ANOTHER superb presentation by the Carl Rosa Opera of Gilbert & Sullivan - this time the sombre comedy The Yeomen of the Guard.
The first double chorus Tower warders, Under orders made a beautiful and spectacular picture, the muted sepia tints of the ordinary peoples' costumes contrasting with the bright red of the Yeomen; the singing was comparably thrilling, against a backdrop suggesting the Tower of London.
Solo characters - several played by soloists seen in other parts earlier in the week - were all sung and acted in superior style.
The Head Jailer (David Stephenson) was appropriately miserable (and inadvertently humorous too).
Another outstanding portrayal, this time of pathos, by Simon Butteriss was seen in his Jack Point; his timing of movement and musical interpretation were memorable, and his tragic figure at the end concluded the opera with great emotion.
Dame Carruthers (Nuala Willis) and Sergeant Meryll (Bruce Graham) provided humour, especially in their duet Rapture, rapture!, when she got him, at last!
Elsie (Kathleen Tynan) was the charming and distracted young bride, and Phoebe (Sarah Sweeting) - who would have liked to have been the bride - was suitably empty-headed and flirtatious.
The sensitive orchestral accompaniment contributed much to the production.
Ensemble singing by various small groups of soloists were well balanced, and when the whole company, with the orchestra, was in full voice, it was a magnificent sound.
The Carl Rosa Opera returns in December to perform Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss.
Opening on Tuesday, December 19 until Saturday, December 30, this is surely a production to look forward to.
JILL HOPKINS
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