The Gondoliers: Newman Hall

DESPITE their well-documented artistic differences Gilbert and Sullivan still managed to produce a series of 14 Comic Operas that not only dominated the entertainment scene for a quarter of a century but have remained popular for more than 100 years.

This company decided to take a similar risk in lining up two directors for their production of The Gondoliers, which was the last big hit for the famous Victorian partnership.

Judging from the finished production, the partnership between co-directors Louise White and John Laycock has been a smooth one, any clashes of ideas they may have had being confined to the rehearsal room.

Not content with taking on part of the responsibility for the direction of the show, John Laycock also decided to tackle the important role of Don Alhambra,The Grand Inquisitor. Calmness would be a byword in handling a production with this number of people in it and that calmness tipped over into his elegant, beautifully poised if slightly underpowered portrait of The Don.

During the traditionally-staged first act, there was a little too much of that understated quality in some of the singing and portrayals. The second act moved the action forward to a more modern age, with references to a hung parliament and politicians appearing on Sky TV. I have been sworn to secrecy as to the new location but you can make an educated guess if I tell you that the show's popular dance number was by no means out of place in this new venue.

Someone else who enjoyed the change was Peter Marsh whose Duke of Plaza-Toro looked as if he was thoroughly enjoying the change of climate. There were shades of Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil in this portrayal and that of Veronica Morgan as the Duchess.

As Marco, Jonathan Toffolo readily excepted the challenge of singing the popular romantic song Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes while Chris Marsh as his fellow Gondolier, Giuseppe, was at his best with of the numbers containing tricky lyrics. They found two admirable partners in Charlotte Wheadon and Laura Davis as the ladies they truly love, Gianetta and Tessa.

Geoff Wickham and his 15-strong orchestra provided strong, well-balanced support to all the singers giving them every chance to make the most of Sir Arthur Sullivan's fine score.

6/10

GERRY PARKER