I found a great deal
to admire in their performance, writes "Musica", and the
professional touch of Sidney King, the producer, was always apparent.
The musical direction of Leslie Whitaker, too was outstanding,
but the work of the orchestra (led by Mrs. Woof Gaggs) was at times
unequal.
A chorus which achieved a real balance
and some expressive work, evidently revelled in the score and gave
us some delightful moments.
There were some sparkling
characterisations in a well-chosen cast, whose diction, generally,
was a feature.
William Moister was a genial Chancellor -
he extracted all the humour of his part without exaggeration.
Arthur O.C. Sharp employed one of the best voices in
the cast as Mountararat. His song "When Britain
really Ruled the Waves" was notable in its way, and William
Tillotson also displayed complete understanding as Tolloller. Their
trio, when supported by the Chancellor, had great point.
The
Stephon of Kenneth Nicholls was another fine portrayal, and Eric
W. Potterton, as Pte. Willis, was well in character.
Peggy
Cardwell was a popular Fairy Queen in the tradition of D'Oyly Carte.
The gay fairy song was well sung.
Artistry
and impeccable diction gave point to Mona Etherington's Iolanthe,
and the fairy aunts - Joan Wilkin, Jean Wade and Isabel Nicholls
- gave good support.
Gladys Metcalfe, as Phyllis,
was another admirable conception.
Large audiences
have appreciated the fact that there was never a dull moment.
Mrs D. Dickenson does good work at the piano, and the
secretarial duties were in the capable of hands of Miss K.C. Parker,
of Thornton.