“IOLANTHE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 221, 7 December 1927, Page 15

“IOLANTHE”

FAIRY FROLICS WITH PEERS OF THE REALM “lolanthe,” a comic opera in two acts, by Sir W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Presented at His Majesty’s by J. C. Williamson. CAST Lord Chancellor .... Charles Walenn Earl Mountararat . . Bernard Manning Earl Tolloller ...... Leo Darnton Private Willis John Ralston Strephon . Lance Fairfax lolanthe ..... Effie Armstrong Fairy Queen .... Beatrice Kendrick Leila . . j Diana Belmont Celia Violet Jackson Fleta Lilian Crisp Phyllis Patti Russell

It was good t*> see Gilbert and Sullivan’s fairies again. Last evening they wrought havoc with the peers of England and created as much enthusiasm almost as they did years ago.

Gilbert was in his merriest mood when he wrote the libretto of “lolanthe.” His tilts at the Court of Chancery, the peerage, women in politics and fairy frolics retain an eternal freshness, though many of the jests have lost their point. But Sullivan’s music made, up for any which were missed—“ None shall part us,” “Loudly let the trumpets bray,” “When Britain Really ruled the waves,” and “He who shies at such a prize,” were greeted with the applause which brings joy to every box-office manager’s heart. Perhaps of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas “lolanthe” and “Patience” are the most delightfully satirical and the least spoiled by amateur performances.

Surely there have never been two more idyllic pastoral figures imagined than Phyllis and her Strephon! Both Miss Russell and Mr. Fairfax might have stepped from a Watteau picture. Both were in excellent singing voice and carried the honours of the production. Miss Russell is a capable actress with much personal charm and daintiness. Mr. Fairfax, one of the most capable members of the company, has a voice of beautiful quality. Mr. Walenn’s Chancellor is one of his best performances. He is more suited to this roguish, elderly role than to many of the others. Mr. Darnton and Mr. Manning as the competitive earls were admirably cast. Each is supplied with some of the best numbers of the opera and each acquitted himself with honours. Mr. Ralston made all that was possible of his song “When all night long a chap remains.” The minor roles were scarcely strong enough for the leads. Miss Armstrong’s lolanthe was not particularly fey, neither did Miss Kendrick carry conviction as the Fairy Queen. As usual the chorus, that strange mixture of fairies and peers of the realm, sang splendidly. No one will deny that the choruses add much to the success of the performance, and on this occasion, singing almost reaches perfection. The orchestra acquitted itself agreeably under Mr. Slapoffski’s conductorship.

“lolanthe” will be performed for the last time this afternoon. This evening “The Gondoliers.”