THE opening night in Malvern of Carl Rosa's touring production of HMS Pinafore played to a packed audience and was as good as one is likely to see.

Timothy West directs with an astute eye for detail. An ingenious, busy beginning featured a crane lifting cargo onto the ship and set the scene for action on a realistically built quarter-deck.

Act I took place during daylight but Act II was lit impressively for night time, creating a full moon against a dark blue sky.

Characterisation and singing by each of the actors was exemplary and the fine chorus of sailors and female relations was supportive, and added considerable humour. Clear enunciation ensured that Gilbert's satiric libretto was enjoyed to its' maximum, vital especially when Colin Baker, as the lordly Sir Joseph sang his patter song When I was a lad, and when he was joined by Anne Bourne as love-sick Josephine, and Steven Page as popular Captain Corcoran, in Never mind the why and wherefore.

Beverley Klein, as Little Buttercup, a plump and pleasing person, Richard Coxon, as a romantic Ralph Rackstraw, and Peter Grant, the pessimistic Dick Deadeye, sang and acted superbly.

Choreography was imaginative, incorporating unusual nifty steps in horn pipes, and delightful moments within small ensembles.

Richard Balcombe conducted the excellent orchestra with distinction.

This is a first rate Gilbert and Sullivan production which continues until tomorrow (Saturday).

There is more to come next week when Carl Rosa presents The Pirates of Penzance from July 28-31.

JILL HOPKINS