John Lawson

April 5, 2002

Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich


If there's one thing you can rely on in amateur dramatics it's the unlikely plot lines of Gilbert and Sullivan - and they don't come much more outlandish than this story of fairies and lords - and one who becomes half of each.

John Regan and producer Sheila Tuffield's colourful set and some particularly attractive costumes made this a handsome production by the East Norfolk Operatic Society at Sprowston High School in Norwich.

Ian Terry's well-marshalled orchestra underpins some fine ensemble singing.

Peter Gee as the Lord Chancellor and Barbara Lawson as the Queen of the Fairies led their respective troops from the front and they shared the bulk of the best songs and best one-liners.

Clive Swetman and Patrick Monk were pompous to a fault as the lords vying for the hand of Phyllis (Beverley McInnes), who really wanted to be with Strephon (John Bill).

And there was a lovely cameo from Keith Swetman as guardsman Private Willis.

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