Farce with vigour
Garth Wilshere
Boutique Opera Presents “Tom Jones”, Conductor – Michael Vinten, Stage Director – Alison Hodge, Riley Centre, Wellington High School. Reviewed by Garth Wilshere.
THIS MUSICAL FARCE was devised by directors Alison Hodge and Michael Vinten and is based on Henry Fielding’s mammoth novel with music by Edward German.
Lesley and Ian Graham’s Boutique Opera biennial production is based on Lesley’s students plus auditioned cast members and professional singers to match the required roles.
The small ensemble of excellent musicians – a string quartet plus flute, clarinet and piano gave fine support, while colourful period costume added flavour.
The saga develops with cast members telling the progress of the story leading into the songs, arias. ensembles and choruses which are done with vigour and enthusiasm, to capture the wit, and intrigue of the tale.
The performance is done in the round on the floor surrounded by the audience with the orchestra at one end which allowed involvement from all the players; most words could be discerned, but perhaps a single actor as narrator might have worked better.
Hodge’s direction was crisp and tight with the crowded action and broad humour being relished by the audience and the exuberant cast.
Hodge used props to set the scenes very well, and I particularly liked the hobbyhorses which some of the cast used beautifully to add whimsy and suggest riding and galloping.
There was a standout performance from soprano Rose Blake as Sophia Western whose singing and acting was perfectly modulated for the role. Tenor Jonathan Abernethy was heroic and lusty as the eponymous Tom Jones. Natalie Williams has an attractive rich mezzo and portrayed Sophia’s maid, Honour with a nice touch.
Roger Wilson brought his experience and some appropriate bluster to Squire Western.
Charles Wilson, Malinda Di Leva and Laurence Walls contributed to their various roles with the right touch.
THIS MUSICAL FARCE was devised by directors Alison Hodge and Michael Vinten and is based on Henry Fielding’s mammoth novel with music by Edward German.
Lesley and Ian Graham’s Boutique Opera biennial production is based on Lesley’s students plus auditioned cast members and professional singers to match the required roles.
The small ensemble of excellent musicians – a string quartet plus flute, clarinet and piano gave fine support, while colourful period costume added flavour.
The saga develops with cast members telling the progress of the story leading into the songs, arias. ensembles and choruses which are done with vigour and enthusiasm, to capture the wit, and intrigue of the tale.
The performance is done in the round on the floor surrounded by the audience with the orchestra at one end which allowed involvement from all the players; most words could be discerned, but perhaps a single actor as narrator might have worked better.
Hodge’s direction was crisp and tight with the crowded action and broad humour being relished by the audience and the exuberant cast.
Hodge used props to set the scenes very well, and I particularly liked the hobbyhorses which some of the cast used beautifully to add whimsy and suggest riding and galloping.
There was a standout performance from soprano Rose Blake as Sophia Western whose singing and acting was perfectly modulated for the role. Tenor Jonathan Abernethy was heroic and lusty as the eponymous Tom Jones. Natalie Williams has an attractive rich mezzo and portrayed Sophia’s maid, Honour with a nice touch.
Roger Wilson brought his experience and some appropriate bluster to Squire Western.
Charles Wilson, Malinda Di Leva and Laurence Walls contributed to their various roles with the right touch.
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