Gilbert and Sullivan flag-waving frenzy

Oldham Choral Society, Middleton Arena

OLDHAM Choral Society extended the jubilee pageantry with a glorious concert version of two Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas, “Yeomen of the Guard” and “HMS Pinafore”, at a packed Middleton Arena, proving that political dim-wittedness prevailed 130 years ago as well as today.

The concert hall was bedecked with Union Jack bunting that quivered to the rousing chorus of “He is an Englishman”, appropriately so for when Gilbert wrote his lyrics “Englishman” stood for anyone in Great Britain and the Colonies.

The 120-strong society entered into the spirit of the occasion with nimble musical dexterity and joyous appreciation of the text, being strongly supported by the National Festival Orchestra, both under the firm direction of Nigel Wilkinson, who also devised and produced the extravaganza.

Donald Maxwell doubled as baritone solo and narrator, matching Gilbert’s incisive lyrics with his own wicked humour as he explained the story so far.

Other soloists were Sarah Helsby Hughes (soprano), Kathleen Wilkinson (mezzo), Sylvia Clarke (contralto), Stuart Orme (baritone), Steven Anthony Brown (tenor), who stepped in at the last minute, and Philip J Hindle, a much-loved doyen of G&S in one of his nine “patter roles”.

The society is now experienced with the Savoy Operas and produced a sparking and uplifting performance.

All combined to delight the appreciative audience and to showcase the enormous talent within Oldham Choral Society. SF





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