Trial by Jury and Other Legalities

Presented by Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria:

Venue: Old Melbourne Magistrates Court

Reviewer: Bill Connellan

Date Reviewed: Saturday 20^th June 2009

Was this a great show? Not particularly.  Was it entertaining? Most definitely.

Director Greg Elderidge has certainly put together an interesting piece with his creation Other Legalities. This revue style production combines a number of well known G & S airs with a selection of lesser known pieces, the central theme obviously being the law. Loosely woven together with some clever narrative it provides an excellent opening to the evening’s entertainment.

Trial by Jury has been reset in the 1930’s enabling a more flamboyant performance from the cast and in keeping with the atmosphere of the surroundings.

While the Magistrates court provides a superb setting it does have a number of constraints - lighting is restricted to a few towers, music to a single electric piano and sets to the existing court furnishings.  Cast numbers are also limited and the audience of approximately 70 people makes for a very intimate setting with the performers at times touching distance from you.

With most of the cast filling multiple roles of various significance there were some standout performances and a number of delightful cameo appearances. Ron Pidcock was superb first as the Robber Chief in Other Legalities, and then as the Learned Judge in Trial. His clear diction and ability to engage with the audience were a standout and reflected his years of experience. Andy Payne was another who shone, like Ron you could understand his every word and his actions were at a perfect level for this more intimate space. Andrew McGrail gave a strong performance and was vocally well controlled as the usher in Trial. The adaptation of “In vain to us you plead” in Other Legalities featuring Naomi Hobbs, Caitlin McNab and Leonie Thompson was a delightful trio with strong vocals and the totally deadpan faces added a lovely comic touch.

Nick Sharman and John Filonzi, while giving good performances in their various roles, could have benefitted from a larger venue. Nicks powerful vocals and Johns exaggerated actions both needed to be pulled back to a level in keeping with the confined space.

Frederica Cunningham as Angelina and Adrian Glaubert as The Defendant both gave quality performances reflecting their classical training. 

The ensemble numbers were well balanced and provided just the right amount of support to the principle performers.  A special mention to David Gerard for his vocal control, and most amusing helmet acting.

Congratulations to Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria for attempting a new work, and for being prepared to go outside the traditional comfort zone of the theatre and try a different performance space. The combination was a success and has the potential to expose the company to audiences that may not otherwise have bothered.

Bill Connellan has been involved in music theatre for over 25 years performing with a number of companies including Babirra Music Theatre, Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Savoy Opera, Loyola and others. He has also directed several productions, designed sets, done corporate work and appeared in film and television.

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