Photos

War of the Worlds

Performing as Young Journalist in Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds as part of a 2016 The Invitation Theatre Company (TITCo) production.

This is quite an intense show to watch and listen to as it takes place during an invasion of the Earth by martians.  I sang the song Forever Autumn but for the most part was a cipher through which the audience could follow along with the plot.  The biggest stars of this show are undoubtedly the orchestra/band and lighting crew.  The music holds it together and both parts add such a lot to the atmosphere!

Die Fledermaus

The full production of Die Fledermaus

The next performance I am involved in is the Die Fledermaus with White Horse Opera.  But unlike the touring production, this time we will have a full orchestra, fixed venue, sets and costumes!  It should be a lot of fun for all, so please considering joining the party!

Die Fledermaus

Performing as the part of the Gabriel von Eisenstein, in Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus (The Bat), as part of White Horse Opera’s 2015-16 production. Photo by Chrissie Higgs.

The music is very well known and tuneful and there is humour throughout. As with most of things I do, it was translated into English by the legendary Graham Billing (back row in yellow waistcoat). As for the character Eisenstein, he is a rich playboy whose friend, Falke, wishes to see him atone for his crimes. Chaos and fun ensue. The part itself has no actual solo, but lots of duets and trios.

The Night Bell

Performing as Enrico in Donizetti’s Il Campanello di Notte (The Night Bell) as part of a 2016 Bristol Opera double bill production with Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana.

In complete contrast to the passionate and tragic Cavalleria, Campanello di Notte is a complete farce. This part was a lot of fun to play as my character, Enrico, is a hyper-active rogue in the same mould as Bugs Bunny or Jim Carey’s Mask. The interaction between Enrico and the characters Don Annibale Pistacchio (played by John DesLauriers, above) and his cousin Serafina are terrific and very action-packed. Enrico has four costume changes during the show, which is a record for me!

Whodunnit?

Performing the part of Sergeant Standish of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary (Police) in Shaffer’s play, Whodunnit? as part of Holt Dramatic Society’s production in 2015.

There is much humour in this classic country manor murder mystery, and not everything is as it seems regarding the eccentric guests. The Sgt I play, only appears in the second half called in with the Inspector (played in the Holt production by Francis Holmes) to investigate the murder. He is a simple but keen student of the law who only comes into his own when the Inspector dithers. This is very much a parody of an Agatha Christie murder mystery.

Orpheus in the Underworld

Performing as the part of the Pluto, God of the Underworld in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, as part of White Horse Opera’s 2011 production. Photo by Simon Stockley.

I don’t think I’ve had as much fun on stage as in this production. Pluto is God of the Underworld, and unlike the Gods on Mount Olympus, he just wants to cut loose and have a good time. The music is also terrific fun including the Galop Infernal (best known as the music of the Can-Can)

Pirates of Penzance

Performing as the part of the Pirate King in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, as part of White Horse Opera’s touring 2010-11 production. Photo by Toni Webster Johnstone.

I had first performed in this operetta in University but I was delighted to take on the rogue-ish Pirate King. He is lots of fun and not at all fierce behind his swashbuckling exterior. His music and dialogue is sung with pomp and ceremony. After all, these pirates are all noblemen who have gone wrong.

City of Angels

Performing as one of the members of the Angels City 4 in Coleman and Zippel’s City of Angels, as part of Trowbridge Musical Society’s 2015 production. Photo by Trevor Porter.

This was a treat of a musical to be involved in as the Film Noir plot was clever and the dialogue slick and witty. The music style is predominantly jazzy with the Angels City 4 providing backing with some fiendishly difficult four-part harmonies. It was challenging but excellent fun.

Pride and Prejudice

Performing the part of Mr Bingley in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Cally Smart as part of Holt Dramatic Society’s 2010 production. Photo by Amy Propert.

The dialogue combined with the costumes and regency dancing made for a terrific spectacle. Charles Bingley is a lovely man who means to do good and be polite to everybody. The production was held in the Courts gardens outside of a manor house, which was idyllic. Being an outdoor event the funniest moment was when I had to deliver the line “It is too nice a day to stay indoors” at a time when both audience and cast were soaked from rain.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Performing the part of Caiaphas, the High Priest in Webber and Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar as part of The Invitation Theatre Company’s 2014 production. Photo by Chris Watkins.

I performed in this musical once before but did not have a great experience from that production and so this was a kind of closure for me and gave me the chance to like this musical again, because it is undoubtedly very good and so inventively done.

The part of Caiaphas is at a very low pitch, which was tough to sing loudly. The role shows the high priest’s determination for self preservation. The music reveals that he is a villain in this story. The interesting thing is in the timespan of the musical he and his group are triumphant. It is only in the longer term that things change.

© 2018 Jon Paget