IT is hard to believe that more than 20 years have passed since American impresario Joseph Papp breathed new life into the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta with his revival of The Pirates of Penzance.

Though Savoyard traditionalists may still wince at the mention of it, the 'Broadway version' has thrilled audiences since it opened it 1980.

The current tour, which docked at the Everyman, Cheltenham, this week (until Saturday), is a triumph and the first-night audience was captivated, especially by Gary Wilmot as the Pirate King. His masterly timing, muscular stage presence and superb singing were a delight and his hilarious Pirate King song set the tone for a magnificent evening.

Su Pollard as Ruth displays a powerful singing voice but her extravagant acting style masks the subtlety of Gilbert's wit and smothers the pathos of the role.

Understudy Andrew Hutchings was a charming Frederic and his delightful tenor was particularly enjoyable in the duets with Mabel (Karen Evans). David Alder is the model of a modern or traditional Major-General and those who have seen Tony Azito's definitive film portrayal of the Sergeant will love Giles Taylor.

The show is likely to sell out. Fight for a ticket if one comes by.

Review by Steve Evans