MUSICAL THEATRE

“Iolanthe”

Presented by Queanbeyan Players

The Q, until June 23.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

THE Queanbeyan Players are the last bastion of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire in the region, so this “Iolanthe” provides a relatively rare opportunity to experience one the composers’ most delightful concoctions concerning fairies, magic and politics. Pity then that Janetta McRae’s stolid direction captures so little of the expected magic.

Sure, there are lots of colourful costumes, those for the 12 peers being particularly splendid. The large chorus sings very well, is arranged in artful rows, and moves in unison at appropriate moments. The principal players know all their lines, but not all are up to the vocal challenges.

There is a large orchestra, conducted by Jennifer Groom, which plays very well indeed, especially during the overture, and a drab setting which remains largely unchanged for both acts. The period has been moved to the early 1950s, though why is not clear, except that it allows half-fairy Strephon (engagingly played by Gerard Ninnes) to be dressed, rather incongruously, as a council gardener, and Phyllis (Madeleine Rowland) to wear a short dress in the first act.

Experienced stagers, Janene Broere (Fairy Queen), Greg Wallace (Lord Tolloller) and Peter Smith (Lord Mountararat) are at their best in the second act, as is Matt Greenwood (The Lord Chancellor) who manages the difficult “Nightmare Song” with considerable aplomb, despite the distraction of six “dainty dancing fairies”. However, vocals honours are stolen by Chris McNee (Private Willis) with his fine rendition of “When All Night Long”.