The Gondoliers

Berowra Musical Society’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The Gondoliers is traditional at heart, with sufficient freshness and variations on a theme to enliven it.

It’s a bright, lively production with spirited ensemble work from a medium-sized company (about half the 24 male / 24 female balance they describe themselves as during the opening chorus). They’re an attractively and colourfully dressed ensemble, and their movement and groupings, in operetta style, are effective and generally well-executed. My sole reservation lies in the imbalance of their harmonies from time-to-time.

Star of the show is the sleazy, manic, cod-Spanish villain Don Alhambra Del Bolero of Andrew Jackson. His theatrical hi-jinks, like breaking the fourth wall to cue the conductor on his songs, tend to steal the comic thunder usually shared more generously with the Duke of Plaza Toro and entourage. Jackson’s broad comedy overshadows their satire, with Mathew Siedl’s Duke seeming almost sedate by comparison. Louise Longhurst plays the Duchess with attitude to spare. Suzanne Chin puts on some very snooty sneers as Casilda, but swings sweetly into the romantic scenes with secret lover Luiz (Dan Ferris).

Tom Cousins and Michael Handy cut a dashing, youthful, appropriately conceited pair as Gondoliers Giuseppe and Marco. Cousins has a fine, assured baritone, while Handy does well, though his Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes isn’t a pure classical tenor rendition. Both find the fun of the roles.

Opposite them, Jessica Jongens and Iolanda Caruana, as Tessa and Gianetta, combine pleasing vocals with lively comic acting.

The sets provide vivid, attractive backdrops for the action, particularly the Act 1 impression of Venice, while caricature portraits of the two Gondoliers seem to share a sly wink or two with the audience.

A large pit orchestra, under conductor Sally Cousins, does full justice to the orchestrations, with the audience remaining glued to their seats during the playout.

Minor script changes, mostly to update out-dated topicalities and references, will only upset the purest of purists.

Gilbert and Sullivan may no longer suit all tastes, but Berowra’s production of The Gondoliers will please those who like their Savoy operas with just a little twist.

Neil Litchfield