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An exceptionally well-performed version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s final operetta, with the lesson to not let first appearances rule your opinions: there may very well be a pleasant surprise waiting.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Forbear! Theatre bring a hilarious and simply beautiful production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s final operetta The Grand Duke to the Drayton Arms Theatre. This is a piece which was found to be quite problematic when it first premiered, accused of having too much dialogue, but here it is performed exceptionally well.
The operetta appears to centre around a wedding between Ludwig (William Remmers) and Lisa (Christina Krawec), but very quickly the audience learns that there is much more at stake than just a marriage. There are plans to overthrow the Grand Duke (Roland Harrad), involving clever identification of co-conspirators through the consumption of sausage rolls and a statutory duel involving drawing a card, resulting in the legal ‘death’ of the one who draws the lowest. When the Duke is overthrown the winner is found to not have the money nor the nerve to rule. Another statutory duel commences and Ludwig becomes Duke. However, due to certain arrangements surrounding his new title, he must give up his marriage to Lisa and marry the comical Julia (Rachel Middle) instead. The plot continues, with multiple entertaining twists and turns, ultimately resulting in a happy ending for everyone, and where Lisa and Ludwig can finally marry.
The first half introduces all of the main characters, and the plot to overthrow the Duke. The cast’s excellent voices, along with the beautifully choreographed dance numbers, are accompanied by George Ireland, a pianist of exceptional talent, and are unmatched. However, the original issue Gilbert and Sullivan faced regarding too much dialogue still haunts this production. During the first half everything seems to go by so fast that it can be difficult to understand what is happening, and what the characters are doing. The sheer speed of the performance can make it difficult to piece together the storyline, as if one were watching a screwball comedy from the 1930s in the form of an operetta.
Despite the confusion from the first act, the show is redeemed during the second act which is nothing short of sheer bliss. The dialogue is significantly smoother and the storyline is much clearer. The musical numbers are heightened to a level of magnificence, leaving one feeling completely astonished by the end.
The Drayton Arms Theatre is quite a small venue, so the set is kept basic to match. However, the talent possessed by the performers decidedly make up for that, leaving the audience with a delightful feeling of happiness by the end.
Written by: Gilbert and Sullivan
Artistic Director: Rachael Middle
Musical Director: William Remmers
Assistant Directors: Tony Banister, Robyndra Allen
The Grand Duke plays at Drayton Arms Theatre until 7 September. Further information available here.
