A DELIGHTFULLY DISORDERLY DIVE INTO GILBERT AND SULLIVAN WITH THE ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR

On the afternoon of 29^th March at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk, even before the proverbial curtain rose and long before a single, confident note rang out on that stage, this Rollicking Romp with Gilbert and Sullivan was shaped, guided, and brought to life by the tireless dedication of our musical director and accompanist, Alexis FitzGerald OAM. Through many months of rehearsals, filled with laughter, missed lyrics and dance steps, eventual progress, and many amazing musical moments, Alexis steered her choristers with patience, precision, and an unwavering belief in the joy of performance. What follows is not just a recount of a concert, but a celebration of the high-spirited journey that transformed a group of eager Esk Community Choir members into a delightfully close-knit cast, ready to embrace the wit, whimsy, and wonder of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Bob Hardy with the chorus

Sue and Malcolm

As the afternoon slipped into show time, our ever-eloquent emcee Sean Choat took a moment to acknowledge the choir’s new corporate sponsors, expressing sincere gratitude for their generous support. With Sean’s brief glimpse into Iolanthe, a comic opera blending satire and fantasy, the opening items captured this playful spirit. Tripping hither and thither- enter, the fairies’ dainty presence, the pomp and bluster of the Peers, and Bob’s powerfully delivered solo along with the lively chorus ensemble, celebrating the might of the establishment. This portion of the rollicking romp concluded with Susie and Malcolm’s charming duet If We’re Weak Enough to Tarry, a light-hearted reflection on love and hesitation, a perfect balance between Gilbert and Sullivan’s satire and warmth.

Liz, Evey and Marina

Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, and Peep-Bo, brought to life by Liz, Evey, and Marina, were a delight both visually and vocally, their vibrant costumes and harmonious rendition of The Three Little Maids from School captivating the audience.

Aydan

Then it was hardly persuasion which was required when Aydan Forsythe bounded onto the stage with If You Give Me Your Attention from Princess Ida. From the outset, Aydan commanded the audience’s full focus, his performance sparkling with playful, satirical charm, capturing the character’s mischievous personality, reflecting his own to perfection.

Patrina and Sue

Meandering into Venice and the music of The Gondoliers, one of G & S’s most spectacular comic operas, Susie and Patrina ignited the story-telling charm of A Regular Royal Queen, inviting the audience into a world of the witty musical brilliance of this timeless classic.

Following a brief interlude, innovatively ‘filled’ by our energetic emcee to accommodate quick costume changes, Susie and Anna returned to the stage with one of the comic highlights of the programme. Their tender-hearted rendition of Poor Wand’ring One from The Pirates of Penzance, was a performance met with enthusiastic applause by a now captivated audience.

Sue and Anna - Poor Wand'ring One

Denis - Captain and Crew

A lively shift in pace ushered in a choral salute to H.M.S. Pinafore with the harmonious voices of a spirited company of maritime crew and a jolly good captain too, all characterising the wit and charm of seafaring life. And amid all this energy, Poor Little Buttercup, warmly brought to life by Maree Lansdown with her basket of baubles in hand, made her entrance, weaving through the bustling crew and softening the exuberance with a touch of musical whimsy and vocal charisma.

Buttercup - Maree Lansdown

A Policeman’s Lot Is Not a Happy One to be sure but delivered with charm, especially in the spirited pursuit of the young rascal Aydan. Denis and Roger, portraying the hapless constabulary, brought humour ironically reflecting the policemen’s lack of courage. This clever rendition provided a brilliant segue into this Gilbert and Sullivan rollicking romp’s finale. Complete with a swashbuckling chorus of pirates, A Pirates Chorus was the climactic conclusion which left the audience in rapturous applause and eager for more.

Denis and Roger

Watch the Video.

For the success of this endeavour, we of the choir extend our deepest thanks to our extraordinary volunteers, especially our newbies, all of whom never hesitate to step forward and support every aspect of our performances, from front -of -house to the kitchen. Your willingness and dedication form the foundation of everything we do. Special appreciation goes to David Finn for his artistry in lighting and sound, elevating the cast beyond what they thought possible, and to Denis for his thoughtful research on backdrops, bringing each song vividly into its proper context. We are also sincerely grateful to Ruth and Suzanne for their beautiful flute and piccolo embellishments, enhancing Alexis’s already unparalleled piano accompaniments. Finally, our heartfelt thanks go to Alexis, the beating heart of this choir, whose passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment make all of this possible.

By: Sue Walker