The Yeoman of The Guard

The Yeomen of the Guard set in the Tower of London is perhaps one of the most serious of Gilbert and Sullivan works. It does manage to have comic characters and keeps the puns and satire usual in Gilbert and Sullivan works. They also make use of fake Shakespearian speech to add to the flavour of the piece.

The set was the Tower walls and a Tudor house set Stage Right with window and steps leading up to the door. Stage Left a Courtyard with steps leading up to a raised area. A bench was in front of the house. The backcloth was a large tree and a building in the distance. Arches were Stage Right for entrances and exits. Set Construction David Kaye, Paul Dainton, David Hall, Rob McGee, Harry Ainsworth and David Dainton. Lighting and Sound all added to the piece and helped tell the story. Lighting by Josh Smith and James Warner. Sound by Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Costumes were suitable for the period and looked effective. The Yeomen looked very smart. Costumes Elizabeth Stagewear of Blundellsands, Ann Batchelor, Elsa McGhee and Christine Laithwaite.

The 18 strong band sounded superb led by Musical Director Phil Boardman. Who let the band and vocals simultaneously to come together as one. Which produced a beautiful sound in the St Joesphs Hall. The Director was David Kay who also took on the role of Sir Richard Cholmondeley (Pronounced Chum’lee) Lieutenant of the Tower. The stage was used well and The Ensemble of Yeomen of The Guards and Citizens supported the cast. It was a very cohesive performance.

John Matthias was The Headsman. Keith Shatwell was a Citizen. Steve Brennan was First Yeoman. Beth Garrett played Kate Dame Carruthers Niece. Tony Meehan Played Leonard Meryll a brave solider who helps save the day. Anthony Norden with his deep rich as Sergeant Meryll and Babara Mayers as Dame Curruthers (Housekeeper to the Tower) bring the comedy. She wants a husband he doesn’t a want a wife. Working well together they gave us “Rapture! Rapture”.

David Griffiths gave us Colonel Fairfax. He starts the show under the sentence of death and sang strongly “Is Life a Boon” & “Free From His Fetters Grim” amongst others. Richard Aspinall playing Wilfred Shadbolt Head Jailer/ Assistant Tormentor managed to blend being a not very likeable person with comedy and looked to thoroughly relish the role. Bringing energy to the stage every time.

Victoria Goulden took on the role of Elsie Maynard a strolling player. Who ends up marrying a stranger and is told not for long. Things do not go to plan. Victoria sang “Tis Done! I Am a bride” and many more, Victoria as always delivers a lovely performance. Working well with Karl Heaver playing Jack Point a strolling jester, who uses his wit to get along but he is in love with Elsie. Jack delivered the tragic comic bringing his wit and energy to the part. “I’ve Jibe and Joke and Quip and Crank” & “Oh! Private Buffoon is a Light-Hearted Loon” along with the songs he sang with Victoria like “I Have a Song To Sing, O” Lauren Mulligan as Phoebe Meryll, Sergeant Meryll’s daughter. Lauren gave us a spirited Phoebe and with a beautiful voice, especially with opening “When a Maiden Loves She Sits and Sighs” and “Were I Thy Bride” Lauren gives us the women in love and it is not reciprocated. Good characterisation and working well to move the plot along, with some comic moments thrown in - especially when with Head Jailer played by Richard Aspinall. Lovely performance Lauren.

Thank you for the invite and hospitality and I must say the Front of House looked great - so smart and the added Jester costumes was fun. Thank you from my guest Matthew and I

Liz Hume-Dawson

District Rep 5

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.