Gilbert & Sullivan - Iolanthe / Forrester, Donkin, Stratford Festival [DVD]

I find myself in two minds about this production. It's certainly innovative - for example, much "business" with the stage hands, a lot of dancing, and lyrics "brought up to date" with lots of references to Canadian politics. I am not clear why the trio of fairies has to be dressed in underwear; this must be some subtle Canadian reference... (I also wish they had better legs). It can also be tiresomely cute - for example, the stage hands (again), the dancers (again), who are very proficient but have to be lip-synching their lines as one can't sing while doing acrobatics, the revised lyrics (again), which have become dated or unintelligible after all this time (as another reviewer points out, today's audiences probably do know who Napoleon was, but may not recall the Falklands war), and actors suddenly suspended in mid-air for no particular reason. The diction is generally good, which is just as well, as a libretto won't help you, what with the new lyrics, some dialog cuts, and at least one song omitted. Subtitles might have been a helpful option, especially with the new patter songs.Overall, I'm glad I bought it (not too expensive on Amazon Marketplace), and I shall probably revisit it every few years. Given the paucity of Iolanthe DVDs, I shall probably have to use it to introduce newcomers to the operetta. But it doesn't rank with Iolanthes I have previously seen on stage (starting with the D-Oyly Carte productions); perhaps I'm just being nostalgic.

The DVD arrived without issues and worked for the most part, but there was a few skips/pauses in the video playback. I’m not sure if it is issues with the video format on the DVD or the DVD itself. Otherwise, I enjoyed this version of Iolanthe. The changes to lyrics to make them slightly more modern and full of Canadian political and pop culture references of the time, was rather clever in my view.

This is a very ideas driven production, mostly well sung and very well shot in 16:9 for Television/DVD.There is a tendency for contempory productions of 'The Gilberts', to guild the lilly somewhat, in their haste to bring 'a breath of fresh air to these old warhorses'. Well and good and I have no objection to contempory, local references, intersperced in lyrics, where there is a clear anachronism, but to re-write two thirds of The Knightmare Song, is something of a liberty.Stratford has a long reputation for innovative work in this repertoire. Their 'Gondoliers', was a classic and has been seen round the world, adopted by Opera companies in search of an annual cash cow. 'Iolanthe' may not have that drawing power, but the detail and enthusiasm apparent in this effort is refreshing and effective.The set design needs special mention, as it is simultaneously ingenious and funny. I'll not do a spoiler here, because the effect is too good.All in all, while some of the new business is a tad fussy, this is a splendid production.

Frankly I'm at a loss why some previous commentators have come down so harshly on this performance. There are very few really good videos of Gilbert and Sullivan available on video and this is one of those. The staging is imaginative, the production, acting, singing and dancing are all excellent and great fun (Maureen Forrester is wonderful as the Queen of the Faeries!) I encourage anyone who enjoys G&S to see this.For my money, here are the really good videos of G&S to watch:1. Mikado (Stratford)2. Iolanthe (Stratford)3. HMS Pinafore (D'Oyly Carte) (truncated & hard to find but worth it)4. Pirates of Penzance (Australian Opera)all other videos are a mixed bag and of varying quality (avoid the Eric Idle performance of Mikado at all costs)

Good but it is best to use Glibert's words in all songs

Our favorite Gilbert and Sullivan! A light-hearted romp of a fairy tale , poking fun at the pompousness of the British parliament.

Lovely performance. I adore Gilbert and Sullivan, and this is a truly stunning production of Iolanthe. Very funny (of course) and the dancing is delightful. This may sound catty, but I was pleased that so many of the fairy ladies had chubby legs.

Disappointing. After seeing their performance of The Gondoliers, which is the best I have ever seen on the stage or on the screen, this looked like a group trying to put people off Gilbert and Sullivan for ever. Only Maureen Forrester behaved like a professional intent on keeping her reputation in tact. I did not watch the whole thing.

If you like Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, this is truly a lark. It is beautifully staged with mock solemnity of the Peers , contrasted with the pertness of the Peris (fairies in the old sense) The most (could I say rediculous) role is made believable by the famous Canadian contralto, the late Maureen Forrester (one Fat Fairy!) The Peers are a good match for the Peris when it comes to tap-dancing. This is a production of the Stratford Festival and the CBC, choreographed by the master, Brian MacDonald. "If you go in, you're sure to win" is a good poke at election monkeysshines.

Great!