Theatre Review
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OU
Gilbert & Sullivan Society The Burton Taylor theatre is a tiny, intimate venue tucked into the eaves of a corner building in Gloucester Street, and hardly an obvious location. It wouldn't be suitable for any large scale productions, but it is ideal for Sullivan's mini-operetta Cox and Box. This is Sullivan's earliest operetta, and it has a plot even sillier than those of his later ones. Although there is some speculation that it's a political satire - its librettist, FC Burnand, was the editor of Punch - essentially it's a showcase for three talented singers who can demonstrate enough mock-seriousness to carry it. Matthew Rogers, Gabriel Vick and Woby Cathcart ooze with confidence, and certainly manage to amuse their audience continuously. Gabriel Vick as Box the printer is particularly personable. As the more devious of the two tenants at Sergeant Bouncer's squalid lodging house, he's the first to reveal the details of his murky past. His first 'aria' - really a ballad - Hushed is the Bacon, is deceptively sweet, introducing a character to whom there is clearly more than meets the eye. Mr Vick has a warm but light tenor voice that's just right for this witty pastiche number. Mr Cox, on the other hand, has plans of his own, and Matthew Rogers manages to convey these simply and clearly, coping admirably with the tongue-twister lyrics. Woby Cathcart's baritone is a good contrast to the two lighter voices, and although he comes across as bumbling rather than particularly avaricious, he is a great foil to the intrigues of Messrs Cox and Box. The work is described as a 'triumviretta', but this seems a little unfair on the musicians and creative team, who are all clearly visible in this production - although it would be difficult for them not to be in this venue. They have managed to put together a production that is slick and entertaining. This is Sullivan in just the right dose, and is guaranteed to raise a smile.
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