Iolanthe is a politically satirical operetta set in fairyland, written as the 7th collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan. The piece is arguably the duo's finest, and Oxford Operatic Society bring all of the G&S magic out in their performance. This Savoy opera of 1882 is brought up to the minute with re-writes taken from this week’s developments in politics. James Studds plays Strephon (half fairy, half mortal) and treats us to an uncanny Tony Blair impression as WMD and expense account fiddling gets a mention amongst Gilbert's potshots at a dim-witted aristocracy, an ineffective House of Lords and the political party system.
Arcadian shepherd Strephon and Phyllis (Sarah Leatherbarrow) are betrothed, but being a ward of the court of Chancery, she needs permission to marry from the Lord Chancellor (Edward Simpson) who is in turn fond of the beautiful Phyllis. Phyllis is mortified to catch Strephon kissing a young girl (Iolanthe, played by Julie Todd) who turns out to be his fairy mother. Feeling spurned, Phyllis makes friends with the Peers. When the Lord Chancellor makes it plain that he will marry Phyllis, Iolanthe has no option but to reveal that she is the Lord Chancellor's wife. Iolanthe has broken her fairy vow and married a mortal, which is punishable by death. The librettist Gilbert (himself a trained lawyer) has used his legal mind to come up with the perfect solution.
This “pretty kettle of fish” is aided by the glorious female chorus who dance gracefully in flowing citrus organza. Fairyland is made complete by Ashley Bale's atmospheric lighting design, which complements the rustic set. Westminster features in the second act with a set reminiscent of a Christmas card on which the strong male chorus portray aristocratic society. Every cast member turns in an outstanding performance in a production that has the hallmark of quality. The score contains familiar songs such as “Love unrequited robs me of my rest”, in which the Lord Chancellor appears to sing recitative all in one breath.
Director Andrew Walter should be hailed as a national treasure for devising such a delightful piece of musical theatre. The accomplished orchestra along with the cast’s fine voices offer a musical performance of recording quality. Oxford Operatic Society are a local amateur group but on their most recent work, you would hardly tell. In the final scenes the absurdities of the plot are resolved - but will a fairy be allowed to serve in parliament, and will the Lord Chancellor survive? G&S are the perfect antidote to pre-Christmas stress. Heaps of Christmas cards to write? After enjoying Iolanthe, you won¹t give a “taradiddle taradiddle tol lol lay”!
Lita Doolan, 22.11.04 |
