The Yeomen of the Guard
Information
- Date
- 17th October 2019
- Society
- Littlehampton Players Operatic Society
- Venue
- The Windmill Theatre, Littlehampton
- Type of Production
- G&S
- Director
- Stuart Box
- Musical Director
- Graham Carton
- Choreographer
- Stuart Box
With Sullivan’s score regarded by many as his best and Gilbert’s satirical wit at its sharpest, The Yeomen of the Guard is considered by many to be the finest of their collaborative works. This production set during the second world war was cleverly costumed with Land Girls, Army Officers and, of course, the hapless Tommy all singing and acting with great gusto and enthusiasm. The simple set was designed to avoid scene changes as such with a beautiful back cloth depicting the Tower of London where poor Colonel Fairfax was imprisoned for treason. Sam Shanks gave an excellent portrayal of the colonel, singing with great feeling and conviction.
With a good rousing chorus the society achieved the important objective to grab the audience’s attention from the word go. This production had all the important elements that create an excellent evening’s entertainment. It was very apparent from the sand bags that festooned the performance area that this was not going to be a traditional format but was based on ‘Dads Army’.
The principals’ voices blended well together and there were good characterisations and the ensemble singing was to this society’s usual high standard with the orchestra supporting but never overwhelming the vocalists. All the musical numbers from solos, small groups to the full chorus, were backed by a well balanced orchestra, under the capable hands of Graham Carton. My small criticism of this particular show was the lack of spontaneous movement during quite a few of the musical numbers. A little more choreography would have lifted some of the scenes.
Jack Point was impressively played by James Mitchell. His mature voice belies his youth and is equalled by his natural flair for acting. He totally dominated the stage whenever he appeared giving a stunning, flamboyant and, indeed, magical performance. Wilfred Shadbolt the head jailer, played by Oliver Shanks gave an equally vigorous and enthusiastic interpretation of his part. Their two duets, ‘Tail of Cock and Bull’ and ‘A Prisoners Skill’ which followed the opening of Act 2 were superb. Elsie Maynard was delightfully portrayed by Maisie O’Neill, David Martin was every inch the Lieutenant of the tower, Sergeant Meryll was played confidently by Simon Smith, Richard Cooper was staunchly dignified as his son Leonard, and Alice Dukes as Phoebe, his daughter was a joy to watch from her opening solo song to her delightful duet with Shadbolt. The other four principals and the chorus gave secure well balanced performances.
I am sure that everyone left the theatre, humming the great songs, having had a really enjoyable evening.
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.