Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan shows are what started my obsession with musical theatre many years ago and Utopia, Limited is typical G&S. Each time I see one of their musicals performed, half the enjoyment is the performance itself and the other half is the familiarity and how it reminds me of when I first discovered musicals.
Utopia, Limited produced by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of WA was no exception. This show has the familiar style of music with its boppy riffs and cheerful tunes. It’s funny and has plenty of clever rhyming and big words. I also especially enjoyed the re-appearance of Captain Corcoran from HMS Pinafore and the reference to the Mikado too. One difference though is that where other G&S shows have their subtle or cryptic digs at English society, Utopia, Limited makes an all-out vicious attack on Great Britain and its culture and systems. You don’t need to read between the lines in this one!
It’s all quite silly and in good humour though and not designed to be taken too seriously. It shows how well these shows from the 19th century are written that they are still able to make modern audiences laugh and relate.
Visually
Immediately, the quality of the G&S Society’s costumes was obvious. They were colourful and entertaining with attention to detail that really made the show look great. Even props like the “Palace Peeper” newspaper had been made properly with no corners cut. The set was simple yet effective, fit for the occasion and not dissimilar to that of Essgee’s Pirates of Penzance in the 90s. It seems that this is what G&S shows tend to lend themselves towards. They don’t need to rely on effects to be good! The choreography complimented the costumes and contributed to the comedy as well.
Talent
The casting was good and it was fun to see some familiar faces from previous society and even WA Opera shows. The standard of singing was fantastic and the acting too. The young orchestra sounded professional and didn’t miss a beat. Behind the scenes must have done a good job as the stage management was well organised and without fault. All in all, everybody seemed to be enjoying making this production and this does make a positive difference on a show. It’s so good to see many young people appreciating G&S and I hope this will continue in future generations.
Respectful Suggestion Box?
There are two potential areas for improvement that could help take the experience to a new level for the next generation and, in turn, grow the number of young G&S fans out there: the venue and the sound.
The location of the Dolphin Theatre does have a lot going for it: it’s central, has easy parking, and is an appropriate size. It has a bar, and a courtyard people can spill out onto and plenty of theatrical history represented on its foyer walls. But I just wonder if there would be another option somewhere that could serve the Society even better? It looks tired and the entrance is cramped. And as much as I love watching the orchestra and conductor, having them in the front row is not ideal.
The biggest issue by far was the sound. It’s as simple as that for nearly half of the time spent singing you just couldn’t hear the actors, let alone make out what they were saying. G&S songs need to be understood. For speaking sections when the orchestra was off, no problem, but during the songs, an un-micd voice with the band at audience level just couldn’t compete. The lady beside me said that it was “hard to hear half the time” whilst the group behind commented, “it would be nice to hear the words”.
A Quality Production
A third person did say at intermission, however, how good it was for an amateur production. And he was right. It’s because of this that I’d love to see them mic the principle cast members. The levels would have to be actively managed depending on the scene and relative volume of the orchestra and ensemble. (There is plenty of inspiration here!) I know there are additional costs and complexities with this but it would do the skill of the cast justice and complete what fantastic work the G&S Society of WA is doing. I reckon that removing this hurdle would go a long way to appealing to even more theatre-goers. If I could get time off work, I’d enjoy making it a personal project, but “I have, alas, only holidays enough for two left and there is still, no considerable balance in my favour.“
The next show in line is the popular The Mikado in October and I have already booked in my time off for that – can’t wait!
