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September 26-30, 2000 |
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Producer - Patricia Hart Asst. to Producer - Sarah Griffiths =============== This was the first production of Utopia, Ltd. in nearly 60 years of the society's history. The production team decided to move the island of Utopia from its usual South Pacific home, to off the coast of Wales. The result involved a great deal of work for that team, the cast, the costumers and the whole society. It was certainly something unique and original for our Y2K production, and was one of the most rewarding shows we have ever done. Once again around 1,200 people came to see us, and the novel production was well recieved by enthusiastic audiences every night. |
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| On the 27th September we went to the Taliesin Arts Centre in the
Swansea University Campus to see Uplands Arts perform Utopia Ltd. We thoroughly
enjoyed ourselves and it was marvellous to see a full theatre - with an
audience of all ages who obviously were enjoying it.
It was a Utopia with a Welsh theme. To quote from the programme: "In the original text of the play, Utopia is described as a South Pacific Island. We believe this to be a mistake on Gilbert's part. Utopia is, in fact, an island off the Northwest coast of Wales - which not only had its own monarch, King Paramount, but has until recently resisted all influences from the mainland and retained its traditional way of life" There is also a historical note at the bottom of the programme telling us that off the coast of Anglesey lies the Bardsey Island. In 1820 there began a tradition that the eldest resident man should be declared King of Bardsey Island. The first "King", John Williams, was crowned by Lady Newborough. The tradition ceased in 1922 on the death of the then "King", the gloriously named Love Pritchard. The Bardsey crown was recently re-discovered and can be seen in Bangor Museum. King Paramount's crown in this production is a replica of the Bardsey Island Crown and there is a photograph of it on the front of the programme. Based on the above, the production had a distinctly Welsh theme, and the South Sea Maidens were Welsh girls in traditional costume. Scaphio and Phantis wore grey morning suits and Tarara was dressed in black with a flowing cloak. He looked every inch a Public Exploder, albeit one with a nervous disposition. The choreography for Scaphio and Phantis was excellent, and they were suitably scheming and devious. King Paramount was a genial king and judging by his accent had much Welsh blood in his veins. Princesses Nakaya and Kalyba were very demure schoolgirls and Lady Sophy was a "blameless type of perfect womanhood". Our own Adrian Bridgeman was one of the Lifeguards - some of whom could have done with smartening up. Captain Fitzbattleaxe was a commanding figure with an excellent voice and Bronwen Evans was a delightful Princess Zara, and as always, her performance was of an exceptionally high standard. The Flowers of Progress bloomed in profusion, adding much to the overall performance. Musically the show was of the high standard that one has come to expect from Uplands Arts over the years, and the costumes, especially those of the principals, were excellent. (Rosemary & Jeremy Stevenson, to the 'SAVOYNET' list) |
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Scaphio - Adrain Williams Phantis - Stephen John Tarara - Gareth Griffiths Fitzbattleaxe - Davron Hicks Calynx - Gordon Morris Sir Bailey Barre - Lee Thomas L. Dramaleigh - Cenydd Phillips Mr. Blushington -Gordon Morris Mr. Goldbury - Andrew Griffiths Captain Corcoran - Phil Stockton Lifeguards:
Chorus:
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Lady Sophy - Anne Davies Kalyba - Sarah Griffiths Nekaya - Hazel Sherrard Phylla - Helen Reeves Melene - Lowri Davies Salata - Beth Anderson Chorus:
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Words updated by Anne Cowper |
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Which makes our country one which boasts a miriad attractions, (we rather think we offer lots in England) We don't believe that power is a gift that we inherit, And the cronies of our leader aren't at all devoid of merit, (though the cronies of our leader are in England) No politician in our midst could ever be a sinner, Or if he is we cover up by bringing in a spinner, Although we may discredit him by leaking hint's discreetly In short this happy country has been anglicised completely, Chorus:
Our city we have beautified, upgrading every
home,
Our country dwellers threatened to engage in
revolution,
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