Iolanthe – Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateurs

THIS production was delightful to watch. This society perform in the local Baptist chapel and they transformed their performance space with a great set and stunning costumes and wigs.

The 15 members of the orchestra were good and ably directed by David Root. They played sympathetically, never drowning out the performers.

The principals were well-cast. Helen Midgley as banished fairy Iolanthe, John Martin as youthful half-fairy Strephon, Leon Waksberg as the Earl of Mountararat, and David Ohr as Earl Tolloller, gave very fine performances showing great stage presence and wonderful characterisation.

Helen Orme, Liz Tones and Gill Dobson worked beautifully together on stage as Celia, Fleta and Leila and really brought out the humour of their fairy characters. The whole ensemble of fairies looked stunning in their lovely dresses, fairy wings and colourful wigs!

Ian Dobson was a great Private Willis and stood up well to the Fairy Queen’s advances! James Hutton as the Lord Chancellor, Charissa Hutchins as Phyllis and Janine McAndrew as Queen of the Fairies, all demonstrated excellent vocal technique and ability, wonderful stage presence and lovely characterisation.

Congratulations to everyone involved, but especially Christine Ingham who directed the excellent production. This was dedicated to the memory of Terry Lofthouse, long-serving musical director for the society. Christine - your production certainly did him proud!

Sally Holmes, local rep for National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)