★★★★☆
Gilbert & Sullivan (G&S) were a dynamic duo whose names have been ingrained in the memories of so many theatregoers over the decades. Although I have seen a lot of theatre over the years, my knowledge of this iconic duo only really extends to The Pirates of Penzance. I think I was in Year 7 when I played the role of the Major General. What a career highlight.
The first thing I noticed walking into the QPAC Concert Hall for Gilbert & Sullivan: A Soirée of Song & Satire was the Prospero Orchestra onstage. I thoroughly enjoy watching an orchestra because it is entertainment in its own right. The way each section moves in synchronicity, working together to create visceral reactions across the audience, is genuinely awe-inspiring.
Leading the orchestra was Musical Director James Dobinson, who expertly conducted his arrangement of the Savoy Operas. I particularly loved his interactions with the cast throughout the evening, as well as his impressive work on the iconic QPAC organ.
The evening was packed with hits from the Gilbert & Sullivan catalogue, including Iolanthe, The Mikado and The Gondoliers, to name just a few. These numbers were woven together beautifully, with engaging choreography and intricate interactions between the cast, all under the direction of Stuart Maunder.
Every member of this cast has an impressive list of credits to their name, along with some sort of connection to G&S, so it is no surprise they were chosen for this production.
Starting with the award-winning Nina Korbe, whose soprano voice was nothing short of perfection. Having seen Korbe in The Drover’s Wife, I already knew the talent she possessed, but seeing her in this setting was another experience entirely.
The emotion she displayed was particularly powerful in Stay, Fred’ric, Stay! and Oh, Here Is Love, a duet with Billy Bourchier. The chemistry between these two onstage was formidable.
Bourchier has been on my radar since I saw him in The Book of Mormon many moons ago, which just happens to be my all-time favourite musical. His playful silliness onstage is a pleasure to watch. From the facial expressions to the dancing, it was pure joy. Of course, there is no overlooking his vocal talent either — an inspiration to all aspiring tenors, myself included.
It would be hard to match Bourchier’s onstage energy, but Ben Mingay certainly stepped up to the plate. Mingay commanded the stage in his reprising of The Pirate King, a role he is well known for. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the contrast between this character and the more flamboyant numbers such as I Am the Monarch of the Sea and When I Was a Lad.
Taking to the stage and reprising another previously performed role was Jason Barry-Smith. I couldn’t help but mouth along to I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, which Barry-Smith performed with plenty of pride and precision. There is no doubt that, with his talent, he deserved his spot on that stage.
Barry-Smith also showcased several numbers from Ruddigore alongside soprano Irena Lysiuk, with the pair navigating the intricate songs triumphantly.
Lysiuk’s standout moment came in Moon and I, where her vocals were both majestic and controlled. This was wonderfully countered by the sillier numbers, including Three Little Maids, which showcased the witty genius of Gilbert & Sullivan.
Cassandra Seidemann presented her mezzo-soprano vocals with class and confidence. She even had the opportunity to sing accompanied by the grandiose QPAC organ, which filled the Concert Hall with a gorgeous wall of sound.
The whole evening was an absolute delight, and I can confidently say there were a few tra la las on the way home.
Prospero Arts have delivered an electric evening of entertainment, proving that the music of Gilbert & Sullivan can still feel fresh, funny and utterly enjoyable decades after these works first graced the stage.
Gilbert & Sullivan: A Soirée of Song & Satire is presented by Prospero Arts and ran to 9 September at the Concert Hall, QPAC.
The season has now ended.
Website: https://prosperoarts.com.au/project/gilbertandsullivan/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/prosperoarts/
Photo credits: By B’rit Creative
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