The Yeomen of the Guard

Having appeared in the chorus of quite a few G&S shows over the years, it as a pleasure to sit back and watch Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society in their latest production of The Yeomen of the Guard. The story was completely new to me but, mistaken identity, complex love triangles, wickedly delicious wit, all conveyed through song was a pleasure to watch.

Set in the Tower of London, during the reign of King Henry VIII, Colonel Fairfax awaits execution. His allies set about rescuing him and with the help of two travelling players, the audience are taken on a roller coaster ride of mayhem until Fairfax is finally pardoned.

Director David Slater, faced with illness within the cast, was forced to replace two of his main players with mere weeks until opening night. His replacements, in no way diminished the show, proving instead to be strong presences on stage.

David kept his set design simple, choosing to place four stone pillars on stage, representing the Tower of London. This simplicity worked well, with no set changes the story flowed easily, allowing his players to move succinctly from scene to scene. The use of a sawhorse set and removed by cast provided seating and was used often within certain songs.

The Musical Director, David Goulden, and his orchestra, sounded lovely. I did not realise until the interval that half of the orchestra were situated underneath the stage, hidden from the audience by curtains. The music did not overpower the singing yet could be heard clearly throughout the show. David had rehearsed his cast well, with truly lovely harmonies sung by principles and chorus alike.

The show opened with the young Phoebe Meryll, played by Janice Rendel, sat at a spinning wheel, lamenting her misfortunes. Her unrequited love sits awaiting his doom in the Tower, she sang a sad self-pitying song, ‘When Maiden Loves She Sits and Sighs,’ that Janice played with humour, settling into her character from the start. Janice gave a thoroughly enjoyable performance throughout the show, with a cheeky demeanour, sharp wit and a strong singing voice, the audience warmed to her instantly. I particularly liked her interactions with the jailor Shadbolt, the scene where she was flirting with him was hilarious, her repugnance obvious, she wound him around her little finger easily, I thought it was played out brilliantly.

Mike Nash-Whitmore played the Head Jailor and Assistant Tormentor, Wilfred Shadbolt. Mike was cast perfectly in this role. A jailor who takes his role seriously, enjoying the assistant tormenting way more than he should, Shadbolt is in love with Pheobe. Played to maximum effect, Shadbolt was a dirty, no empathy, weasel of a man, whose softer side was shown only to Phoebe. His mannerisms, wiping under his armpits, sniffing ladies’ scarves, were all meant to disgust, solidifying his character. His song and dance with the jester, Jack Point, where he was always a slight step behind, was amusing and lively, Mike played this role very well, he was funny, lovable, and revoting, all in one.

Colonel Fairfax, the unfortunate prisoner in the Tower, was played by Peter Crichton. Rescued by Phoebe and her father, Sergent Meryll, from the tower, Fairfax is placed in with the Yeomen of the Guard. Peter played his character as the suave, handsome, heroic Fairfax with ease. Wooing the ladies and inspiring the gents. With his strong singing and devil may care attitude, Peter was a firm favourite with the audience.

Tony Lewis played Sergeant Meryll, the father to Phoebe and Leonard, and Sergeant of the Yeomen. Despairing of his wayward daughter, replacing his son in the Yeomen for Fairfax, all the while dodging the amorous affections of Dame Carruthers, Sergeant Meryll was a busy man. Tony had great comic timing and wonderful facial expressions; I thought the quartet he was part of in act two was especially lovely. Tony was stately and humorous from the offset.

The Jester, Jack Point, was played by Paul Cross. A travelling player, who, after convincing his lady love to agree to marry a condemned man for the money, Jack Point is left alone and crestfallen at the end of the show. Agile, witty, and entertaining, Paul leaped on and off the sawhorse whilst either singing or delivering tongue twisting dialogue, all the while juggling. Paul added vibrancy and levity to his scenes. His songs were strong, unaffected by the gymnastics he performed. An impressive performance delivered with confidence.

Elsie Maynard, a travelling singer, was played by Sally Shaw. Poor Elsie is traded off by Jack Point, forced to marry a condemned man, believed widowed, then married off again. Sally played her character as a demur and shy, innocent young girl. With her downcast eyes and singing some lovely soprano notes, Sally gave a convincing, likeable performance. The audience were rooting for her happiness by the end of the show.

Brenda Murray gave us a formidable Dame Carruthers. Overseer of all things Tower related Dame Carruthers has her heart set on Sergeant Meryll. Brenda is a great character actor, witty and never missing a beat, her facial expressions often making the audience laugh. With an extraordinarily strong singing voice Brenda is a force to be reckoned with on stage. I thoroughly enjoyed her portrayal of this character.

Carl Donohue played Leonard Meryll, son to the Sergeant, brother to Pheobe. Poor Leonard gives his newly acquired position within the Yeomen to Fairfax to delay Fairfax’s execution. His harmony in the song, ‘Alas! I Waver To and For’, was perfect. Carl looked every inch the Tudor gent, giving a lively performance.

Bill Shaw played Sir Richard Cholmondley. Responsible for acquiring a pardon for Fairfax, Cholmondley moved the narrative along as he popped on and off stage. Bill gave his character strength and integrity, his dialogue was clear, his stance commanding.

Amy Bell played the niece of Dame Carruthers, Kate. With a beautiful soprano voice, Amy could be heard clearly in the song ‘Strange Adventures,’ I hope to see more of Amy in the future.

The chorus of Yeomen and Ladies of the court created some beautiful harmonies and they all looked fabulous in their costumes. The red of the Yeomens uniforms visibly popped. The Tudor outfits adorning the ladies looked colourful and in keeping with the era. For me, all the costumes looked great. Wardrobe, by June Parkinson, supplied by The Costume Shop looked perfect, very 16th century. Lighting and sound created by the Empire Theatre Team, complimented the scenes being played out, with no discernible faults.

The Zoe Taylor Dance Academy provided a visual narrative of dance for the number, ‘I Have a Song to Sing, O!’ Dressed as strolling players they filled the floor, with a jester and maiden taking centre stage. The routine was beautifully acted out, mimicking the lyrics as they were sung. A lovely addition to the show.

I thoroughly enjoyed this production of The Yeomen of the Guard, it was lively and entertaining, colourful, and beautifully sung. I would like to thank Craig Fletcher for looking after me during the evening and look forward to seeing many more performances by Blackburn G&S.

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