Iolanthe review - NODA

16 December 2010

(Review by NODA representative Lance Milton)

It was heartening to see BODS play to a packed house under the distinctive red proscenium arch of
the Betchworth Village Hall on the Thursday evening that I attended their production of Iolanthe.
Immediately this gave the impression that this is a company with a good reputation and I would be
in for a treat.

Certainly Virginia King, director, is an avid G&S fan and this came across immediately the expert
tones of Ian Stone [accompanist] completed the 15 minute overture to the show. While only a
moment previous a lady in the third row had been reading her programme by torchlight, much to
the amusement of many of us, even she was transfixed as soon as the first performer hit the stage.
From the opening chorus the female cast tripped hither and thither with vocal aplomb, especially
the highly gifted altos among them. Further we were treated to wonderful performances from
Brenda Judd [Queen of the Fairies] and Linda Slater [Iolanthe] directed by Roger Wilman. The men
too, while evidently varied in aptitude particularly in the tenor range, carried very plausible
ensemble work and certainly, costumed by Alison Cooper, looked every bit the part throughout.
Terry Mitchell [SM] and Stephen Tickell's simple but effective set, complete with waterfall in act one
and full sized sentry box in act two, was complimented by David Ames subtle lighting.

However it was in two leading men that the show found its spark for me. Neil Williams deft vocal
and character performance was as lofty as the man himself, with excellent control and subtlety in
equal measure. The show stealer was, however, without a doubt [Society Chairman] David Longes
with an utterly believable and lovable Lord Chancellor. Expression is everything and here is a
performer who is constantly in character whether in the spotlight or not. The particular highlight of
an all round first class performance was his patter song in act two complete with red 'wee willy
winky' hat and nightgown which was the perfect outfit to compliment the comedy.