Utopia Limited

It took considerable courage for the Society to select one of Gilbert & Sullivan's lesser known Operettas , Utopia Limited or The Flowers of Progress.  This Operetta premiered on the 7th October 1893 and ran for 245 performances.  Utopia is a paradise Island with a lazy laid back existence, but this Eden has three serpents Scaphio, Phantis the wise ones and Tarara the "Public Exploder" always wanting to blow up the King and replace him with himself.  King Paramount the First of Utopia admires everything English and employs an English Governess Lady Sophy for his two younger daughters.  Princess Zara his eldest has been educated at Cambridge and returns home with her Captain Fitzbattleaxe of the Life Guards and five other Flowers of Progress.  She encourages her father to let them run the Island. The King declares the Island Utopia Limited.

The three must haves were all there, strong principals, good singers and an excellent Orchestra.  It is a long time since I have seen sixteen men on stage I think perhaps they had more men than ladies this year.  All the characters worked hard and complemented each other. A very confident line up of principals.

There were some lovely touches of humour with innovative moments both musically and script wise.  There was of course several duets, trios and quartets all delivered with gusto.

Although written over a century ago the wording is revelant to the modern age.  It is almost thirty years since Halifax G & S performed Utopia previously, so perhaps it was long overdue.  This bright and colourful production was well received by its audience.  Well Done.

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