| Show |
Description |
| The Gondoliers (November 2000) |
A traditional production of this favourite operetta was enhanced by some innovative set design. This incorporated portraits of Gilbert and Sullivan under their respective initials at the beginning and end of a spelled out "Gondoliers". Another notable point about this show was that the opening night ( November 22nd) was the exact 100th anniversary of Sullivan's death.
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| Ruddigore (October 2001) |
This production was a hybrid of the traditional and the re-instated. We added a new song, changed another and extended yet another. The part of Mad Margaret was shared (two performances each) and Sir Despard made his entrance on a horse! The picture gallery in Act 2 was a memorable spectacle in black and white with Ghosts featuring piercing red eyes.
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| Iolanthe (November 2002) |
Our first show ever at the Questors Theatre - on a thrust stage, with some sheep wandering to the end of the Rainbow and others being attended to by Strephon. Strephon not only showed he was a dab hand at being an Arcadian Shepherd but also a mean mimic of our present Prime Minister - as the NODA reviewer said, Alistair McGowan may need to look out! The production was set in the late 19th century with the fairies as a group of charming Mary Poppins lookalikes and the peers looking superb in their full regalia.
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| Patience (November 2003) |
Another well received Fraser Grant Production, this show featured the character Eros who provided a humourous running commentary on the proceedings via a series of sign boards. The central backcloth was a specially painted portrait of the central character Bunthorne complete with feather quill prop and mirroring his costume perfectly. It was painted in the Renaisance style.
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| The Pirates of Penzance (October 2004) |
We had a swashbuckling time, thanks to fantastic audiences and to piratical performances from Geoff Horwood as the Pirate King, Richie Alexander Scott as Samuel and Cheryl Chisnall as Ruth (who also proved that Ruth can be glamorous, especially when wearing boots, tights, a founcey shirt and waistcoat). Edwin Owen proved that you can buy ancestry and convince pirates about being an orphan (but not frequently, only once). Peter Edwards played the Sergeant of Police (having been Sergeant Meryl in Yeoman)and he and his troop of policemen were suitably terrified by the exhortations to go to death and glory. Barry Gilbert and Janarki Monk as Frederic and Mabel proved that love (and stunningly good singing voices) does conquer all.
All in all a fun show and well worth doing again.
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| Orpheus in the Underworld (November 2005) |
This unique production featured a completely new translation by Fraser Grant our director with specially adapted orchestration by Paul Smith. Updated to reflect today's celebrity obsessed culture, Act 1 centred around a TV studio where the principal characters (same as the original) are introduced by the Chat-Show host (Public Opinion). Act 2 on Mount Olympus introduced the Ozzie and Sharon of the Gods (Jupiter and Juno)with some upset family and a few extra characters, while Act3 featured arguably the star of the show, Cerberus the hell hound of death (a tiny Jack Russell). All got sorted in Act 4 when a toast to Beckus (a statuesque David Beckham full size cardboard cut-out) got the flames of hell burning brightly. A one off theatrical experience never to be forgotten.
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| The Mikado(November 2006) |
Always a popular favorite, The Mikado was well received and well attended. We adopted a procenium stage with orchestra in front for this traditional production which featured a painted stage with Japanese flowers and water garden skillfully created by our scenic painter Martin Jarvis. Origami swans and lilly pads added to the Oriental feel which was enhanced by the opening Male chorus making origami birds and aeroplane. A suitably splendidly attired Mikado was greeted by his loyal subjects who lay prostrate before him. The Questors stage had never been cleaner!
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| The Sorcerer (October 2007) |
Our 2007 production featured this less well known show and gave our audiences the opportunity to sample it's delights. The stage backdrop consisted of a village silhouette which contrasted well with the green lawn covered acting space. A chorus of colourful characters including country bumpkin, school-teacher/pupil and Guards Officer were dutifully put to sleep by the end of Act one. The Vicar, Dr Daly made an enthusiastic entrance on his tricycle, just managing to stop before disapppearing into the Orchestra pit!
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| HMS Pinafore(November 2008) |
We hadn't performed this show for a while (1991),so it was refreshing to give it an airing. The distinguishing feature of the show was a glorious set inspired by Fraser Grant & designed by Martin Jarvis. Audiences were stunned by the sight of the man-'o-war as it occupied the whole of the large acting space with orchestra on the poop deck. Resplendent with canon, figurehead, mast, rigging and authentic flags, the deck was large enough to accommodate the full company. A couple of seagulls were perched in the auditorium and another one christened Dick Deadeye who got his revenge in Act two. All in all a lively and colourful show.
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