"The Yeoman Of The Guard" by Gilbert & Sullivan.

Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

Iveshead School Theatre, Shepshed.

Not the most performed of all of Gilbert & Sullivan's works, which is why it's so nice to catch this production, performed by this wonderfully talented society who are celebrating 60 years of the society this year. This is an example of taking a chance on a production that you may not know about, or have not seen performed, because that gamble will pay off with this one, but there's not happy endings for everyone in this one! 

"The Yeoman Of The Guard" also known as "The Merryman and His Maid" is the eleventh of the fourteen operettas written by Arthur Sullivan and W S Gilbert.

Colonel Fairfax has been falsely accused of sorcery by a jealous relative who covets his estates and money. The Colonel is condemned to death for his "crime" and waits in the Tower of London for his execution. Fate, however, steps in - in the form of Sergeant Meryll (who owes his life to Colonel Fairfax) and Elsie Maynard, a beautiful strolling singer who has just arrived at the Tower to entertain the people in the company of a strolling jester, Jack Point.

There's some wonderful comical bits, some brilliant phrases used and part of the storyline reminds me of "Four Weddings And A Funeral", and the music is typical Gilbert & Sullivan, all in all proving that this show is well worth watching.

Needless to say the acting and singing by everyone is of the best quality, as is the characterization of the roles, so let's get on with telling you who is who because the cast size is one of the biggest for a Gilbert & Sullivan production.

Colonel Fairfax, the romantic lead, is played by Dan Magnone, who makes his debut with the society, and what a way to do so. Fairfax is a prisoner in the Tower of London, falsely accused of dealing with the devil, and is scheduled for execution. Dan's voice is so clear and carries well, especially in his solo songs "Is Life A Boon?" and "Free From His Fetters Grim".

Jack Point, serves as the Fool and falls in love with the singer Elsie Maynard, and is played by Richard Craggs. Richard gets to sing some of the best songs in this operetta, "I Have  A Song To Sing O", "I've Jibe And Joke", "Oh! A Private Buffoon Is A Light Hearted Loon" and "When A Wooer Goes A Wooing", all highlighting the comic wordings of W S Gilbert fantastically.

Wilfred Shaldbot, the head jailer, is played by Al Jordan. He is a narcissist who fancies himself an artist and poet, and would love to become a jester. Al plays this character perfectly and really brings out the comedy in this role. Shadbolt gets to set out his comedy stand from the off with songs like "When Jealous Torments Rack My Soul", and later on with his duet with Jack Point in "Hereupon We're Both Agreed". Al also has possibly the best make up job in the show!

Sergeant Meryll is played by Howard Pritchett. Meryll is the Sergeant of the Yeomen of the Guard and a retired war hero and widower. He owes his life to Fairfax and is father to Leonard and Phoebe

Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer and betrothed to Jack Point, is played marvellously by Ali Matthews-Savage. Although betrothed, Elsie accepts the chance to earn big money, but that plan goes slightly awry!

Phoebe Meryll is played by Alix Ashurst. Phoebe is an intelligent and resourceful young woman, she is a romantic at heart and has plenty of spirit. Alix's voice is perfect for this character as she has a very light and youthful sound to her voice; a tone that is in complete contrast to Alix's recent role as Miss Hannigan at Loughborough Town Hall.

Dame Carruthers is a formidable presence in this opera, known for her strong opinions and authoritative demeanor and played by Kate King.

Sir Richard Cholmondeley, Lieutenant of the Tower and is in charge of the Tower and all of the people within it, played by Edward Atkin.

Kate is Dame Carruthers' niece and played by Rachel Fitzpatrick. 

Leonard Meryll is played by Toby Ashurst, who also makes his debut with the society. Leonard is a war hero and a new recruit of the Yeomen of the Guard. Proving that Gilbert and Sullivan is not for the more mature male actor, it's also great fun for the younger actor and we get to hear Toby's more classical timbre into the bargain. I've seen Toby in several roles in musical theatre over the last few years and this makes a really pleasant difference to what I normally hear Toby sing.

The Chorus of The Yeoman are made up from Paul Ainsworth, Ray Connelly, John Cousen, Brian Fletcher, Matthew Hammersley, Alan Hobson, Mike Jones, Roger Muggleton, Richard Perkins and Andy Savage, really swelling out that recognisable G&S sound.

Clive Carlin (First Yeoman), Richard Tomlinson (Second Yeoman), Roger Muggleton (First Citizen), Mike Jones (Second Citizen), Alan Hobson (The Headsman) and Matthew Hammersley and Andy Savage (The Villagers).

The Chorus Of Ladies are Brigitte Ainsworth, Lynne Atkin, Mary Barber, Carrie Bareham, Lisa Clifton, Rachel Cousen, Jane Dobson, Laura Gregory, Valerie Hart, Cheryl Hammersley, Christine Hibbard, Amy North, Helen Oliver, Sally Portsmouth, Helen Smith, Rosie Smith, Sue Smith, Helen Tomlinson and Carol Weller. What a gorgeous sound this cast make with so many big voices.

Directed by Cheryl Hammersley and Angela Kilpin. This production simply sweeps along at a real pace. It has that retro/modern feel about it for a reason that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it's that mention of noting comments on a "tablet"... surely not in G&S times? This show entertains in fine form and pace, surprising myself to see that the programme is practically a three hour show with interval; it seemed a fraction of the time.

Musical Director and Conductor is Adrian Dobson, so you can always guarantee a quality vocal performance from the performers, as well as a lush and rounded sound from this fourteen piece orchestra.

Production and Stage manged by Gordon Kilpin. With a cast of this size you have to be on your game with the stage management, and Gordon was the man for this big job. The Stage Crew were Luen Banks, Dave Jackson and Mark Smith. Gordon was also responsible for the set design which really made you feel as if you were at the Towers Of London.

Choreography was not credited in the programme but there were some very good choreographed sections, often with the large ensemble all on stage.

Costumes are from Lichfield Costume Hire and looked incredible. The red and yellow Guard outfits really jumped out at you and the costumes for the ladies were beautiful.

Lighting is by Paul Boneham and Sound is Paul Frost, both adding to the class of the production. The sound was round and clear and the lighting really brought the colours in the costumes to life.

This production is helping to raise funds and awareness of Sepsis and The UK Sepsis Trust, so if you have any spare cash rolling around in your pocket, free your pocket space and pop it the collection buckets... after you've folded it up of course.

"The Yeoman Of The Guard" is at Iveshead Scholl Theatre in Shepshed until Saturday 8 November.