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Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas are known for, amongst other things, the opportunity for the chorus to have a really good sing, and the opening number sung by the Pirates started the show off beautifully. It was full of life, rousing and well sung which set the scene for what was in store.
The Musical Director Rachel Keegan controlled her musicians well and the volume of the music was just right and sympathetically played. All the soloists could be heard and on a couple of occasions when the orchestra had to adapt to a mistimed entry, they did so without any problem. I understand the lack of space necessitated the absence of the string section, but I didn’t feel that the electronic keyboard sounded quite in keeping, although I appreciate that keyboards are used more often now.
Heather Legat’s stage direction was imaginative and the pictures created by the setting of the ladies of the chorus were enchanting. I have not seen a G&S ‘sent up’ quite so much before and it worked so well. It was far less prim/dated and the humour really came to the fore. The production was nicely choreographed; I particularly liked the ‘prow of the boat’ effect when Ruth was singing.
The sets were very realistic and as there is no credit in the programme I wonder if you did them yourselves? If so, well done. They were very good. The lighting effects were fine but on occasion the sound mikes were rather too loud.
Measure to Measure certainly did you proud! The costumes were splendid; the ladies’ dresses so pretty, and the rather shiny lurex pirates’ trousers all added to the style of this production. Hair/wigs were fine but the make-up was far too varied. One or two ladies had cheeks like red apples whereas others looked rather pale and wan. Perhaps a check before going on stage would help, as we ladies do rather like to do our own thing (that goes for the men too!). Whilst on the subject of make-up, it does take the ‘professional’ feel out of an evening at the theatre if the cast come to the foyer in make-up.
Edith (Connie Law), Kate (Amanda Lapping) and Mabel (Aileen Smith) all sang well and their acting was also good. The three girls portrayed such different characters and never let their performance drop.
Colin Wolrich as Samuel had good stage presence and moved with style in the routines. The ‘pink’ policeman was a nice touch and he didn’t overdo it.
I really liked Peter Wood as the Pirate King who came over as swashbuckling but rather cuddly! He has a very good voice and sang with such vitality and enjoyment.
Ruth, played by Maggie Dean, sang well and her diction was excellent, but she wasn’t really forceful enough for a woman who had spent her time in the company of pirates.
As Frederic, Danny Yates looked the part but he had difficulty with the singing. As it was only the second performance that I attended, I suspect that perhaps it was just beyond his range, which was a pity because he must have felt uncomfortable trying to reach the top notes.
Roy Selfe’s portrayal of Major General Stanley was enjoyable and he’s obviously had considerable experience of ‘patter songs’ to get up to that speed!
The policemen’s chorus led by Nigel Smith was most entertaining.
I was greeted by John Tranter, Front of House, but during the interval was left to my own devices. In itself that is not a problem, but it would have been nice to have met either of the Directors or the Chairman.
The programme was attractive and well presented and contained all the necessary information.
I enjoyed the production very much. Well done everyone and thank you for inviting me. I am very much looking forward to ‘Me and My Girl’ in June.
E. Gloria Smith
NODA Regional Representative
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