PRINCESS IDA      - a review from our NODA rep:

Director - Keith Neville                                                             Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks

Musical Director - Anthony Hughes                                           Friday 3rd April

It was nice to return to the Stag Theatre after their problems of recent times and what a good show to return to!

This is the first production of Princess Ida that I have seen set in the 'Roundheads and Cavaliers' period with the role of King Hildebrand, in the capable hands of John McLaren, looking every inch like King Charles ll. Hilarion (peter thomas), Florian (Edward  Bonner) and Cyril (Cameron Brown) were all vocally in top form (although Cameron did struggle a bit with his top range!) They even managed some humour along the way. Gama's three sons Arac (David Waller), Guron (Nigel Lloyd and Scythius (James Osborne) impressively costumed in 'armour' made a fine job of the roles but perhaps the 'gormless' look was a bit overdone. King Gama was well played by the experienced Peter Smith, not as grotesque a character as I have seen but perhaps I should have seen him close up!

Not to be outdone, the ladies also provided some fine performances. Sandy Hume as Lady Psyche and Hannah Miller as Melissa both gave nice performances. Joanna Silcox gave a strong portrayal as Lady Blanche. Stqge experience showed here with her facial expressions, even when she was not involved in the dialogue.

Finally came a performance of the highest quality from Amanda Helen Farrant as Princess Ida. Her strong vocal and acting abilities shone through. The Chorus were well disciplined with imaginative staging and the ensemble singing was generally good but did get 'out of sync' with the orchestra on one or two occasions. The orchestra, under the baton of Anthony Hughes - stepping in for Michael Jarrett at the last minute, was good and unobtrusive.

Scenery and lighting were good but they did have a little trouble with the sound system though not enough to spoil the performance.  costumes looked good and colourful, even the ladies' armour in Act lll!

I have come to expect something a little different from the Director Keith Neville and he didn't disappoint.As he says in his programme notes, even though there are "touches of burlesque in its style, the genius of Gilbert and Sullivan still shines through." 

Doreen Grierson     NODA Regional Rep.    (District 7.)