The Yeomen of the Guard

Northampton Gilbert and Sullivan Group

Following our highly successful anniversary year, the Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group are delighted to be to be returning to the Royal Auditorium with our 62nd production, The Yeomen of the Guard.

The Yeomen of the Guard is considered by most to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, combining a superb operatic score with Gilbert’s most ingenious writing.

Set in the shadow of the Tower of London, in the sixteenth century, the plot centres on Colonel Fairfax, a gentleman, soldier and scientist who has been condemned on a false charge of sorcery.

To avoid leaving his estate to his accuser (a cousin) Fairfax elicits the help of the Lieutenant of the Tower and, under blindfold, secretly marries Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer.

However, with the assistance of the Meryll family, Fairfax escapes, throwing the tower into confusion and the astonished Elsie (and her companion, the jester Jack Point) into despair.

The Yeomen of the Guard is considered to be the most serious of the Gilbert & Sullivan canon, in that it ends with a broken heart and at least two reluctant engagements, however, Gilbert still manages to find every opportunity to introduce comedy, whilst Sullivan’s score, is believed by many, to be his best.

In this ever-changing emotional balance of joy and despair, love and sacrifice, what will happen to Elsie and Point? Will Fairfax be reprieved? Will there be a happy ending?

For the answers to all of these questions, plus many more, book your tickets now!

This year we are delighted to announce that Yeomen of the Guard will be directed by renowned baritone and actor Leon Berger with David Chambers returning as Musical Director.

For more information about the Yeomen of the Guard or the Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan Group please visit www.northamptongandsgroup.co.uk.