The Yeomen of the Guard

First performed in 1888 this was the 11th collaboration and many consider it to be the most operatic of the Savoy Operas.  It is also the only one with a sad and emotionally charged ending.

The opera was originally scored for a larger orchestra – I counted 17 in this production – and what a super orchestra they were! From the opening notes, of a very stirring overture, it was obvious that we were in for a real treat. 

The curtains opened to an excellent set with plenty of levels to create additional interest, and the costumes all looked very good indeed – very many congratulations to the wardrobe team.

Particularly in view of the size of the venue, I was very surprised to see that all the principal were miked up – and although the sound quality of the microphones was excellent it did mean that the balance of sound was somewhat distorted – and we missed the swell of voices on some of the chorus entries.  There were also some occasions when the singers and the musicians were not quite together. 

Speaking of the chorus, although there seemed to be a fair amount of gold-fishing going on in some places, the sound was good and there was plenty of animation and good reactions.  The Yeomen looked very impressive and suitably imposing – although for me the effect was somewhat spoiled by them performing the box step (whilst apparently ‘on parade’) in one of the chorus numbers?!  Everyone wore the costume well and appeared to be quite at ease wearing them.

I felt that the scene between Jack and Elise towards the end would have been better performed either off centre stage or even on one of the raised sections as I was quite unable to see the faces of either of them – and it is such a poignant moment.

There was undoubtedly some excellent singing from all the principals – and Shadbolt is to be heartily congratulated for bringing out every ounce of humour from what is after all, a fairly dark story.

All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening which was obviously greatly appreciated by a large audience – in itself no mean feat for opening night on a Tuesday.  My thanks and congratulations to everyone connected in any way with this production, and for your most kind hospitality.  As part of the ‘whole experience’ I must mention how grateful we were that a young lady in a jesters costume (together with several gentlemen) were directing patrons to car parking spaces – what a wonderful and most helpful touch.  Very, very many thanks for such an enjoyable evening.   

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