Daily Echo Review for Utopia
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- Written by Shaun Dodimead
A South-sea island may seem like Utopia to us, but its’ occupants considered everything English as their own idea of heaven.
That is until Princess Zara (the once-again excellent Lisa Axworthy) returned to the island, accompanied by her entourage, intent on turning it into a limited company.
Her father, the puppet-King Paramount (well played by Adrian Hickford) is persuaded to sign-away the island’s rights, much to the chagrin of his ‘ill-advisors’ Scaphio and Phantis (hilariously played by the local Gilbert and Sullivan version of Ant and Dec, Mark Ponsford and Shaun Dodimead).
Director David Tatnall was ably supported by, among a very talented cast, Natalie Thorn (Lady Sophy), Simon Pontin (a lusting Capt Fitzbattleaxe) and Iain Steel (Mr Goldbury).
The welcoming Hawaiian lei for the audience was a nice touch. Musical director Keziah Jacombs is a vital part of the company and again led an immaculate sextet.
Paradise almost lost!
Alan Johns, Daily Echo, Monday April 15th, 2013
Utopia Rehearsals Begin
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Pocket G&S began rehearsals for their next production, Utopia Limited, last Sunday night under the direction of musical director Keziah Jacomb! The show runs from April 11th to 13th at Hanger Farm.
Cast List Announced for Utopia Limited
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Six performers will be making their Pocket debuts in the forthcoming production of Utopia Limited. Iain Steel who plays Mr Goldbury will be joined by Richard Patient (Tarara), Simon Pontin (Captain Fitzbattleaxe), Mark Pontin (Captain Corcoran), Katie Steel (Princess Kalyba) and Kate Camiller (Melene).
There will be plenty of familiar faces amongst the rest of the cast as Pocket favourite Adrian Hickford continues his run of royals as King Paramount with Lisa Axworthy, following on from her performance as Mabel, as his daughter Princess Zara. Mark Ponsford and Shaun Dodimead will be teaming up as comic double-act Scaphio and Phantis and Matthew Sturgeon (last seen as Dame Ruth) will be redefining the pivotal role of Calynx.
Natalie Thorn takes her largest role with the company to date as the practically perfect British nanny Lady Sophy and Katherine Evans and Louise Hodson will play Princess Nekaya and Salata respectively. Vicky Wilson and Anne Croudass will be keeping the cross-dressing tradition of the company alive as Sir Bailey Barre and Mr Blushington respectively and director David Tatnall will play Lord Dramaleigh. The musical director will be Keziah Jacombs and the stage manager will be Dan Wilson.
Utopia Limited runs from Thursday Aprill 11th to Saturday April 13th 2013 at The Hanger Farm Arts Centre, 7.30pm nightly with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.