The Yeomen of the Guard (Gilbert and Sullivan)

In New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players' (NYGASP) acclaimed production of The Yeomen of the Guard, Seph Stanek took on the role of the Headsman—the menacing executioner tasked with carrying out Colonel Fairfax’s sentence. The hit production graced the stage at New York City Center and toured internationally, including the UK and the prestigious International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.

Seph’s portrayal of the Headsman left a visceral impression on audiences. Each time he made his entrance—shirtless, a leather hood with tiny slits masking his eyes, and wielding a giant axe—audible gasps ripped through the theater. His bare torso and back were covered in bloody battle scars and wounds from past beheadings, a living testament to the brutal role he embodied. The sheer visual impact of this character, paired with Seph’s commanding stage presence, often elicited spontaneous applause from the audience before a single line of dialogue was spoken or sung.

Set in the Tower of London, The Yeomen of the Guard stands out as one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most emotionally complex works, and Seph’s haunting Headsman is considered "one of the most chilling and unforgettable character interpretations in modern G&S performance, a masterclass in how presence alone can transform a scene" (review from the Board Council of the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, Buxton, England).