The Yeomen of the Guard

Yeomen is one of the most intense of all the Savoy Opera’s, this was the eleventh collaboration of fourteen between Gilbert and Sullivan, this is a story of humour and pathos, and what a lot of super performances. The show opened with Phoebe sitting at her spinning wheel and singing ‘When a Maiden Loves she Sits and Sigh’s’, this lovely rendition set the standard for the whole evening, well done Angela Dixon and chorus. I thought that John Reid was very effective as head jailer Shadbolt. The Yeomen all looked very impressive and suitably imposing, Graham Beavers playing Sergeant Meryll did a great job, his voice is just so beautiful to listen to, I really enjoyed his performance.

This operetta is not a happy ever after, Simon Yaxley as Jack Point was outstanding, he gave a text book performance with super characterisations of voice and stature, he really does have superb timing and is the master of projection. I liked the way that he created the right amount of pathos and depth of character whenever he was on stage,  very ably creating a link between the various factions in the story and there was genuine sadness when he collapsed.

Rachel Mercer as Elsie Maynard a strolling singer was a joy to watch, she has a lovely stage presence, beautiful facial expressions and a clear soprano voice and along with Matthew Armstrong playing Colonel Fairfax who possess a fine tenor voice, complemented each other beautifully and he gave such an assured performance. Very well done both of you.

What can I say about Dame Carruthers, played by a lady who knows how to command the stage with her elegance and stage presence, except excellent, a lovely performance by Catharine Perrin, and a very nice portrayal by Jenny Brooks as Kate. This is one of the best ‘Yeomen’ I have seen for some time, everyone on stage gave of their best from the smaller parts to the chorus, everyone played as a team. The set was excellent, the costumes were quite lovely, the orchestra was well balanced but I felt that it was a little too loud in the first half at times.

I’m sure the audience enjoyed like I did, an entertaining evening of Gilbert and Sullivan. Thank you.

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