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| Programme |
ACT I
The villagers are rehearsing for their annual Eistedfod but one among them, Myfanwy has her mind elsewhere. Her parents have told her that, to settle their debts, they have arranged for her to marry the son of the wealthy landowner Toby Mitchell. She is particularly distressed that her beau, Joseph, seems little concerned over this. She tells Joseph that her love would turn to hate if he ever betrayed her. He reassures her and they vow that they will always be together. Joseph also reveals a little of his past, that he ran away from many years ago when his mother died and his new father's new wife despised him. Myfanwy's parents, Lloyd-Morgan and Morwenna, arrive with the lawyer Kettle and the lovers quickly depart. Kettle sings the praises of Mitchell's second son, Victor, and explains that an elder son disappeared some time ago. Myfanwy returns and refuses to marry Victor, whom she has not met, because she loves another. Kettle promises to resolve matters. He suggests that Myfanwy at least meet Victor to see how they get on, then he goes off in search of Joseph. Meanwhile the Eistedfod begins.
ACT II
Events have moved forward. Joseph and his friends are gathered drinking at the local pub following a rugby match, still in their game attire. Victor sits alone seeking Dutch courage before meeting his promised bride that he has never seen. Myfanwy comes in and flirts with him, at the same time telling him all kinds of wicked stories about his bride to be. Intimidated by the accounts of Myfanwy, and seduced by this flirtatious stranger, Victor resolves to refuse the arranged marriage. When everyone else leaves, Kettle approaches Joseph and attempts to persuade him to abandon his love for Myfanwy, offering him money as well as promising to find him a wife who is rich and beautiful. Joseph settles for a sum of three hundred pounds but insists on a clause in the contract that Myfanwy's hand be given only to a son of Toby Mitchell and that all her family's debts be cancelled. Kettle departs and Joseph reflects on his love for Myfanwy and that anyone could truly believe he would give her up. When Kettle returns with the new contract he signs in front of the townsfolk, who at first aplaud his sacrifice but are then appalled when Kettle reveals the financial side of the arrangement, that Joseph has in fact bartered his proposed bride.
ACT III
Victor is lamenting upon the events that have befallen him when he is distracted by the arrival of a travelling 'Wild West' show. The ringmaster announces the attractions to be seen that evening and the performers give a short preview of their acts. Victor is immediately fascinated by the beautiful and exotic Esmerelda and muses aloud that he would marry her right away. She overhears and playfully accepts. It then transpires that all is not well with the circus. The star attraction, a perfomer dressed up as a fake dancing bear, is hopelessly drunk and the show cannot go on without him. Victor happens to be the right size for the costume and the ringmaster and Esmerelda try to entice him to join the show. Later, Toby Mitchell and his wife Hattie arrive with Kettle to finalise the wedding arrangements but are astonished when Victor refuses to sign the contract and reveals the stories he has heard about Myfanwy. They demand to know who has spread such rumours and when Myfanwy arrives with her parents he points to her. Victor is delighted that the beautiful stranger is in fact his arranged bride but Myfanwy still resists. Her father then tells her that Joseph has in effect sold her to Mitchell's son and Kettle shows her Joseph's signature on the contract. Dejected and confused, Myfanwy pleads for time alone to make up her mind. Joseph arrives and tries to explain his actions but she refuses to listen to him, making up her mind instead that she will submit herself to the terms of the contract and marry Mitchell's son. When everybody gathers to finalise the agreement, Joseph finally reveals himself to be Toby Mitchell's long lost eldest son and, as first born, claims Myfanwy for himself under the terms of the contract.
Originally written in Czech and set in a 19th century Bohemian village, this version was sung in English and transposed to the Welsh hills sometime around the 1930's. This works remarkably well and makes the story identifiable and believable to a British audience despite the irregularity of an arranged marriage. It also plays upon the stereotypical Welsh passions for singing and rugby to heighten the comic effect. The circus scene in the third act includes a display of knife juggling and throwing as well as some acrobatics.
The libretto lacks the verbal wit of W. S. Gilbert, and the music the richness and invention of Arthur Sullivan, but this is still a very good piece written, I might add, somewhat before their time. The music on this occasion sounded a little tinny and lacking in depth but that due more to the small size of the orchestra (nine) rather than any reflection on their musical ability.
The sets consisted mostly of painted panels in layers suspended from ceiling which could be slid aside. In the opening sequence, the panels depict the exterior of a row of cottages and slide apart at intervals to reveal the occupants inside. The costumes generally reflect typical attire for the period, whilst the circus performers are dressed Wild West style.
Michael Bracegirdle led the way singing the part of Joseph. He has a strong clear smooth tenor and excelled in his aria's. His Joseph was a multilayered character, his outward strength and confidence barely concealing an underlying layer of angst. As Myfanwy, Camilla Roberts displayed a full, even soprano with a firm powerful tone. Her performance overall however was workmanlike rather than outstanding, and lacked the passion to make her character really believable. Consequently the chemistry between the two leads never really took off. Christopher Steele excelled as the socially inadequate and much put upon Victor, again with a strong singing voice and a pathos filled performance that fully captured the essence of his character. Also particularly worthy of mention was Olivia Ray as the exotic vamp Esmerelda, her aria in that character being for me a high point of the show.
Well sung throughout, as one might (stereotypically) expect from a Welsh company, and graced by some fine music. A worthy evening's entertainment.