Review: Godalming Operatic Society presents The Yeoman of the Guard

Godalming Operatic Society

The Yeoman of the Guard

Godalming Borough Hall

Reviewed by Simon Ames

The 11th of the 14 comic operas created by W S Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan in the late Victorian era, this one is very different from its predecessors in several ways.

The story theme is darker and more serious in character. Unusually, it avoided satiric tilting at British institutions and Sullivan got closer to his 'grand opera' aspirations by cleverly weaving the Tudor spirit into the music. Many of his melodies carry a beauty and harmony that haunts the ear.

Godalming Operatic Society (GOS) delivered a well-rounded performance in a homespun professional style. The single set provided a convincing visual of the Tower of London, the Yeomen Warders were superbly dressed, so also the large ladies chorus in their 16th century costumes.

Fine individual performances came from Nora Price as the dominant Dame Carruthers, especially her interpretation of the cautionary of The Screw May Twist and the Rack May Turn. Hammy Sparks did full justice to the corpulent Sir Richard Cholmondeley as Lieutenant of the Tower, well matched by Richard Arthur who played Jailer and Assistant Tormentor with a relish.

Simon Cakebread shaped the central character of Court Jester Jack Point in a well-crafted and physical performance. The role brings the catchy I Have a Song to Sing, O and O! A Private Buffoon is a Light-Hearted Loon both of which are signature favourites of the show.

The singing star of the production was undoubtedly Ruth Parr whose gave a terrific performance in the role of Elsie, the sweetheart of Jack Point, soon to be snapped up by the dashing Colonel Fairfax played by Richard Hales. Her singing and acting were both top class and her role in the famous trio A Man Who Would Woo A Fair Maid was superb.

Pat O'Connell's stage direction brings another production of which GOS can be justifiably proud. Pat is brilliantly supported by the experienced Robin Wells as musical director whose contribution to seamless and competent musical delivery is a central pillar of their continuing successes.

See the GOS production of The Yeoman of the Guard at The Leatherhead Theatre tomorrow (February 26) at 7.30pm or on Saturday (February 27) at 2.30pm or 7.30pm. For tickets call 01372 365141 or log on to www.the-theatre.org.