The Sorcerer (2023) - NODA Review

The Sorcerer

 
DATE 28th March 2023
SOCIETY New Rosemere
VENUE Walmsley Parish Hall
TYPE OF PRODUCTION G&S
DIRECTOR Paul Cohen
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Paul Stanley
WRITTEN BY Gilbert and Sullivan

 

Author: Liz Hume-Dawson

The Sorcerer by Gilbert and Sullivan is the first show they both had complete control of and once again they delight in mocking English society on class differences. This was the first time they introduced the comic duet, the patter song and the contrapuntal double chorus (each voice given equal importance). I still marvel that a person can get that many words out in a song when doing Gilbert and Sullivan. The Sorcerer is based on a Christmas story called An Elixir of Love written by Gilbert.

A new director Paul Cohen to this society takes to the helm and there was a decision to do it semi-staged with less gentlemen chorus than they would have liked for one reason or another, which I think was a good one and worked well. The audience were seated in cabaret style - very relaxed. The set with chairs at an angle each side, a raised platform with steps and suitable greenery was at the back where entrances and exits could happen. Stage Left was a tree, white bench and a boxed lattice unit that had a light inside that was used for the teapots and a massive teapot where the pyrotechnics happen when the philtres power weaves its magic (pretty impressive!). Stage Right are two garden chairs, tree and various tubs of flowers. When the curtain opens a backcloth scene of lawns, trees and a lake give depth to the stage. Stage Manager and Props are by Janet Hardman. Janet also did the Wardrobe mistress job and everyone looked suitably dressed. I don’t know if you had a choice of making the maids green and white but I loved the colour and thought it looked effective. Aline’s second outfit in pink was beautiful too. The effects of pyrotechnic and smoke that allowed John Wells to disappear magically worked well. Sound was good by Dale Wilson and Lighting on the whole worked but I did find there were some dark patches Stage Left. Before curtain-up - I liked the lighting effect on the curtain - it gave a magical feel. Lighting by Walmsley AODS

Musical Director Paul Stanley has a firm grip on the musicality and the orchestra. “The conductor of an orchestra doesn’t make a sound. He depends, for his power, on his ability to make other people powerful.” Benjamin Zander once said. Paul certainly gave power to the Orchestra and cast. Leader - Janet Hitchen, 2nd Violin - Paul Witkiewicz, Viola - Anthony Hemming, Cello - Phil Turner, Double Bass - Rob Rainford, Horn - Jane Brooks, Percussion - Geoff Brain, Flute - Julie Leach, Oboe -Jenny Downing, Bassoon - Carole Lormor, Clarinet - Pamela Lyons, Trumpet - Ian Cull and Trombone - Peter Ledder.  Joyous.

Paul Cohen worked in the comic wit and added a little raciness to pep it up. The stage was used well and just enough movement was incorporated into the songs. Pictures were created with the cast and had good effect as the main cast moved freely about the stage, using the first entrance through the audience - nice touch.

The action was watched and supported by The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chorus. Constance played by Hannah Salter is in love with Dr Daly played by Mike Nash-Whitmore, their love goes around the houses and via Constance being in love with an elderly gentleman Notary played by Malcolm Evans – hilarious - he must have thought all his Sundays had come at once! I loved When He Is Here sung by Hannah.

Steve Brennan as the Notary started off All is Prepared with good voice. Heather Nicholas as Mrs Partlet the pew opener (apparently this was a living) does not disappoint with the comedy or voice.

Sir Marmaduke played by Peter Bowden and Lady Sangazure played by Hannah Carolan also take a long journey to find love, both stepping out of their class much to the disdain of others only to find each other again and all is well. Some strong singing from Peter and Hannah.

David Griffiths takes on the part of Alexis who caused all this trouble and gets a little more than he bargained for meddling in love. He has the girl, he loses the girl and he gets the girl & all is well.  David was in fine voice. Jonathan Allen is John Wellington Wells and boy does he arrive with energy, picking up the pace instantly and delivering a performance beyond his years. Accent spot on and contrasting to the other accents which make for interest.  I really liked “Oh, I have Wrought Much Evil with My Spells” with Hannah. Well done.

And finally, the nightingale that is Eleanor Molloy playing Aline. I think this character could have been insipid and she has to take all manner of rubbish from the men. But with a little bit of humour and spirit Eleanor makes it a delightful character and we are spirited away with her on her journey. Fabulous

Thank you New Rosemere for the invitation and hospitality from my guest Kathryn and I. Congratulations to cast and crew on The Sorcerer  “oh Joyous Boon, Oh Mad Delight”

Liz Hume-Dawson

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