Princess Ida

Princess Ida' is typical Gilbert and Sullivan fare, but Edinburgh University's Savoy Opera Group do a very respectable job of trying to make it watchable.

Article by Julie Balazs | 16 Apr 2006

Gilbert and Sullivan were always a bit of a one trick pony, and it wasn't even a very good trick. Their operettas focus on bevies of women isolated from humanity, dreaming of being swept away by heroic princes. Their music is light and tinkly, their librettos full of supposedly clever wordplay. Basically, they were misogynists jonesing for laughs, and consequently sitting through one of their works is a tiring experience. In this respect, 'Princess Ida' is typical G&S fare; but Edinburgh University's Savoy Opera Group do a very respectable job of trying to make it watchable. Although not yet to professional standard their voices are very good, and they avoid any sense of awkwardness in movement despite squeezing a 30-strong cast onto a tiny stage. But this is so long it has two intervals, and even for G&S fans that's an act too long. [Julie Balazs]

Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group
Pleasance, Edinburgh, Feb 28 - March 4