This is a truly delightful double-bill, with both one-act dramas, old and new, providing just the jaunty pep and satirical fizz you need on a fine summer’s evening in Holland Park.
Trial by Jury hardly needs any introduction. It is very early Gilbert and Sullivan, but a lot of key features are already in place. The central patter song, the gentle satire of traditional institutions (though with a somewhat sharper edge here, as Gilbert was a trained lawyer himself), the moments of sweet lyricism for the soprano lead and her bevy of ladies, a prominent pushy role for a woman of a certain age, and male roles often more rogueish than heroic, all sewn together with the memorable tunes and gossamer-light orchestration that Sullivan could cast off with endless facility.
But what makes it all come up as fresh as new paint is director John Savournin’s decision to relocate it to a 1980s game-show format, which works a treat. Edward Jowle, as the usher, gets the audience involved with booing and clapping, and suddenly the exaggerated prejudices and emotional swings of the original assume a new and all-too-plausible shape. The chorus and orchestra of Scottish Opera provide a secure foundation, and a highly characterful group of soloists float above them. As the mercenary judge, Richard Suart often the points the words rather than fully singing them; but he is such an experienced practitioner in this genre it does not much matter. Jamie MacDougall enjoys himself as the self-incriminating defendant in this case of marital breach of promise; and while she has much less to do, Kira Kaplan milks her bridal abandonment to the full on the witness stand. Chloe Harris puts in a powerful turn as the plaintiff’s counsel, and the clutch of briedesmaids simper and swoon with fine comic timing. In revivals of short frothy works as this, style and delivery are key, given that the substance is slight, and it is hard to see how it could be better done.
So far, so familiar. The revelation here was the second piece, the creation of Emma Jenkins and Toby Hession. This has one of the best librettos I have come across in recent years, crackling with witty and complex rhymes and memorable turns of phrase. Moreover the subject matter – political sleaze – could hardly be more apposite. Hession’s music is charming, melodic and highly varied in styles according the mood needed for the particular aria. He himself conducted the whole evening with plenty of pert and incisive contributions from the members of the orchestra.
The deputy prime minister and his dim fashionista wife are about to reach the top of the greasy pole when a disgruntled civil servant threatens to reveal past and present financial corruption and greed. Their press spokesman is as clueless as they are in the face of disaster, so the caustic chief of staff brings in Sylvia Lawless, a lawyer who specialises in saving celebs from themselves, to clear up the mess. As you might expect, Lawless is the only true winner from this sad state of affairs, which at times felt more like current affairs than satire.
The performers grasp these meaty new roles with alacrity and panache. Kira Kaplan returns with relish to inhabit Lawless, with intimidating top notes and acting of disdainful command. Ross Cumming covers a gamut of emotions as the hapless politician, with an expressionist nightmare scene a particular highlight. Chloe Harris was again entirely convincing as the ditzy wife totally out of her depth – she delivered a memorably slinky jazz number at the centre of the opera with real style. Jamie MacDougall was back again as the splenetic Scottish chief of staff – his rant denouncing his employers really lit the touchpaper for the work. Edward Jowle was as haplessly out of his depth as the press officer as he was authoritative and in charge as the Usher in the first half.
The focus wobbles a little towards the end as the opera shifts gears a few times too often in search of some serious moments of commentary and reflection; but for the most part this is an assured and highly acccomplished debut. I left Holland Park wanting to return to hear the work again, and soon.
Trial by Jury
Words and Music: Gilbert and Sullivan
Director: John Savournin
Cast: Ross Cumming, Chloe Harris, Edward Jowle, Kira Kaplan. Jamie MacDougall, Amy J Payne, Richard Suart
Matter of Misconduct
Libretto – Emma Jenkins Music: Toby Hession
Director: Laura Attridge
Cast: Ross Cumming, Chloe Harris, Edward Jowle, Kira Kaplan. Jamie MacDougall, Amy J Payne,
Until 26 June 2025
2hrs 15 mins with interval
Photo Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic