Utopia Limited

This is probably the least performed or indeed known, Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, and I really don’t know why. It’s funny, and has some wonderful music which, surprisingly, some of which I knew. My father regularly sang ‘A Tenor can’t do himself justice’ and so I know it well; I just didn’t realise it was from Utopia Limited, so it was a delight to hear Cliff Spooner, as Captain Fitzbattleaxe, do this ‘justice’.

The cast appeared to be having the most amazing time and this lively production looked terrific fun. The interaction between Jim Smith as the King and David Hippard and Frank Banks as the two judges was very funny and the judge’s incredulity when the tables were turned on them at the end was comical. Jim gave a strong performance and his scenes with Karen Spooner, who was so funny as Lady Sophie, the Kings daughter’s governess, were comfortable and very well balanced and their songs sung beautifully.

The love interest was the older daughter, Princess Zara, well played by Dilys Hollinghurst, and her younger twin sisters were played by Rachel Redfern and Jess Squire. The twin sisters were supposed to be mischievous and this is a role that I feel always suits Jess; her mannerisms and facial expressions had the audience in stitches. 

There were many lovely moments, but the highlight was definitely when the King and the 6 flowers of progress did their routine with the tambourines; it was so funny but extremely well executed. It had obviously been rehearsed with much hilarity.

Thank you very much for inviting me. 

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