“THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD”

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 126, 21 February 1941, Page 10

“THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD”

Gilbert And Sullivan’s Finest Opera PERFORMED LAST NIGHT “The Yeomen of the Guard," a serio-comic opera in two acts by Gilbert and Sullivan. Cast of characters : — Sir Richard Cbolmoudeiey, Gregory Stroud Colonel Fairfax Johu Fullard Sergeant Meryll Bernard Manning Leonard Meryll Vincent McMurray Jack Point Ivan Menzies Wilfred Shadbolt Richard Watson. Phoebe Meryll Peggy Shea Dame Carruthers Evelyn Gardiner Kate Helen Coleman Elsie Maynard Viola Wilson Classic among the Gilbert-Sullivan operas, •'The Yeomen of the Guard” was the proclaimed favourite of the series of the composer .Sir Arthur Sullivan not only because of its picturesque Elizabethan setting and the more than hint of the serious in its make-up, but because for once there wtts a straightforward story, devoid entirely of that qtldl.v fantastical and altogether capricious spirit of topsyturveydom which characterizes most of the opera plots. This opera pro vides Sullivan with the opportunity of sounding a deeper musical note than usual, and Gilbert his chance of exploiting his sense of the whimsical in a mediaeval setting.

Comedy ami tragedy live cheek by jowl in “The Yeomen of the Guard.” The plot concerns brave Colonel Fairfax, sentenced to be beheaded on Tower green, who is rescued at the last moment by a plot conceived by old Sergeant .Meryll and his daughter Phoebe, who pass him off as their sou aud brother respectively, not before he has married Elsie .Maynard (the strolling dancer, aud partner of Jack Point), so that his estate shall not descend to him who has brought about his condemnation. Then, of course, there is Phoebe’s affair with the grim, suspicious Shadbolt, and its unpleasant end; Sergeant Meryll’s capture by Dame Carruthers (made possible by her adroitness in discovering the plot) ; and, more poignant than all, the death of poor Jack Point of a broken heart at the loss of Elsie. Happiness comes to Fairfax aud Elsie by a belated reprieve. Last evening’s performance was well up to the average given by the present Williamson company. Jack Point has always been one of Mr. Ivan Menzies’s most effective characterizations. With consummate skill he contrasts the merry light-hearted jester of the first act with the wretchedness which overtakes him on discovering Elsie’s love for another. Befooled admirably in “I Have a Song to Sing O.” and “Oh, A Private Buffoon.” and scored in the waggish duct with Shadbolt. His death scene was also convincing. Mr. John Fullard, a newcomer, is the finest tenor heard in Gilbert and Sullivan opera for many years. His voice has the true tenor timbre, clear, strong, and resonant, and is used with refinement and intelligence. His singing and youthful form and bearing made his Colonel Fairfax an attractive figure. Such ballads as “Is Life a Boon,” and "Free From His Fetters Grim” were most artistically sung. Miss Viola Wilson made a winsome Elsie Maynard, without exhausting the possibilities of the role, aud Miss Evelyn Gardiner a comely Dame Carruthers. The Lieutenant of the Tower was played with quiet dignify by Mr. Geoffrey Stroud, ami Mr. Bernard Manning's portrayal of Sergeant Meryll grows mellow with the years. Phoebe Meryll found in Miss Peggy Shea an emotional actress and singer, who. while she makes an impression, loses something of the charm of her role by her abounding vitality and eagerness. Her fooling with .Shadbolt was good entertainment.

The lugubrious jailer was played with cumbrous weight and unction by .Mr. Hiclmrd Watson, who misses no Gilberts points in song or dialogue. Mr. V. M. . rurray was Leonard Meryll and Kale was nicely played by Miss Helen Coleman. The appearance of Mr. Leo Packer, the conductor, is the signal for a round of applause nightly, the quality of his interpretations, as expressed by orchestra and ehorns, having gained recognition.

"The Yeomen of the Guard” will bo played again this evening, tomorrow afternoon and evening, and on Monday >ight. On Tuesday it will give way to “lolanthe.”