TOPSY TURVY

(Jonathan Roxmouth as the Learned Judge, one of the myriad of characters he plays)

Gilbert & Sullivan lover or not, don’t miss this brilliant performance! (Review by Caroline Smart)

This is directed at those who have never seen a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta or perhaps have never even heard of this innovative British playwright/composer relationship which produced no less than 14 comic operas between 1871 and 1896 many of which courted censorship from the authorities of the time.

The purists and those who enjoy G&S works should need no encouragement to head for Rhumbelow Theatre to enjoy multi-award winning Jonathan Roxmouth’s brilliant performance in his one-man show, Topsy Turvy. However, I urge the “newcomers” to the Savoy Operas, as they were called, to see a master world-class performer at work in a vehicle that showcases his extraordinary musical versatility.

Topsy Turvy sees him breezing through all the vocal ranges from a thundering bass, a vigorous baritone and a lyrical tenor to a simpering soprano and an accurate falsetto. To handle the “patter songs” - those terrifying lyrics that need to be delivered at an impossible speed - a performer needs to be on top form and then some. No problem here, Jonathan’s diction is impeccable, even at 200 words a minute or more!

The “newcomers” will enjoy the show from its high comedy aspect and watching Jonathan on a hectic journey of changing costumes, characters, props and sometimes play all three characters in a song. G&S lovers will be fascinated at his handling of the lyrics – there’s even a South African Gilbert & Sullivan operetta (The Political Pirates of Polokwane) which remains true to style!

As Jonathan rightly says, Gilbert and Sullivan turned the musical style of their times “topsy turvy” with their parodies and satirical humour and are considered the forerunners of what eventually became the unbeatable British comedy style of the mid-90’s. Jonathan also maintains that G&S is “still accessible and funny as all hell!” And he’s right.

While being major players in the development of musical theatre from the 1900’s onwards, Gilbert and Sullivan’s working partnership was volatile and fraught with argument, to say the least. Richard D'Oyly Carte, their long-suffering producer who built the Savoy Theatre in London 1881 to present their joint works, had his work cut out to get them together again after their repeated break-ups. The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company is still very much in existence and G&S works are still performed worldwide.

In Topsy Turvy, Jonathan Roxmouth plays at least 18 characters excluding himself as a doddery stage manager as well as terrified understudy being forced to step in at the last minute. He also gets to play the chorus at one point but most of the time, he skilfully covers the chorus sections by dropping in sardonic narration either in or out of character. The show includes excerpts from Trial by Jury, Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore and The Mikado.

Topsy Turvy has two performances tomorrow (February 20) at 14h00 and 18h30 as well as next Sunday (February 27). There are also shows on February 25 and 26 at 20h00. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.

Tickets R100. Take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205 7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net Don’t miss it!! – Caroline Smart

Durban audiences will remember Jonathan Roxmouth in his high school years when he came to Durban in several musicals presented by Northcliff High School. It is worth noting that another Northcliff High School old boy is also performing in Durban at the moment, with Chris Sven Dudgeon, who is appearing in “Buccaneers” at uShaka. Both are a credit to their Northcliff director, Nick Jourdan)