The Yeomen Of The Guard

The Yeomen of the Guard by Sir Arthur Sullivan and WS Gilbert is a great comic opera. Not having seen this one before I was really looking forward to seeing the production. The libretto & score is very good and you really get the story, which makes it easy to understand right from the start what's happening. This went down very well with the audience.

Musical Director Ieuan Davies has a great orchestra under his control which makes a wonderful sound. The musical numbers and singing are all just right. Directors David Sandham & Adam Davis have a great cast for the production, the set is simple but effective, there are some nice backcloths. Sound and lighting are just right. Chorus movement and dancing was also good. The costumes are very colourful, especially the Yeomen's uniforms.

Set in the Tower of London during the 16th century. Colonel Fairfax has been imprisoned in the Tower. He is under sentence of execution on a trumped-up charge of being an alchemist and sorcerer. The action takes place on the day of his execution and for a few days following. Mark Ward plays Wilfred Shadbolt the head Jailor with great comic timing, he has an eye for Phoebe Meryll the daughter of the Sergeant of the Guard played by Susy Davies. She's not really interested in Wilfred, but there are some funny moments between them, especially when she has to cosy up to him to steal the keys to the cells. I liked the opening song. Mike Billington plays Sergeant Meryll along with Julie Gower as Dame Carruthers both notable performances & good singing, also we saw Helen Wright in a fun cameo role as the Dame’s niece (Roz Golbey takes the matinee show). Alan Ponting is convincing as Sir Richard Cholmondeley the Lieutenant of the Tower, Anthony Marquis plays the condemned Colonel Fairfax - he has a great singing voice. Adam Davis plays the strolling Jester Jack Point, he has a great stage presence and good voice. There are some great fun moments especially when he tries to teach Wilfred to be a Jester. I loved their 'Hereupon We’re Both Agreed' song. Catherine Smith plays the strolling singer Elsie Maynard, she has a great soprano voice and plays her part well. She works with Jack Point travelling around the town entertaining. I liked 'A Man Who Would Woo a Fair Maid' sung between Elsie, Phoebe and Fairfax. The chorus all worked & sung well together, the Yeomen all looked very smart in their red uniforms.

A great evening's entertainment. Well done to you all. 

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