Princess Ida - NODA Review

Director: Kat Bond
Musical Director: Emma Breese

It is many years since I saw Princess Ida, and seeing it again made me realise how much I had forgotten the lovely Sullivan melodies and the highly 'camp' script of Gilbert.

Husband and wife team Karen and Gareth McMurdo were excellent as Ida and Hilarion, betrothed at an early age. Andrew Bond, King Gama or Richard III and Ian Hogg, King Hilderbrand, were very well cast and played their roles with great aplomb. Every principal fully justified their selection, giving us slick clear script and excellent singing. Special mention must be given to Bev Southall - Melissa, Jackie Titley - Blanche, Phil Evans - Cyril and Richard Jones - Florian and a very creditable performance by Jill Peters as Minerva's Statue.

A well-drilled chorus/dancers added to an all round super presentation by Kat Bond and Emma Breese. The small combination of pianos and percussion was just right for this piece. A set designed, constructed and painted by the company themselves enhanced the performance and contributed to a super afternoon's entertainment.

May I also thank you for your most warm and generous hospitality, and I look forward to your next production, Oliver! in the spring of 2009.

(Click on the image to return to the Princess Ida web page.)