Fledermaus!

Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria is celebrating their 90^th birthday having been formed in August 1935. They could not have done better than to present Fledermaus! which showcases the deep experience of a group of people who love this art form and are prepared to do the myriad tasks which bring such a show to life.

The director, Robert Ray, translated the libretto into English. He did this with a sensibility which leaves the humour and general good-hearted wickedness of the original intact. The small ensemble, led by Geoffrey Urquhart, provided a strong but nuanced background for the performers using the score he developed for this ensemble. The recognisable melodies are wonderfully intact, and one would hope Strauss would approve.

Michael Zuccala as Dr Fritz Falke made his desire for revenge on the dilettante, Gabriel von Eisenstein (John Parncutt) real and urgent.  Christelise de Graaf as Rosalinda and Bridgette Kelsey as Adele shone with beautifully crafted vocal performances and engaging acting.  The rest of the cast contributed solid, supportive performances.  There were a few moments when singers struggled to find their note and accents disappeared, but these moments hardly detracted from the overall very high standard of performance.

The garden setting at the Knowe in Sassafras was perfect and the staging showed a deft touch with just a few items to set the stage for each act. The costumes were another star of the show. Helen Ebsworthy, the wardrobe manager, provided beautifully imagined and executed costumes for each cast member and especially for the leading female characters.

The sound (Bruce Packard) was excellent even though the outdoor setting provided challenges. A dog helped the performance by wandering onto the stage and tidying up a lid which had fallen.

Fledermaus! is as good as it gets in the amateur theatre world. May there be at least 90 more years of Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria’s performances.

Ruth Richter

Photographer: Robin Halls