The Yeomen of the Guard

Critically acclaimed as one of Australia's leading light opera companies, Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria present The Yeomen of the Guard. For over 87 years this group has been performing and advancing the appreciation and study of all things Gilbert & Sullivan.  Incredibly, in 2022 alone, this busy company will produce three operas (The Gondoliers, The Yeomen of the Guard and Thespis).  

While most storylines and settings in the G&S canon are nonsensical and implausible, Yeomen is set in a definite time period and in a familiar location, the Tower of London in the 16th century. The libretto contains real and poignant emotions and a captivating and sincere plot. True to Gilbert form, there are still romantic entanglements needing to be resolved. However, different to all other G&S finales, Yeomen ends on a sad note, when Jack Point (the strolling jester), is left alone without Elsie, his performing partner and sweetheart. Close to a 'Grand Opera', the composers considered Yeomen their best work, and it has become one of the most performed English operas in history. 

The authentic period costumes (including the Yeomen Warders uniforms and Tudor styles worn during the reign of Henry VIII) are sumptuous to say the least. The mood of the action is enhanced by Jason Bovaird’s exquisite lighting choices set against the impressive backdrop of the Tower of London.  

The GSOV Orchestra, under the capable baton of Trevor Henley, performed impeccably, most notably during the swell and majesty of the Overture. The perfectly cast principals produced stunning vocals and convincing characterisations. The large chorus numbers (consisting of Yeomen Warders and citizens) were lush vocally and visually stunning.  Especially notable was the wedding scene and finale; that sent shivers down my spine and tears down my face. 

There are so many standout performances here. Erin Absalom's (Phoebe, daughter of Sergeant Meryll) opening number 'When maiden loves she sits and sighs' and 'Were I thy bride' were sung with tenderness and vulnerability. Renée Mohring's (Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer) 'Tis done! I am a bride' was crafted with seeming ease. Her tender duet 'I have a song to sing, O', was an unforgettable highlight. Susan Coull’s (Dame Carruthers, housekeeper of the Tower) command of the stage was impressive especially during 'When our gallant Norman foes'. Emma Sutcliffe (Kate, Dame Carruthers niece), although only appearing in the quartet 'Strange adventure!' caught my attention with her pure vocals and harmonies. 

Brett O'Meara (with a slew of G&S roles under his belt) perfectly suited the role of Colonel Fairfax. His singular tenor voice shone during 'Is life a boon?' and the quartet 'When a wooer goes a-wooing'. Andrew McGrail (Wilfred Shadbolt, head jailor & tormentor) had some of the best comedic lines of the show, and his rendition of 'When jealous torments rack my soul' and the duet 'Hereupon we're both agreed' were crowd pleasers. Ian Woolford, in his debut GSOV production, portrayed Sergeant Meryll (of the Yeomen of the Guard) with both warmth and panache. This was highlighted by the contrasting songs 'A laughing boy but yesterday' and 'Rapture! Rapture!'  Ian Lowe (with his obvious decades of performing experience behind him) portrayed Sir Richard Cholmondeley (Lieutenant of the Tower) with power and confidence. Christopher Rothwell’s performance as Leonard Meryll was very natural, adding his voice to the emotional trio ‘Alas! I waver to and fro’. Last, but definitely not least is Daniel Felton as Jack Point, a strolling jester. Possibly Gilbert’s finest character, both comically and tragically, Felton’s portrayal is phenomenal!  His ownership of the role is outstanding. It almost felt like the role was written for him. Jack Point’s signature aria ‘I have a song to sing, O’ was poignant in Act One, but even more heartrending in the finale reprise.  

G&S doesn’t get any better than this! 

Ron Pidcock is to be congratulated for directing such a well polished, on ‘Point’ production, worthy to grace any major stage worldwide. 

Jonathan Cox

Photographer:  Robin Halls