 | Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan Society | |
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| It is a well-known fact that Gilbert's stories for the Savoy Operas border on the faintly ridiculous, but he does seem to have been fast running out of ideas when he wrote this, his 14th and last collaboration with Sullivan. The great man was quoted at the time that he never wanted to see that "ugly, misshapen little brat" again but G&S Societies all over the country insist on reviving it, to complete 'the set'. I see the reasoning - but it's essential to have a highly-experienced and talented cast to carry it off with any conviction. Unfortunately, apart from four notable exceptions, this was not the case with this production, performed to mark the centenary of a show which might have been better strangled at birth - although, having appeared in a previous production a few years ago, I | must admit it is more fun to be in than to watch. However, plaudits must go in particular to Zach Higgins for a superb portrayal of Grand Duke Randolph, to Olwen Kieser as the waspish Julia, Stephen Adams as a spirited Ludwig and Sue Higgins as a very formidible Baroness Von Krakenfeldt. Several of the rest of the supporting cast were either unsure of their words or music, which is a pity as it spoilt what might otherwise have been a reasonable, if somewhat uninspired, production. Despite the restrictions of the small stage, more imaginative movement would have helped. It is also essential, when an overture opens the proceedings, for the orchestra to play in tune. | |||