2003IolantheReview

SO long as you take your imagination and sense of humour with you, you'll enjoy Sale Gilbert and Sullivan's production of 'Iolanthe' at the Garrick Theatre, Altrincham,this week. You'll need an abundance of the first.

For 'Iolanthe' is one of the most far-fetched and complicated plots ever. For starters, you'll have to believe in fairies. Not the pretty wee things of folklore but the clumsy, long-in-the-tooth variety. This is where the humour comes in. For 'Iolanthe' is a very funny operetta and the fairies who form the strong female chorus, particularly so. The equally good male chorus consists mostly of posh and dotty members of the House of Lords headed by a Lord Chancellor who fancies a girl half his age and does ludicrous dances.

Nicolas Harrison is a superb Lord Chancellor dominating the stage in his probably moth-infested wig. He deserves a big pat on the back for his performance of 'Love Unrequited', a tongue twister of a song which gets faster and faster. Perhaps more than any other, 'Love Unrequited' illustrates Sullivan's gift for music and Gilbert's way with words.

Janice Rendel is a good choice for 'Iolanthe' equally mastering movements, acting and song.

Jacquie Harding's Phyllis, the woman who men adore, could have been sharper but her fine soprano voice makes up and she sings lovely duets with Peter England as Strephon, her half-mortal, half-fairy lover.

I'd give an award for best male singer to baritone Anthony Noden who, as the Earl of Mountatarat joins in some tricky trios and quartets with partner-in-comedy, tenor Stephen Othen and others.

For best female singer, I'd plump for Alison Davis, haughty Queen of the Fairies who makes use of her deep, alto voice to lay down the law and flirt as well as sing.

This professionally produced show displays Alistair Donkin's eye for detail from pregnant pauses before satirical lines to scenery and costume.