The Yeoman of the Guard

Ipswich G & S celebrate their 95th anniversary with their production of Yeoman of the Guard or The Merryman and his Maid which sums up the show quite nicely. Against a splendid backdrop depicting the Tower of London the story unravels in a case of unrequited love, mistaken identities with plenty of humour and some fabulous songs accompanied by a thirteen piece orchestra who added quality to the production.

Karl Hayward-Bradley as Jack Point, the jester gave an excellent stand out comic performance. He was quick and nimble on his feet, with enormous energy and comic timing. A perfectly cast role for him. This strolling jester was accompanied by a strolling singer, Elsie Maynard played by  Becca Kirby who finds herself in the middle of a love triangle.  She excels in this type of role and gave a quality performance in her acting and a professional standard to her singing. Phil Tattersall was a very believable character in his role of Colonel Fairfax, who had been sentenced to death and a cunning plan was devised to free him. Lucy Pakes was captivating and delightful in her role of Phoebe  and all four of them gave superb performances in their songs together. Indeed, both the principles and ensemble delivered a plethora of confident songs with some  strong harmonies.

Ed Gerrie looked suitably evil as Wilfred Shadbolt, the jailor and executioner, along with Howard Brooks as Sergeant Meryll and Sara Bucknall as Dame Carruthers who all thrived in their respective roles plus some good cameo roles from the other supporting actors.  

By nature of the script, with an introduction of the  story-line by means of  projections there was a somewhat slow start followed by a relatively quiet introduction to the Yeoman themselves particularly with their first number, but as the story and characters unfold there is much more interaction between the main characters and the ensemble and one is drawn into the storyline.

The ladies ensemble, some of whom were in lavish rich velvet costumes looked fabulous and gave some excellent songs with some strong singers in their midst.  The Yeoman all looked splendid in their well fitting uniforms. The Jesters costume looked excellent right down to his authentic looking shoes and Elsie was spectacular in her final costume.  Sound was good; I think they are the only Group these days that do not need microphones as they can certainly project.

Well done to James, Sue and all involved in another successful production and a very entertaining evening in front of their appreciative audience. As Sue said afterwards they were all laughing in the right places, so definitely enjoying the comedy.

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