The Yeomen of The Guard

"The Yeomen of the Guard" is one of the most popular comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan's collaboration.

Premiered in 1888, the story is set in the Tower of London during the Tudor era and follows the fates of the imprisoned Colonel Fairfax and the travelling singer Elsie Maynard, whose paths unexpectedly cross. Colonel Fairfax is wrongly accused and sentenced to death for sorcery, and Elsie Maynard becomes a crucial part of his plan to escape execution.

As the story unfolds, we meet various characters who add to the complexity of the plot. There's Jack Point, a jester and travelling musician who is in love with Elsie and seeks to win her heart; Sergeant Meryll, a member of the Yeomen of the Guard who becomes involved in the plan to rescue Fairfax; and Shadbolt, the head jailer who is obsessed with his own importance. Throughout the opera, Gilbert and Sullivan's trademark wit and humour shine through, while also exploring themes of love, betrayal, and honour.

With its charming melodies, comedic moments, and intriguing plot twists, "The Yeomen of the Guard" is a beloved classic of the genre that continues to entertain audiences to this day.

The production in Hornby began in a slightly lacklustre way - energy was somehow a little low. This is common with a lot of productions, but it’s something to be aware of as a good start can really bring the audience with you.

Not to worry though, because the pace really picked up once Jack Point and Elsie Maynard arrived on the scene, and the show flowed very well from that point onwards. Whether that’s to do with the rather well-honed performances of Tony Baker (Jack Point) and Leigh Rhianon Coggins (Elsie Maynard), or simply that scenes from this point had more focus, I am not sure, but I do feel the production came alive from hereon in.

Tony and Leigh both performed very well and gave us some good characterisation and fabulous singing voices (I could listen to Leigh singing the full telephone directory and not get bored). Well done to both.

Colonel Fairfax and Elsie Maynard have an important story arc in this show. Their characters need to develop in rather a remarkable way - from complete strangers, where Fairfax needs Elsie to marry him nevertheless, through to lovers. The callousness and arrogance of Fairfax needs to come through for this to really work. I feel Matthew Bradley did a decent job of this. While there are elements to his character he could develop further, the attitude and arrogance came through.

Other characters include Brian Lancaster’s “Wilfred Shadbolt”, the Head Jailer, which was nicely performed. Vanessa Edwards, “Phoebe”, nicely opening the show with her lovely song. Jo Worton’s “Dame Carruthers” singing nicely in a few of the numbers. Angela Towers, “Kate”, a smaller role but very important for the fabulous quartet, “Strange Adventure”, which landed bang on the note each time the orchestra came back in.

George Leathard played Sergeant Meryll with conviction and though with a nervous start, seemed to warm up just fine. I was pleased to see Graham Beevers do a stirling job as Sir Richard Calmondley.

Finally we have David Towers (Leonard Meryll), Chris Worton (1st Yeoman) and George Jones (2nd Yeoman). These all played their parts well and added to the production.

The staging of the show was the usual fare from Hornby, with a nicely built, fixed painted set. It looked the part and did the job perfectly well. Lighting was simple and effective.

Everyone was clearly audible and the story could therefore be easily told and understood. The music is always a delight with Hornby productions with a reliable orchestra and a musical director, Richard Bromley, who can get the best from his cast. It worked well and it was a lovely sound yet again.

I’ve made no secret of my reluctance when it comes to Gilbert and Sullivan productions (even though I've performed in most), partly because they often feel dated and lacking in originality or depth. I can say that this production did not feel like that. It provided genuine entertainment and I found it a pleasure to watch.

Well done to the director, who must be pleased with the production, David Towers.

Thank you, Hornby, for your hospitality and Invite

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