Iolanthe

The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Tasmania presented Iolanthe, in a “pared back”, but high standard, entertaining production, which could be used as an introductory G&S for newcomers to the genre. Staunch G&S buffs may need bigger, fuller casts and ensembles and the full-blown G&S operetta/light opera experience to get their fix, but the whimsical, fast, jolly production, under the tight direction of Robert Manion, was just the ticket for this theatre-goer.

The un-miked singers, with lovely voices, gave good voice projection throughout. The “less is more” approach to the production didn’t sacrifice action and pace. Some of the dialogue was changed, to make it more modern and relevant, but the magic of Iolanthe was still accessible to the audience.

Grace Ovens (Phyllis) was wonderful, her lovely voice and excellent timing working well with the other characters. Carole Williams was an appealing Iolanthe, and Anne Blythe-Cooper, with strong voice and impressive stage presence was the commanding Queen of the Fairies. James Bourke was a charming and fey Strephon. Director Robert Manion also filled the substantial Lord Chancellor role, due to a withdrawal in the late stages of rehearsal. Chris Hamley (Lord Tolloller) and Mark Morgan (Lord Mount Ararat) worked well together as upper-class-twits the parliamentarians, ably supported and contrasted by the straight-face routine of Nigel Kidd and Michael Topfer.  

Mischievous fairies Melinda Briton (Celia), Samantha James- Radford (Leila) and Anna Kidd (Fleta) dominated their scenes and drew laughs. Anna Kidd also gave a hilarious performance as Helga, with her usual attention to comic timing. The ensemble/chorus work was consistently good, with lovely vocals, but perhaps “thinner” (in terms of ‘voices on the ground’) than some of the G&S purists would have wished for. The lovely costumes – pretty for the fairies, lavish for Iolanthe and the Queen of the Fairies, beautiful for Phyllis and effective for the males – glowed in a dark, generally brooding lighting design. 

Iolanthe was a funny, pleasing and entertaining show. Even though I’m not a G&S addict, I left satisfied with “the entertainment experience”, and I’m now looking forward to the next G&S production.  

Merlene Abbott