lady Sangazure and Sir.Marmaduke Pointdextre was comically great with their expressive physical performance and a true telling of their engaging side story kept the audience interested for more. As well as playing Sir.Marmaduke, David had also been the Chorus Master for this production, keeping them on the right track and teaching the technically challenging harmonies to a fantastic result.

The main story was focused around young Alexis played by Jamie Benson. His facial expressions were clever and witty along with his bursts of physical gestures to grab the audience's attention. His voice was really well placed throughout the performance and his multiple singing numbers, whether it be a love song or planning something a little less loving. Alexis’ wife Aline played by the beautifully voiced Stacey Dobson was the voice of reason for most of the story. Stacey’s superb operatic belt filled the theatre even without the use of any microphones, she performed gracefully and left the audience listening to every note. She was able to perform clearly and allow the audience to understand her thoughts and feelings through her great facial expressions and physical work. Adam Hegarty playing John Wellington Wells, had a perfectly brilliant balance of comedy and seriousness in his performance. His voice was matched with the role and his performance never dropped throughout his time on the stage. Every scene he was in, no matter in what capacity, he was constantly engaging with others or deepening his character to the audience.

The stage was often filled with the whole cast and as amazing as they all were it would be incredibly difficult to pick out any individuals in this case. Every company scene had a stage full of realistic and believable town characters, interacting, and joking along with each other. The whole creative team, cast and crew should be incredibly proud of bringing yet another fantastic Gilbert & Sullivan show to life!

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