Children
from the two local schools took part and provided the backdrop
of a story that began at the beginning of the 20th
century, when local author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, happens to
stop by the church during Empire Day rehearsals. He relates an
apocryphal story to the children of a local boy called Nigel Loring
who, following a visit by the King to Tilford, has a series of
adventures that take him to 14th century wars in Every
aspect of this production was outstanding the quality of
the piece itself, the composed music, the musicianship of the
performers and the professionalism of the stage direction. Key
singing roles were taken by professional opera singers and the
small orchestra comprised professional players. The
opera moved from scene to scene with a rich mixture of humour
and pathos. There was strong drama in several fight scenes when
Nigel and his friends had conflicts which, of course, they always
won. Fight direction was outstanding and extremely well performed
by all involved. A
mythical being was contrived when a story is related concerning
the fabled Worm of the Wey that terrified local inhabitants.
The arrival of a dragon-like worm carried by screaming children
caused great amusement to the large audiences that attended packed
performances. The
casting of this production was excellent the heroes in
the form of Nigel and Lady Mary were a delight in all respects
and there was no weak link in any of the other main parts or supporting
roles. The chorus transformed itself to meet the needs of all
the crowds required at each point of the story and sang well throughout.
Musical direction by Laurence Cummings was nothing short of brilliant
and David Wylde brought superb direction to the production supported
by the creativity that went into the costuming and props. This
wonderful community production was the brainchild of the departing
Musical Director of the society, Laurence Cummings. It was his
parting gift to the society, in a form that will never be forgotten
by the hundreds of people who came to the performances or were
involved in its production. The debt of the Tilford Bach Society
to Laurence, for about 10 years of involvement in the societys
activities, is huge. The TBS still hopes to see him often in his
new honorary position of joint President of the Tilford Bach Society. Ian
Sargeant
A Special Community Opera
created for the
Sponsored by CCA Galleries Ltd,
part of the Trevellyan Group based in Tilford
The World Premiere of the opera Nigel of Tilford took place
on 12 June 2010 in All Saints Church, Tilford. With a libretto
written by local author and playwright Rosemary Wisbey and music
composed by Neil and Satoko Luck, this was a unique work that
brought together a wonderful mix of professional and local amateur
musicians and actors.
Cast & Credits
click
here
click
here
Displayed by kind permission of the Farnham Herald