Welcome to the 2003 production of Yeomen of the Guard

Synopsis

The story unfolds on Tower Green. Phoebe, Sergeant Meryll's daughter is attracted to a young prisoner, Colonel Fairfax, who is held on a charge of sorcery brought by his kinsman. He is to be beheaded this day and in order to prevent his kinsman succeeding to his estates, Fairfax makes a last request to Sir Richard, Lieutenant of the Tower, that a bride be found for him.

The strolling jester, Jack Point, arrives with his companion Elsie Maynard and they entertain the crowd. Sir Richard offers a hundred crowns if Elsie will marry Fairfax. Being assured that Fairfax is to die, Point agrees to the plan and Elsie is lead away and married to Fairfax.

However, an escape has been contrived for Fairfax by Sergeant Meryll and Phoebe who tricks gaoler Wilfred Shadbolt to gain access to the Colonel's cell. Meryll introduces Fairfax to the Yeomen as his brave son Leonard Meryll. When the time comes for the execution, the prisoner's cell is empty.

Two days pass. Dame Carruthers and the citizens mock the Yeomen for discharging their duties so irresponsibly. Elsie is now not widowed, but the legal wife of a fugitive she has never seen and Point is in low spirits. Point and Wilfred invent a tale that Wilfred has shot the fleeing prisoner, and Wilfred is hailed as a hero. Fairfax, still in disguise, now proceeds to woo Elsie and wins her love, much to the despair of Jack.

The real Leonard reappears with a reprieve for Fairfax. When Fairfax finally reveals his true identity, Elsie realises that she is married to the man she love.

All are filled with happiness.

All that is, except for Jack Point.