Iolanthe…. based on W.S. Gilberts - "Bab Ballard" The fairy curate "Iolanthe" committed the ultimate crime: marrying a mortal. Her half-human, half-fairy son now wishes to marry a mortal - a crime punishable by death - leaving Iolanthe and her fairy friends no choice but to challenge the law. The confrontation between the peers and the fairies, a version of one of Gilbert's favourite themes … a tranquil civilization of women disrupted by a male dominated world through the discovery of mortal love. The overture played by the perfectly balanced orchestra gave a hint of the high standard that was to follow. The opening chorus, bright, energetic, imaginatively choreographed, beautifully dressed characters with the lights in the head dresses adding that little extra magic to the scene…
The ‘Queen of the Fairies’ was played with great aplomb by Imogen Garner. Imogen had real stage presence, imposing and dignified, with the perfect contralto voice.
‘Iolanthe’ was played by Heather Boguslawska-Taylor who was totally convincing as the devoted fairy mother of ‘Strephon’. "My Lord a supplicant at your feet” … sung with real feeling, passion and emotion.
‘Strephon’ the half fairy Arcadian shepherd was played by Charlie Hodgkinson, entered the stage with panache and style, his stage presence and charisma instantly endearing him to the audience. A perfect portrayal of the character.
The Fairies … ‘Celia’ played by Sally Shaw; ‘Leila’ played by Susanne Denner and ‘Fleta’ played by Helen Bennett … all three successfully created distinct individual characters and together produced some ‘haunting harmonies’.
‘Phyllis’ an Arcadian shepherdess and ward in chancery was played well by Eleanor Molloy. Eleanor captured the spirit of the character perfectly and acted with a depth of understanding beyond her years.
Purely a personal thing, but I am never sure whether I like seeing cast members in the auditorium, but on this occasion, it did give the audience an opportunity to see the perfect upper class bearing of the Lord's. You walked in time, with a sense of gravitas and experience, the rich timbre of your voices filling the auditorium.
The ‘Lord Chancellor’ was played by Jonathan Taylor. Jonathan lived the part of an accomplished actor, singer and dancer- a ‘masterclass’ in characterization.
‘Earl of Mountararat’ was played by Simon Killeen. ‘Earl Tolloller’ was played by Peter Crichton Both recreated their respective characters perfectly. Really lovely scene with the Lord Chancellor. Every ounce of comedy extracted by the actors by not playing for laughs … excellent.
‘Private Willis’ was recreated by Ian Dunning… an instantly likeable military character recreated to perfection with an added twinkle in the eye. Lovely scene with the Fairy Queen.
Finally… the ‘Lord Chancellors Assistant’ played by Finlay Boterberg... young man you are a natural actor, I really do look forward to seeing you in other roles. Really well done.
‘Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chorus’ ….
Ladies … Irene Baker, Katherine Cooper, Isobel Cope, Josie Hardman, Christine Harland, Sarah Killeen, Izabela Madejek-Jaszczuk, Elaine Williams and Emma Williams.
Gentlemen … Nicholas Cooper, Patrick Crampton, James Fleming, Michael Lomax, Wayne Merridew, Stephen Old, Gerry Smith, Rick Waller and Howard Yates
You visibly put your all into the production … Your harmonies outstanding … You all looked like you were enjoying yourselves and looked totally at ease in each other’s company. A nice vibration picked up by the audience.
Productions to this standard don't just happen. Steve Pritchard your foresight in casting - just perfect. All the scenes disciplined but always natural. A standard way above what would normally be expected of an Amateur production.
Robin Stopford (Musical Director) was assisted by Ian Dunning. It was a joy to hear such a perfectly balanced orchestra who were always aware of the singers … particularly in the solos and duets. As the cast only had overhead mike's, it was lovely to hear an orchestra that actually accompanied rather than one being in competition with the cast. The sound level in the auditorium were just right – which is so important in any Opera. Thanks must go as well to Debbie Moss in charge of Sound.
Emma Williams … your choreography was original, imaginative and blended perfectly into the period.
Elaine Williams … your costumes were exquisite and made a major contribution to the success of the production.
Scene changes were seamless under the direction of Pete Beswick and Lighting by Patrick O’Reilly. The projection of the Houses of Parliament particularly effective.
Production Assistants … Helen Bennett, Emma Williams.
A really wonderful night of real theatre. Thank you for your warm welcome and courtesy.
David Davies
On behalf of
NODA NW
District 6