The Yeomen of the Guard
Libretto by W.S.GILBERT
Music by ARTHUR SULLIVAN
A dramatic new production of this G&S Masterpiece from Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria, “Australia’s foremost exponent of light opera” (The Age).
Set in the Tower of London in the time of Henry VIII, the hero Colonel Fairfax is to be beheaded on a trumped-up charge of sorcery. He avoids this gruesome fate through the bravery of the Meryll family, and the unwitting aide of the strolling players Elsie Maynard and Jack Point, who is arguably Gilbert’s finest character study.
Complications arise when Elsie falls in love with the hero who has joined the tower warders disguised as Sargent Meryll’s son, leaving her unrequited lover Jack Point in despair.
There are five romantic entanglements to resolve before the powerful finale, together with the intrigues of the Tower jailer Wilfred Shadbolt and the jester Jack Point, ensuring that The Yeomen of the Guard delivers as many comic situations as it does dramatic ones.
With a full orchestra and chorus, talented soloists, Yeomen costumes imported from the UK, and the dynamic lighting skills of Moving Light Productions, GSOV will bring to life this tale of romance and bravery, showcasing what many believe is Gilbert and Sullivan’s best work.
To encourage family bookings the following are offered during the matinee:
- photo opportunities with the cast in costume,
- a Yeomen colouring activity, and
- a prize for the youngster attending in the best RED costume (because Yeomen wear red!)
Starring:
RENÉE MOHRING as Elsie Maynard
ERIN ABSALOM as Phoebe Meryll
SUSAN COULL as Dame Carruthers
EMMA SUTCLIFFE as Kate
DANIEL FELTON as Jack Point
ANDREW MCGRAIL as Wilfred Shadbolt
IAN WOOLFORD as Sgt Meryll
BRETT O’MEARA as Colonel Fairfax
IAN LOWE as Sir Richard Cholmondeley.
CHRISTOPHER ROTHWELL as Leonard Meryll
RON MACK as 1st Yeoman
SAM HARGREAVES as 2nd Yeoman
Ensemble:
Tim Angelico, Andrew Bell, Stephen Capon, Larry Dalton, Ben Klein, Ken Knight,
Graeme Lock, Chris McInnis, Bruce Packard, Jamie Tampion.
Sarah Amos, Elizabeth Anthony, Rebekah Bennetts, Annett Engelhardt, Bridgette Kelsey,
Susan Marshall, Christine Millward, Robyn Pidcock, Carol Soloff, Linda Wood.
Director: RON PIDCOCK OAM
Musical Director: TREVOR HENLEY
Lighting Design: JASON BOVAIRD
Ron Pidcock OAM interviewed on 1/10/2022, by Julie Houghton and broadcast on 3MBS
Ron Pidcock OAM interviewed on 8/10/2022, by Melissa Fistric and broadcast on ABC Gippsland
The Box Office is OPEN and we’re ON SALE.
Performances:
* Avoca Town Hall
Sunday 25th September 2022, 2:30 PM
92 Rutherford Street, Avoca
* Inglewood Town Hall
Saturday 1st October 2022, 2:30pm
25 Verdon St, Inglewood, Victoria
* The Alexander Theatre
48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton 3800
Thursday 6th October 2022, 8pm
Friday 7th October 2022, 8pm
Saturday 8th October 2022, 2pm
Saturday 8th October 2022, 8pm
Free undercover parking
* Corinella Public Hall
Concert Presentation
Saturday 15th October 2022, 7:00pm
Smythe St, Corinella, Victoria
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Enquiries: 0490 465 009, tickets@gsov.org.au