Daily Echo Review for Utopia

Details

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