Yeomen of the Guard
Review by Richie Simpson, Presenter of Theatreland on RWS FM 103.3.
As I drove home through the Suffolk countryside on a windy autumn night, I realised that I had just witnessed a perfect antidote to the darkness and the cold - and that I like Gilbert and Sullivan!
As a musical lover I had always respected the role of the powerhouse writing duo in the development of the genre, but had never been to see one of their shows as an adult. Now, having seen ‘Yeomen of the Guard’, it turns out that I really enjoyed it!
The swelling orchestral music, under the direction of Sue Wightman, was beautiful and so easy to listen to in the cosy but impressive Seckford Theatre at Woodbridge School. Meanwhile, the melodramatic plot and period setting formed a perfect escape from the world. Indeed, I could see the appeal of Gilbert and Sullivan to a late 19th Century audience, and could have quite easily envisioned myself as Victorian theatregoer.
Director James Hayward clearly knows what he is doing with this kind of musical, keeping the action going at pace with a static set and minimal set pieces on stage. The subtle change from day to night in the lighting plot was clever and gave all the visual change that was needed.
As a whole, the ensemble was strong and clearly enjoying itself, showing its skill in both the closing of Act One and the opening of Act Two. Special mention must go to some of the principals…
Lucy Pakes (Pheobe) is clearly a skilled singer and comedic actor, while Becca Kirby (Else Maynard) has an excellent operatic voice which fits the style perfectly. Karl Hayward-Bradley's jester was full of energy, humour and knowing looks to the audience, while Phil Tattersall has a fine voice and excellently conveyed the melodrama of Colonel Fairfax. I was particularly impressed by the acapella quartet between Pakes, Kirby, Tattersall and Howard Brooks as Sgt. Meryll.
This was an enjoyable night at the theatre. I will certainly be returning to Gilbert and Sullivan!
Yeomen of the Guard is at Seckford Theatre until November 1.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE