The Yeomen of the Guard

As with all shows at the Point Theatre I was warmly greeted by the front of house team, in a Coronation decorated theme, with two of the Yeomen standing guard over the Crown Jewells, It gave the already excited audience a chance to feel involved with the production. We took our seats and were greeted by some of the cast already on stage milling about outside the backdrop of the Tower of London. "The Matt Lemon Orchestra", a simple band of five members struck up the overture (with a great sound) and we were welcomed by the cast, in modern dress (as it was an up to date modern interpratation production) setting the story and we got to see Col. Fairfax eventually being arrested and carted off to the Tower! 

The staging was a simple affair, just a backdrop with entrance and exit steps to stage left and a small bench type chair to stage right, with props etc being eficiantly used to change the scene. This I liked as it allowed the performers the maximum space to use, whilst being able to change the character of the staging without blackouts. Any and all of the scene changes were carried out by the cast. Lighting brought the stage to life and the sound matched. The costumes were spectacular and colourful, that being the Yeomen and the rest of the cast were in modern dress.

Diction was of a very good quality, particularly the principles, and the story could be followed with ease. The music was at the right pace and volume and the principals and cast all knew their positions and none looked out of place and were all very confident in their individual performances. 

The principal line up of Gary Leonard, as Col Fairfax, Leanne Lee, as Elsie Maynard and Louis Spencer as Jack Point interacted well with each other to keep the story flowing, and sang beautifully and strongly both individually and together. They were very well backed up too by David Tatnell, as Shadbolt, Mike Pavitt as Sgt Meryll and Janet Green as Mrs Curruthers. Strange adventure was a particular delight.

The Yeomen of the Guard, even given its timing the week before the Coronation, is a brave show to perform, giving (sadly) the waining poularity of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. Eastleigh Operatic though did a more than creditable performance, one I enjoyed immensly and those that decided not to buy a ticket missed out on a hugely enjoyable evening. Bravo, Eastleigh, Bravo

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