Published: Tuesday, 9th March, 2010 2:00pm

Review: Iolanthe at Salvation Army, Castle Street

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By Jean Moore

THE Salvation Army generously made their splendid hall available to Reading Operatic Society for their production of Iolanthe.

Although not designed as a theatre, the difficulties presented by an unfamiliar venue were skilfully overcome by director Henry Hawes and choreographer David Parsonson.

The singing was of a very high order with fine volume and sound from the chorus of Peers and confident attack from an unusually hearty troupe of fairies.

All the principal roles were well played; Susannah Brooksbank (Phyllis) and Tom Gingell (Strephon) were a charming pair of lovers, William Branston and Peter Kidson sang robustly and derived plenty of comedy from their roles of Tolloller and Mountararat, Gareth Watkins was a suitably flustered Lord Chancellor and Andrew Few played Private Willis to perfection.

Best of all was the singing of Jenny Gumbrell as the Fairy Queen and Caroline Carragher as Iolanthe.

These two ladies gave really beautiful performances of Sullivan's lovely music.

The small ensemble of musicians, led by Musical Director Anthony Witt, provided excellent support for the singers.

This was a very fine show, reflecting great credit on Reading Operatic Society.