The Yeomen of the Guard

1992 2002 2012 2012 - photos by George Knox Act II Finale NODA Review Tynemouth Gilbert & Sullivan Society The Yeoman of the Guard Report by: Jim Graham on Friday 25 May 2012 Venue: Playhouse, Whitley Bay Type of Production: Gilbert & Sullivan Producer/Director: Val Corbitt Musical Director: Fu-Meng Khaw Choreographer: Val Corbitt Show Report Yeoman is one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s less frequently performed works – though nevertheless this was a very traditional and highly entertaining show with good singing, good acting and excellent direction.  Julia Straw sang very well and brought great comic skill to the role of the conniving minx Phoebe, while Michael Buyers was equally lecherous as Wilfred Shadbolt, the jailer, a part to which Michael was well suited as he had worked as a jailer in real life. The travelling entertainers Michael Gardner as Jack Point and Julie Gardner as Elsie Maynard brought pathos with polished singing to the roles. Rita Fallon as Dame Carruthers was excellent and had great fun. Rita is a long standing member of the Society as a chorus member and taking principal roles. Gareth Jones (tenor) played Colonel Fairfax behind the beard singing very well indeed. Richard Straw as Sir Richard Cholmondeley and Paul Newman as Sergeant Meryll acted and sang well. Principals and Chorus were all in fine voice and with humour abounding. There was an excellent multi-layer set from A1 Stage with highly professional costumes by Dorothy Wears and Alan Graham. There was a large orchestra well controlled under the baton of Society Chairman and Musical Director Fu-Meng Khaw with the whole production brilliantly staged under the guidance of Val Corbitt. On the evening of my visit there was a good size and obviously appreciative audience. Well done.