English Touring Opera's The Gondoliers: A Brilliantly Barbed Satire
English Touring Opera's period production of The Gondoliers at Sheffield's Lyceum theatre offers a gloriously choreographed and costumed spectacle that serves as a masterclass in clarity over chaos. This fast-paced show, performed with boundless enthusiasm by a fresh-voiced ensemble, transforms Gilbert and Sullivan's last major hit into a feast for both the eyes and ears.
Contemporary Resonances in a Period Setting
Despite being set in the late 17th century, The Gondoliers brims with contemporary relevance. The plot's sharp satire on egalitarianism—featuring babies swapped at birth and gondoliers who may or may not be royalty—resonates powerfully today. Particularly pointed are the cash-for-endorsements antics of the money-grubbing Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro, portrayed with camp brilliance by Phil Wilcox and Lauren Young. Their characters feel just one step removed from modern-day celebrity endorsements, adding a layer of witty social commentary to the production.
Visual and Musical Excellence
Director Liam Steel's staging channels the chocolate-box aesthetic of the historic D'Oyly Carte company while forging its own distinctive identity. Michael Pavelka's revolving Venetian bridges and Laura Jane Stanfield's rococo costumes, inspired by Watteau, create a sumptuous visual backdrop. Meanwhile, Jack Ridley's stylish musical direction ensures Sullivan's sunniest, most sophisticated score shines through, complemented by Gilbert's brilliantly barbed lyrics.
The hard-working ensemble rises exceptionally to the show's intricate choreographic demands. Robin Bailey as the mellifluous Marco and Samuel Pantcheff as the eager-to-oblige Giuseppe form perfect foils for Natasha Agarwal and Beth Moxon as their feisty wives. Standout moments include the Cockney knees-up in A Regular Royal Queen and Matthew Siveter's scene-stealing turn as Don Alhambra del Bolero, whose cape and rolling eyeballs deserve special recognition.
Mischievous Wit and Comic Timing
What truly elevates this production is Steel's mischievous wit, which places dance at the heart of the narrative while delivering copious running gags and deft comic timing. The putting of the true king's elderly nursemaid to the rack emerges as a highlight, offering pure laugh-out-loud entertainment. Kelli-Ann Masterson and George Robarts further enhance the comedy as the side-splitting secret lovers Casilda and Luiz.
This Gondoliers is not merely a revival but a vibrant reinterpretation that balances period charm with sharp contemporary insight. It demonstrates how Gilbert and Sullivan's work remains remarkably pertinent, providing both visual splendor and intellectual stimulation in equal measure.
