The Zoo and Trial by Jury – a Gilbert & Sullivan Double Bill at the Rosemary Branch Theatre
By Carolin Kopplin
This calls for all our wit!
Ladies and Gentlemen of the British Public
are visiting the zoo's Bear Pit and Refreshment Stall when they
notice a young man, Aesculapius Carboy, trying to hang himself.
They have no objection to his doing so, but want to know why:
"Is it your wife?" Carboy explains that the father of Laetitia
Grinder, the woman he loves, has rejected him because he is a
mere apothecary. Eliza Smith, who is in charge of the
Refreshment Stall, orders Carboy to desist because it would
probably hurt business if his body were dangling from her
stall. Thomas Brown, who has been wooing Eliza, suspects that
Carboy is a rival, but she reassures him and continues stuffing
him with rich foods until he collapses. Laetitia Grinder
arrives in search of Carboy and they are happily reunited.
Their happiness is rather short-lived as Mr. Grinder enters the
scene. Almost immediately Carboy commences with fresh suicide
attempts, much to the delight of Mr. Grinder and the chagrin of
his fiancé.
The Zoo is a delightful piece.
Rosie Strobel is funny and charming as Eliza Smith and John
Savournin is sweet and lovable as Thomas Brown who saves the
day. Catrine Kirkman is exceptional as the asthmatic, plain
Laetitia with taped together glasses, who will defy her father
for the love of melancholy Carboy (David Menezes).
Trial by Jury is presented as a
reality TV show, a court drama where the audience forms the
jury. Voice mail records are being used as evidence, or not!
The lovely Angelina (Catrine Kirkman) – who could be right out
of Big Brother or the Jerry Springer Show -
is pregnant, caused by the womanizing Eddie (David Menezes) who
has violent tendencies. Eddie sees himself as a love sick boy
who simply cannot be true to only one woman. Angelina’s friend
(Rosie Strobel) agrees and immediately comes on to Eddie.
Angelina’s Council (Philip Lee) tries to present his client as
a broken flower but this impression is soon destroyed by a
seductive dance eagerly observed by the Clerk (Matthew
Kellett). Now it all depends on the judge – played with quiet
dignity by John Savournin. This play is hysterically funny and
the reality show setting is perfect.
Once again Charles Court
Opera’s production is a revelation. Gilbert and Sullivan would
be delighted about this fresh approach that makes these two
one-act plays truly enjoyable.
Until 16 October, 15 Oct. at 7.30 pm, 15 and 16 Oct. at 3 pm
Tickets: £ 15 / £ 12 (concessions), Matinees £ 12 / £ 10
BOX OFFICE: 020 7704 6665
The Rosemary Branch, 2 Shepperton Road, London N1 3DT
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