Yeomen of the Guard

Introduction

An evening of light opera in the inimitable style that Gilbert & Sullivan made their own. The plot is not as preposterous as some in Grand Opera or indeed in other Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta, and the characters are not so strongly strongly caricatured. The music is generally regard as the best in their collaboration. The story somewhat blacker than their others with real threats of execution and, for once, not everyone marrying everyone else in the finale. It promises to be a very enjoyable evening with the South Anglian Savoy Players fresh from having scooped a hatful of prizes at the 2007 international G & S competition at Buxton and preparing to gain more this year.

Kentwell's Open Air location offers the Hall itself as an imposing and ready believable backdrop representation of the Tower of London and the unlimited space for a stage enables the company to show off its large cast and huge chorus to best effect.

Gilbert & Sullivan

William Gilbert enjoyed a high reputation in mid-Victorian London theatre as writer of successful sketches, comedies, pantomimes, burlesques and musicals. He wrote some of the cleverest and wittiest lyrics ever. Arthur Sullivan was a musical prodigy who composed much else including Onward Christian Soldiers and was at that time the most popular musician in England, as a conductor and composer of oratorios, anthems and hymns. They were introduced by the impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte and began to work together. They wrote 14 comic operas between 1871 and 1896. Gilbert cast and directed the works; Sullivan directed the music.

Yeomen of the Guard

This was their 11th collaboration and opened in London in 1888, where it enjoyed a hugely successful opening run.

In the shadow of the Tower of London in Tudor England, a story of love and intrigue unfolds. The tale centres on Colonel Fairfax who is imprisoned in the Tower falsely accused of sorcery by a treacherous kinsman, and is awaiting execution.
His old friend Sergeant Meryll plots for his escape helped by his daughter Phoebe and son Leonard.

Unknown to them, Colonel Fairfax has made a last request that he should be allowed to marry before he dies (to disinherit his kinsman who is his heir).

When two strolling players, Jack Point and Elsie Maynard, arrive at Tower Green, it is Elsie who is reluctantly persuaded by Sir Richard Cholmondeley, Lieutenant of the Tower, into this marriage of convenience. Blindfolded she is led away to the condemned cell to wed an unknown and doomed young man. The plot turns upon substituting Leonard for Fairfax, his marriage in the expectation of imminent death, his supposed escape and much general confusion and numerous other sub-plots and love-matches. For once though Gilbert seems to have eschewed satire and left us with just a jolly romp but with melodramatic overtones.

 The most famous song from the opera is the catchy "I have a song to sing. Oh"

The South Anglia Savoy Players

As the name implies they are a group of local singers. Amateurs but distinguished by the high standards they maintain, their fine singing, huge casts, excellent choruses and wonderful costumes, acccompanied by a live Chamber Orchestra. We shall see the production shortly before the company takes it into competition at the Interntaional G&S Festival at Buxton. The Company won the first competition in 1994 (with their then production of The Yeomen of the Guard) have won twice since, as well as being runners-up six times and winning numerous individual prizes.

We look forward to another cracking evening. Don't miss it.

Where Performed

On the Cedar Lawn. There are bookable allocated Seats set on a raised platform which will be under cover. Between this platform and the stage area is an area of grass where Groundlings sit (only on rugs and cushions, please - no raised seats permitted there).

Weather

The performance will continue whatever the weather so bring suitable clothing for the likely conditions. However, DO NOT raise umbrellas during the performance. So warm or waterproof clothing and headgear(or suncream) may be necessary.

Finish Time

Approximately 11.00pm.

Picnicking

You may picnic anywhere in the Gardens except the stage and audience areas. You may begin your picnic before the show starts or during the one hour supper interval during which the Gardens will be floodlit.

Various sizes of Kentwell's solid picnic tables may be hired.

Kentwell Catering

Kentwell Theatre Buffet Suppers served in the Undercroft Restaurant may be booked in advance. The first part of the meal is served before the performance starts, with the remainder served during the interval.