Cherwell’s verdict: “A tight, fun blast from the past”
My first impression, when I walked into the rehearsal for Gilbert and Sullivan’s Princess Ida was that all involved have not only put a lot of work into their production, but it has definitely paid off. Not only that, but it’s even made them closer. The responses are quick and the cooperation and synchronisation are almost without fault, even at this early stage. The three male characters who disguise themselves as women to gain entrance into Princess Ida’s university have established a repartee which allows them to have fun with their material. Then the Princess appears and the interaction, again, is fluid and relaxed. The opportunities for comic effect are used to their full extent.
What is also extremely important is the cooperation between actors and music. Pleasant and clear voices, at least to a layman, and accurate colourful musical accompaniment seem to be characteristic. Most importantly, the synchronisation between the singers and the pianist was tight and the conductor’s interpretation of the pieces appears to be spot on. Similarly, the act of combining acting and singing – which can often be quite difficult, especially in a performance which relies so much on physical comedy – is done well and with apparent ease.
After the preview I was asked, “Do you know anything about G & S?” and I had to shake my head in the negative. I was, however, left with the sentiment that I didn’t need to in order to enjoy this production. The group seems to have created a performance which can appeal to anyone with a sense of humour. This in itself is an admirable achievement by the Oxford University Gilbert & Sullivan Society; as a production put on by fans could easily have turned insular. At least the atmosphere of a well-oiled theatre troupe, if not true potential to be an exciting production, has made me curious to see what their creation will be like when complete.
It is going to be performed in the Corpus Christi Auditorium, which is a beautiful venue and one fully suited to the needs of the production. We have also been promised – or as good as – elaborate costumes, which will be fully in keeping with the comedic, even farcical tone of the work.
