ANY lover of Gilbert and Sullivan could not fail to enjoy Great Witley Operatic Society's presentation of Yeomen Of The Guard - a show that has good principals, stunning costumes and polished orchestral playing.

The opening night performance at Worcester's Swan Theatre was largely a delight, sad though the auditorium was perhaps only three quarters full.

Of the G&S offerings Yeoman is one of the less comedic, but a decent romp with twists and turns aplenty, beautiful music, romance and tragedy.

Set around the Tower of London in Tudor England the action centres upon the unusual infatuations and fortunes of three men and three women, each looking to get wed - one of whom is also facing the death penalty.

Outstanding was Andrew Rawle in the key role of Jack Point, a strolling jester, expressive in both his jesting and singing. The impressive character actress was Kathryn Cope who brought great verve to the role of Phoebe Meryll. Michael Faulkner was exceptional both vocally and dramatically as the dashing Colonel Fairfax, under sentence of death, with Cherril Watkins splendid as Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer, and Bob Payne as Wilfred Shadbolt, the jealous and keyed-up head jailer and assistant tormentor, who provided a good many laughs. Two other performances which should get a mention were from Paul Thompson as Sergeant Meryll, of the Yeoman of the Guard, and Janet Hay as Dame Carruthers, housekeeper to the Tower, who both get caught up in the marrying scheme which goes awry.

Presenting G&S is not an easy task and director Chris Love and musical director Sue Black have done a magnificent job with Yeoman, but even with experienced singers it's asking a lot to produce a Gilbert patter song at speed and volume to fill the auditorium without the aid of microphones. Yeoman of the Guard is at the Swan Theatre, Worcester until Saturday, April 12.