The Sorcerer

The Sorcerer
Bentley Operatic Society
8 February 2026

The Sorcerer (1877), the charming two-act comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, centres on the idealistic Alexis Pointdextre, a young man determined to prove that love should transcend social class and status. In pursuit of this romantic ideal, Alexis engages the services of John Wellington Wells, a “ sorcerer”, to create a love potion with predictably chaotic and thoroughly entertaining results. Known for its gentle satire, lively musical score, and delightfully topsy-turvy storyline, The Sorcerer remains an important and much loved precursor to Gilbert and Sullivan’s later works.

Set in the picturesque village of Ploverleigh, the story follows Alexis Pointdextre (Jonny Atherton) as he celebrates his engagement to the graceful Aline Sangazure (Sophie Cottrell). Convinced that everyone should experience the joy of love regardless of class or status, Alexis secretly enlists John Wellington Wells (John Kennedy) to prepare a powerful love potion, which is administered to the unsuspecting villagers through a ceremonial teapot during the engagement celebrations. With the exception of Alexis, Aline and Wells, all unmarried villagers consume the enchanted tea, fall asleep, and upon waking, promptly fall in love with the first person they encounter, resulting in a series of wonderfully absurd and mismatched relationships.

Among the resulting entanglements, Alexis’s aristocratic father, Sir Marmaduke (Steve Riordan), finds himself enamoured with the socially ambitious Mrs Partlet (Hope McNulty). Meanwhile, Lady Sangazure (Hilary Galley) becomes captivated by Mr Wells, and Mrs Partlet’s daughter, Constance (Helen Johnson), forms an amusingly unlikely attachment to the elderly Notary (Michael Galley). The situation becomes even more delightfully complicated when Aline, initially hurt by Alexis’s insistence that she prove her devotion by drinking the potion, reluctantly agrees. Upon doing so, she falls instantly in love with the kind hearted but ageing vicar, Dr Daly (Ste Sutcliffe), much to Alexis’s distress.

As the chaos reaches its peak, Alexis appeals to Wells to reverse the spell, only to discover that it can be broken only through the sacrifice of either Alexis or Wells to the infernal underworld. The villagers, in true comic fashion, unanimously decide that the unfortunate outsider Wells should make the ultimate sacrifice. In a dramatic and theatrical conclusion, Wells is claimed by the underworlds two spits, the spell is lifted, and harmony is restored, allowing the villagers to reunite with their rightful partners and celebrate once more.

This production by the exceptionally talented Bentley Operatic Society was an absolute joy to watch. Director James Graig’s thoughtful and inspired casting was supported superbly by Musical Director Brian Tubb. The Sorcerer is very much an ensemble piece, and it was evident that every member of the company embraced the opportunity to contribute to the success of this lively, wacky and hugely enjoyable production. The enthusiastic and sustained applause from a full and appreciative audience spoke volumes about the enjoyment felt throughout the Hall.

Thank you for such a thoroughly uplifting and entertaining afternoon. It was a genuine pleasure to experience this production, and I very much look forward to seeing the Society’s NODA award-winning production of Evita celebrated at the Awards in May.

Joanne Rymer
District 4
NODA

 

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