Trial by Music (including Trial by Jury)

Covid regrettably forced all societies into a lengthy period of inactivity and it was extremely pleasing to see HLO once again take to the stage. Any doubts that the spark might be missing, the layoff was too long or that the passion had waned were instantly dismissed. From the opening number, the energy and genuine happiness from everyone onstage was clear to see.

Congratulations must be given to Wesley Henderson Roe for not only the concept but also as Director of this production. Act 1’s Trial by Music consisted of a wide assortment of well-known numbers from Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘Savoy Operas’. A performance of Trial by Jury followed in Act 2. With some highly talented cast members to work with it must have been pleasing to see all your hard work, and effort, come together so well.  The courtroom setting ensured the full cast were onstage throughout the evening and provided plenty of space for all movement. A high standard of attention to detail ensured everything ran smoothly with no delays or distractions.

Trial by Music is set in a Utopian Court of Law, sometime in the afterlife, where Gilbert sues Sullivan over the issue of recognition. In effect, was it the music, or lyrics, that made their Savoy Operas so successful? Characters, and musical numbers, from a wide range of operas including Princess Ida, The Mikado, Iolanthe and Ruddigore were introduced here. The quality of vocals within HLO has always been of a high standard and this was certainly evident again here. The principals in Trial by Jury had been equally well-cast with both strong voices and personalities. 

Congratulations to the entire cast, production team and backstage crew for delivering yet another quality production.  Trial by Music was a fabulous way to announce your return and I look forward to visiting with HLO, in October 2022, for Iolanthe.  

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