The Gondoliers

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of The Gondoliers is well-produced and nicely sung, with a lovely feel.

Set in the 1500s as a homage to director Paul Treasure’s favourite Italian painters, it could also be a predecessor to Don Quixote - with the second act’s fictional setting sharing a locale with de Cervantes’ work. The look is unique and effective, feeling both operatic and exotic. Costumes designed by Gail Reading and Veronica Hudson are beautiful, while Barry Boyd’s set provides an effective backdrop including an impressive “working” gondola.

As we have come to expect, the G&S orchestra were excellent, this time lead by Musical Director Blake Houlahan. We are given ample time to enjoy them on their own, with The Gondoliers having the longest of Sullivan’s overtures. Some perfect pizzicato was particularly impressive. 

The title roles of Gondoliers Marco and Giuseppe, one of whom is believed to be the King of Barataria, are played with lovely fraternity, fine voice, and great comic timing by Mathew Leak and Theodore Murphy-Jelley. Their wives Gianetta and Tessa are given credence and personality by Liza Cobb and Sadé Stella-Joy.

Zac Porter plays the Duke of Plaza-Toro with great flair, nicely matched by Mary Vidovich as The Duchess. Their daughter Casilda is given beautiful voice and haughtiness by Emma Hazell.

Due to a lack of men at auditions (a predicament with which many will sympathise), some interesting casting choices were made. Don Alhambra becomes Doña Alhambra, gorgeously portrayed by audience favourite Belinda Butler, with a slick combination of severity and a wink and a nod. Love interest Luiz has become a “pants role” with Cynthia Pickering stepping into breeches and bringing a “principal boy” air. 

The ensemble is keen, active, and effective and execute some of the best choreography we have seen at G&S in a while (thanks to Choreographer Tamar Basini, who also plays Vittoria). Unusually for this company, diction wasn’t always perfect, and though the female ensemble sounded pretty, I was not always able to discern what they were saying.

An interesting take on this classic operetta. Well worth a look for G&S devotees and musical fans in general. 

Kimberley Shaw