2001Gondoliersreview

Director: Alistair Donkin

Musical Director: Mark Goggins

Reviews

Review from NODA - May 2001

by John Flay

The Gondoliers is the last of the "great" Savoy operas. This traditional production had at times business from the D'Oyly Carte's Anthony Besch 1968 re-staging and was directed with clarity and vigour. The M.D. made sure the music was toe-tapping, it also had pace and was snappy. With a lively cast and well pitched performances from the Gondoliers (Christopher Halpin and Anthony Noden) and their brides Gianetta and Tessa (Eileen Jackson and Janice Rendel).

They were ably supported by Robert Wardle as the the Duke of Plaza-Toro who endeared himself to the audience, while the Duchess of Plaza-Toro was played by Alison Davis whose stage presence added immeasurably to the production.

The chorus sang lustily and there was an imaginative set design by Margaret Norris. It was a shame the costumes by Elizabeth Stageware did not have the same imagination.

This revival was true to this society's orthodox Gilbert and Sullivan productions.

Emails and Letters

Thanks once again for a most enjoyable evening at the Garrick. As a Gand S fan, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the opera. How wrong I was ! Your production managed to open my eyes to original interpretations by you. Thanks again and congratulations on another triumph.