Utopia Limited

Utopia Limited (or The Flowers of Progress), is set on an Island in the South Pacific-Utopia. The Ruler of Utopia, King Paramount decrees that his country needs reforming to become more like Britain-imperialism, the monarchy, limited liability companies et al. This is against the wishes of the Judges of the Utopian Supreme Court, Scaphio and Phantis, whose job it is to report him to the Public Exploder, (Yes, that`s right) Tarara.

Phantis reveals his love for Princess Zara (daughter of King Paramount), to Scaphio who in turn promises to help him  gain her favour! King Paramount has two other daughters, Nekaya and Kalba, who under the tutelage of their English Governess, Lady Sophy are taught how young ladies should behave when approached by gentlemen.

Princess Zara now returns to Utopia with six British gentlemen (the "Flowers of Progress" Fitzbattleaxe, Sir Bailey Barre, Lord Dramaleigh, Mr. Blushington, Mr. Goldbury and Captain Corcoran-Army, QC, British Lord Chamberlain, county council, company promoter and Navy respectively) in tow, having become romantically involved with one of them, Captain Fitzbattleaxe. Scaphio and Phantis are smitten with Zara, and agree to duel for her hand, Fitzbattleaxe offers himself as a stakeholder until their argument is resolved. And that`s only the first act!!

Graham Beevers was on form as King Paramount, as were Iain Lamb and Angela Lee Kennedy-sporting a David Bellamyesque Beard in the roles of Scaphio and Phantis.

Rebecca Chandler threatened to steal the show, with her facial expressions, cartoon creeping, perfect diction and audience asides

The Mischievous sisters Princess Nekaya (Hannah Godden) and Princess Kalyba (Rachel Mercer), sang, performed and moved well during their numbers, never once coming out of character.

Sue Richardson once again showed her pedigree with a well-crafted performance as Lady Sophy.

Rachael Lewis, as the love interest Princess Zara once again providing a vocally effortless performance, with Tom Beck as her Suitor, Captain Battleaxe- never one to shy away from a challenge.

There were many other supporting roles within the cast, far too many to go into detail here, but each with their own individual characteristics.

The chorus and principals generally made a good sound throughout.

One of the main issues with doing a lesser known piece, especially one with such a convoluted story, is that the audience really need to hear what is being said, to be able to follow what`s going on, without having to resort to reading the synopsis. On occasion, the songs were not always totally audible, partly due to diction/a tendency to mumble some of the words, and partly through vocal strength of the performers- as was the case for both chorus and principals alike. I do wonder, as I don`t know the piece well enough, if I had missed a lot of the humour and story due to this.

That said, there were some really good moments- I particularly liked the King and Flowers of Progress scene (Society has quite forsaken) with the tambourines- very funny and very well performed. You can only imagine how much fun the rehearsals must have been for that one.

Costumes and set were good, and in-keeping with the production, although I think the women of this South Pacific Island must have found a shipment of bright blue eye shadow washed up on the shore, and, having never seen it before, decided to try it……. And then try some more.

Choreography by Rachel Mercer, was kept quite simple, (except, of course for the fore-mentioned scene) and had the chorus working within their limits, which in the confines of the stage area, worked well.

The Orchestra, under Musical Director, David Tattersall sounded great, as usual.

Director Margaret Baker and her team should be pleased with their efforts with this production.

Thank you Staveley Amateur Operatic Society, for your invite, and hospitality.

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