Libretto by W. S. Gilbert

Music by Arthur Sullivan

  
 Production Director Simon Parker

 Musical Director John Biddulph

 Stage Manager Ben Prior, Technical Theatre Services Ltd

 Choreographer  Karen Ridley

Noda Review

by Jean Beard

From the first note of the overture to the last note of the evening this was a delight. Enjoyable and entertaining theatre. First class orchestra under the tight direction of John. Beautiful costumes, (great attention to detail, especially shoes) and a talented, well balanced cast working hard for their new director. Mary James (Iolanthe lovely mother), Sylvia Best (Fairy Queen - in tight control of fairies), Emma Parker and Russell Painter (Phyllis & Strephon) lovers in perfect harmony, aided and abetted by Tolloler (Ron York) Mountararat (Peter Morris) and an excellent Lord Chancellor from Edmund Hobday so convincing as the elderly law enforcer or the "spritely" lover. Good set. Superb evening.

"Ideal mix of songs and sets for G&S"

by Alison Norton - Express & Star

This classic Gilbert & Sullivan piece opened with a rousing overture executed to precision by the 15-piece orchestra under the instruction of musical director John Biddulph. Iolanthe, the tale of a fairy banished from fairlyland for 25 years for committing the crime of marrying a mortal, and her subsequent return, originally opened at the Savoy Theatre in 1882 and ran for 398 performances. Perhaps it is testament to its extremely clever and witty lyrics and plot that it is still being performed today.

Mary James in the title role last night delighted the audience with her wonderful soprano voice and brought just the right amount of delicacy and maturity to the character. Emma Parker as Phyllis and Russell Painter as Strephon sang a host of perfect Gilbert & Sullivan tunes, both in unison and solo. Add to that the attractive scenery and colourful costumes, it is the ideal recipe.

"Magical Tale for all the family"
by D.M - Bridgnorth Journal

Iolanthe, the light-hearted political opera by Gilbert & Sullivan, is currently being performed by the Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company in the town's sports & leisure centre. This enchanting comic opera was well performed by a very talented group of amateur performers and was very professionally presented.

Edmund Hobday gave an outstanding performance as the entertaining Lord HCancellor, with the extremely talented Russell Painter playing Strephon. Emma Parker displayed excellent singing and acting ability as Phyllis, with a brilliant performance by Mary James as Iolanthe.

Sylvia Best played the Fairy Queen, alongside fairies Barbara Preece, Deana Humphries & ALison Rowland-Roberts, with Peter Morris and Ron York as a couple of amusing peers. They all gave exceptional performances and were very well supported by the rest of the talented cast.

The main hall of the leisure centre was adequately transformed into a theatre using raked seating, with excellent scenery, costumes and lighting. The music was faultlessly performed by a professional orchestra, well directed by the skilled John Biddulph, and the talented cast ensured the musical numbers were perfectly performed.

The Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company's production of Iolanthe was an absolute pleasure to see and I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the other members of my party. My four year-old was mesmerised by the fairies and thought "the man who danced in his pyjamas was really funny".

Cast

Barbara Preece
Deana Humphries
Alison Rowlands-Roberts
Sylvia Best
Mary James
Emma Parker
Russell Painter
Peter Morris
Ron York
Edmund Hobday
Chris Tew

The Peers

Dave Disley, John Gaynor, John James, Ernie Jarman, Howard Marsh, John Muxworthy, Anthony Swales and Tom Wentworth.

The Fairies

Trish Beaman, Naomi Conway, Sue Gill, Ellie Griffiths, Lauren Harris, Sally Hobday, Nadine Holland-Bailey, Hannah Jones, Lindy Macdonald, Alison Pipe, Karen Ridley, Sue Rumble-Evans, Sally Skan, Mary Swales,
Bryony Thomas and Annette Thompson.

The Firefly Fairies

Sophie Chaudron, Ottilie Childs, Frances Crawford Clarke, Beatrice Fraser, Maisie Kay Kendrick, Jessica Knowles, Holly Lewis, Abbie Lloyd, Jessica Parker, Chloe Sheldon, Francesca Woodman.

Malcolm Bridges

Cygnet Sound

Wardrobe & Hair

Heather Cullwick

assisted by Annette Edwards

Properties

Andy & Elizabeth Johnson

Prompt

Sheila Hood

Muriel Ellis, Helen Bibby, Brian Conway, Jane Conway, Ruth Garbett, Kathy James, Keri James, Elizabeth Johnson, Norman Oliver, Mike Proudman, Joanne Walford.

Albert Cornes, Jon Garbett, Joe James, David Marsh, Howard Marsh, Allen Walford, David Walford.

Carousel Costumes, Leamington Spa

Clifford & Brown

Simon Devey

James Newby Music of Bradford