The Yeomen of the Guard

The Yeomen of the Guard was the 11th collaboration of 14 by Gilbert and Sullivan, set in Shakesperean times during the reign of King Henry V111.  Yeomen is the nearest operetta to grand opera to be written and composed by the pair, then, brought skillfully to life.  It takes place in the Tower of London and premiered on the 3rd October 1888 it was an immediate hit in London followed by a run in New York.

For the first performance of the new season they absolutely enthralled their audience starting with a rousing Overture under the direction of Oliver Longstaff. With a most unusual opening, it commences with Phoebe, (Janice Rendel) singing solo at her spinning wheel before it burst into life with a full ensemble.

Colonel Fairfax, (Leon Waksburg) and Elsie Maynard, (Helen Fieldsend)  both played their roles to perfection with superb singing.  Jack Point, (Graham Weston) a very sprightly, most complex character, gave us both comedy and pathos.   Dame Carruthers, Housekeeper to the Tower and William Shadbolt Head Jailer, (Valerie Green, David Parker) were good strong characters with good vocal prowess .

Every character in this production gave 100% in every sense, all interacting well together, along with excellent singing and facial expressions.  Backed by a wonderful strong singing chorus,  all well dressed in keeping with the era.  All this with just fourteen rehearsals, absolutely unbelievable.

An extremely good production from the Savoyards, brought to life with Alistair Donkin's magic touch.  Congratulations to all involved.

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