“YEOMAN OF THE GUARD” PLAYED TO GOOD HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18008, 19 November 1926, Page 5

“YEOMAN OF THE GUARD” PLAYED TO GOOD HOUSE.

“ THE MIKADO ” ON BILL FOR THEATRE TO-NIGHT.

“ The Yeomen of the Guard,” an opera in two acts by Gilbert and Sullivan was presented in the Theatre Royal last night by J. C. Williamson’s company, who are at present on a farewell visit to Christchurch.

When loves go right and loves go wrong, joy and sorrow, pathos and comedy, must play their part, and upon this did Gilbert and Sullivan build “ The Yeomen of the Guard.” The story, a simple one, unfolds in the grim shadow of the Tower of London in the days when that shadow fell with a more awesome slant across the heart of London than it does to-day. Within its walls the hero. Colonel Fairfax, a gallant of the gallant sixteenth century, a-waits death for sorcery, but in order to spite his greedy kinsmen, he is permitted to marry. He has half an hour to live and consequently there is not a great deal of time for discrimination. The lieutenant of the tower selects as the colonel’s bride, Elsie, the lady love of Jack Point, a vagabond to whom the chance of becoming an opulent widow within half an hour was a pleasing inducement, and the marriage takes place. Immediately there is an unexpected turn. Fairfax is smuggled out of his cell, disguised as a yeoman, and set the task of living happily ever afterwards. He manages to do this, but there is bitter disappointment for Phoebe, who hid her love for the colonel, and Jack Point. The cast was the same as in the previous performances here Mr Charles Walenn; as Jack Point, vagabond and jester, took the highest honours. Mr John Ralston’s performance as the head jailer was a masterly character study and Mr James Hay made a great hit as Colonel Fairfax, particularly in his fine rendering of “ Is Life a Boon.” The lieutenant and Sergeant Meryll were effectively portrayed by Mr Lance Fairfax and Mr Bernard Manning. As Elsie Maynard, Miss Strella Wilson gave a most pleasureable presentation. Miss Wilson enraptured her audience with “ ’Tis Done! lam a Bride.” Miss Mabel Gibson was irresistible as Phoebe Meryll. The part of Dame Carruthers, the Chatelaine of the Tower, was finely taken by Miss Winifred Williamson. The work of the chorus and orchestra was admirable. “ The Mikado ” will be presented tonight.