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Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s ‘Yeomen of The Guard’ at Yeadon Town Hall
I AM not familiar with Yeomen of the Guard' - it is more grand opera than the usual lilting, joyful shows Gilbert and Sullivan wrote.
It has a powerful score, a very complicated plot set during the Tudor period at the Tower of London.
A gentleman soldier is to be beheaded within an hour but he escapes. A strolling singer Elsie and her mentor The Jester Jack Point arrive on the scene. He loves Elsie quietly and desperately.
There are twists and turns and true love does run its course although not for Jack Point who dies of a broken heart. Not the usual G & S ending!
Musically the score is strong and vibrant but not as captivating as Pirates of Penzance' or HMS Pinafore' for example.
The society have a full 14 piece orchestra and how good it is to hear them together with this wonderful company singing.
Where is there now a society of such singing talent and ability?
Most principals too are cast from within the society and the power and strength of their singing of Act 1 finale and other company numbers is a joy to the ear.
MD Maureen Earl is a wonderful asset to the society. There are some very good principals who can act and sing.
Mick Snowden as Head Jailer and Helen Lever as Phoebe were excellent. She has a refreshing and pleasing stage presence.He a strong engaging personality. They had some enjoyable songs.
Donald Stephenson as Sgt Meryll fills the stage with his presence. Sings beautifully and strongly.
As Elsie Rachel Warren shows in this part particularly how strong and powerful her beautiful soprano voice has become. Her solo was outstanding.
She uses the stage well and again is partnered in melodic duets by the fine tenor Allan Summers, playing Colonel Fairfax.
Allan is later joined in an impressive unaccompanied quartet by Donald Stephenson, Sally Daley as a Dragon of a Dame Carruthers, and Gillian Fawcett, who plays Kate.
Ian Davies has the difficult and demanding role of Jack Point and tackles the part and a the fast moving songs with his usual aplomb. Gordon Fawcett has a small role of Leonard Meryll.
The production is splendid, there are some pleasing touches of choreography for the principals and fine groupings of chorus.
Colourful costumes, especially the men in the red Yeomen costumes, the set was good and also the lighting bringing out the richness of the colours.
The society are again so lucky to benefit from the talents of their producer Judith Smith.
These shows put on by AG & S give audiences the chance to hear some fantastic singing.
The society production for 2009 will be Ruddigore'.
3:40pm Thursday 7th February 2008
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CommentPosted by: Gill, Wakefield on 12:25pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Can anyone tell me how to contact the Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society please?. Thanks.
Can anyone tell me how to contact the Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society please?. Thanks.
Posted by: J G Hardman, Bingley on 1:06pm Sat 19 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Gill[/bold] wrote:
Can anyone tell me how to contact the Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society please?. Thanks.[/quote] You can contact the Secretary at
J G Hardman
Mansfield House
Eldwick
Bingley
BD16 3EP
Gill wrote:
Can anyone tell me how to contact the Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society please?. Thanks.
You can contact the Secretary at
J G Hardman
Mansfield House
Eldwick
Bingley
BD16 3EP
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