December was a very exciting time for the society as for the first time in our history, EUGnS put on a winter production. Trial By Jury took place in Exeter's Historic Guildhall which provided a very beautiful backdrop to the operetta. The show opened with carols conducted by our MD Charlie Hughes.Then the orchestra struck up and Trial by Jury began.
Ladies of the Public. Picture by Thomas A J Smith
The story of Trial By Jury centres around the Plantiff, Angelina, who is taking Edwin to court for "breach of promise of marriage". After successfully capturing the attention of the Jury, "we love you fondly, and would make you ours" Angelina finally ensnares The Judge. After little progress with the case, "the question Gentlemen is one of liquor...lets make him tipsy" the Judge proclaims that he "will marry her myself" and Angelina and Judge rush off to church.
Ishan Pankhania, as Counsell for Plantiff, tries to convince the Jury. Picture by Thomas A J Smith.
The director, Dettie Ellerby, and choreographer, Sheena Drainer, did a fantastic job creating a modern twist on the 19th Century operetta. The Judge spent most of the time swigging from his hip flask whilst Angelina and Edwin had a fight mid-song. The arrival of the Bridesmaids in "Comes the Broken Flower" saw four girls battling over the prime spot next to Angelina, trying desperately to keep their dignity in tact.
Angelina, Judge, Edwin and Counsell contemplate the Trial. Picture by Thomas A J Smith.
The costumes were inspired, as you can probably tell, by ITV's Downton Abbey. The cast did a fabulous job sourcing their own costumes and creating hair that Lady Mary Crawley would be proud of. It was great fun to dress up in swishy long skirts and lace gloves. Even the boys scrubbed up well!
The next show EUGnS are putting on is Patience, 6-10th March 2012 in Exeter Northcott Theatre and we would love you to come and see it. We will be updating the blog with more EUGnS news soon.
Happliy Ever After. Picture by Thomas A J Smith
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