Carl Rosa returned with its sell-out production of The Pirates of Penzance, last seen in Malvern in November 2001. None of the previous sparkle was lost, but some of the character casting had been changed.

The fine orchestra in Richard Balcombe's safe hands played an enticing Overture, and the audience became involved at once, appreciating changes of pace as tunes were reminisced.

Steven Page as a tall and imposing Pirate King introduced himself in For I am a Pirate King. Rebecca von Lipinski was flirtatious Mabel, singing Poor Wandering One and David Curry portrayed Frederic, a victim of being born on February 29.

Eric Roberts was the foolishly guilty Major-General, who delivered his patter song I am the very pattern of a modern Major-General very clearly, while Bruce Graham's stylishly rural Police Sergeant and his cronies, delighted in When a felon's not engaged in his employment. All were high points, and it is invidious to identify individuals when the entire company was in excellent form.

Choral singing was outstanding. Hail, Poetry, unaccompanied, was stirring and vibrant. Men of the piratical or police, sang with plenty of spirit and character, and their choreography, by David Furnell, required light-footed movements.

Costumes of the Young Ladies, in particular, were beautifully cut in Edwardian styles, and the set for Act II in shadowy moonlit ruins was extremely atmospheric.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening of highly polished G & S.

Jill Hopkins