Iolanthe

Presented by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Western Australia, Iolanthe is, as G&S Society President Kevin Langoulant describes it, deliciously fanciful Victorian nonsense. Well-presented and beautifully sung, this Victorian comedic operetta remains a lovely distraction, 140 years after its first performance.

The eighth production of Iolanthe presented by this society, this one is unique in that it includes the resurrection of the song “Fold Your Flapping Wings”, which has some beautiful comments on society’s haves and have nots. Removed from the production early in the initial run, it provides a treat for Gilbert and Sullivan aficionados. Some excellent research and delving from director Michael Brett to do this. Michael also provided some up-to-the-minute lyrics for the “Nightmare Song”, and nicely completed the challenge of stepping into the demanding role of The Lord Chancellor on Opening Night as David Cosgrove recovered from Covid.

A very pretty show to watch, with some beautiful costuming under wardrobe mistresses Gail Reading and Veronica Hudson. Barry Boyd and Michael Brett give us a simply draped set for the fairy world, with a realistic wood panelled study in the second act. Some prominent artwork is nicely completed. Lighting Designer Rhys Pottinger creates some very striking scenes.

The leading young couple have a lovely chemistry with Magda Lisek, sweet but determined and in lovely voice as Phyllis, a Ward in Chancellery and Liam Auhl, boyishly charming and earnest as her beloved, the half-fairy son of Iolanthe. Catherine Archer was elegant, with wonderful presence in the title role.

Belinda Butler was a commanding and striking Fairy Queen, and, as always, a joy to hear. She leads a beautiful ensemble of fairies, with prominent, well realised performances from Avalon Rector as Celia, Mayumi Burns as Leila and Jasmine May as Fleta.

A chorus of Members of the House of Lords is nicely polished, and they work well as a team, with Wilson Kang as Lord Tolloller and Tim Longley as Lord Mountararat bouncing nicely off each other. Roger Starbuck plays the smaller, but charming role of Private Willis, an unlikely but loveable sex symbol.

Izaak Wesson leads the 17-piece orchestra, providing high quality accompaniment to this very well-sung show.

Sweet and uplifting, with fairies, Iolanthe is an easy to like production that leaves its audience smiling.

Kimberley Shaw