Shenfield
Operatic Society at Brentwood Theatre
07.06.17
The
simplest of sets: a staircase, with rope lights, lanterns, banners
for the Rising Sun and Yum-Yum's moon, and Ian Southgate's splendid
swing band just visible behind.
This
jazzed-up G&S is set in the 1940s,
and the six dudes in shades – Gentlemen of Japan – could have
walked straight in from Guys and Dolls. This keen sense of style is
maintained throughout Louise Byrne's hugely enjoyable production.
Maximum
space for the nifty choreography – no passengers, no prisoners in
this show – and we're treated to Lindy Hop, Jitterbug
and a fabulous tap routine in Act Two.
A
talented cast handle the tricky hybrid with élan. Jack Lloyd is the
young second
trumpet Nanki-Poo,
Liberty Watts his Yum-Yum – shades of Judy Garland, in
her artless Japanese way,
for
her big solo. The
comedy roles include Allister Smith's energetic KoKo, his Little List
firmly 40s-based, with Revivalists, FDR and Garbo in the frame,
sporting a top-knot for Tit Willow. Iain Johnson is a suave Mikado;
Jamie
Fudge an engaging Pish-Tush.
Lloyd Bonson makes
an
imposing Pooh-Bah, bringing
all of his many offices to life.
Superb vocals from the other Little Maids – Kate Smith and Rachel
Watson, polka dots and parasols for their introductory Andrews Sisters trio. And, stealing the scene with her vampish torch songs, Kerry
Cooke's wonderful scarlet Katisha. They
all work together with practised ease; the trios for Howdy Do and I
Am So Proud very neatly done.
The
music comes off best in this adaptation. The lyrics could usefully
have been updated
with more imagination, though many of Gilbert's original
jokes
still score their laughs.
A
stylish, polished production, with the impressive chorus given lots
to do, and choreographed smoothly on and off the awkward Brentwood
stage.
image: Claire Collinson photography
image: Claire Collinson photography
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