The Sorcerer

“The Sorcerer” by Gilbert & Sullivan is one of their works not played so much as some but this production was updated to the present time in such a clever way by David and made it so refreshingly entertaining.

 The action took place in the local vicinityof Wivenhoe House Hotel where a young couple were celebrating their engagement.

The style of dress was modern, and varied from very posh to tradespeople and included some fluorescent vests on some of the gentlemen and suited the style of the production so well.

Many topical items were referred to in the production, ranging from Brexit to Government matters,Trump, also local towns and villages weaved into the story in a very clever way.

 Mrs Parlett (a pew opener) played by Fiona Morris accompanied by her daughter Constance played by Clare Kane, who was suffering badly with unrequited love for the local vicar Dr Daly played by Greg Smith started the show in a robust manner, and all three maintained great characters and also had good singing voices. Constance was in  turmoil for most of the show but all ended well generally for her.

Greg was involved in some very humorous scenes and as usual gave us a a fun role, even playing the Mandolin at some point which was a lovely touch.

We were then intruduced to Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre an elderly Baronet played by Malcolm Burren, and Alexis his son played and sung so well by a newcomer to the group Joshua Horsey together with Natasha Bennett  as Aline, who had become engaged to Alexis.

 Natasha has the most beautiful singing voice and was perfect in this part.

Aline’s Mother Lady Sangazure ( a lady of ancient lineage) played by Lesley Duncan was so good in her character and made such an impact with two comic duets ,one with Sir Marmaduke and one with John Wellington Wells. Lesley had a lovely rich contralto voice and sung and acted so well.

John Wellington Wells(the sorcerer) was superbly played by Martin Sparks with his patter song sung at great pace,a great sense of timing and a confident performer.

The entire cast entered into the hilarious story and gave the audience some very funny moments.

As always this society were very strong on all the chorus singing with tight harmonies and balance of voices so good.This is down to the work Hilary Brunning as Musical Director had done at rehearsals and it was obvious that all the cast were in full voice and confidence shone through.

Hercules a young servant played by Charlotte Howell and the Notary played by Peter Bather completed the principal line up.

It was a very entertaining evening with wall paintings making the most of a limited set and all was used to the maximum effect.

David really gave us a super show and great credit to his flair in directing this production.

The society are so lucky to have an accompanist on the piano who gives so much support to the company . Joe Richardson is so talented and to watch him playing with ease the most difficult scores is amazing.Few groups now would be able to pull off a Gilbert & Sullivan with just a piano as backing, but with Joe on the piano it sounds like an orchestra.

It was such an enjoyable production which the audience obviously thoroughly enjoyed. Congratulations all round are well deserved.

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