If you missed this, you missed a treat, Gilbert and Sullivan at its satirical best, directed by John Telfer. The lovesick maidens opened this comic operetta with a convincing portrayal of their desperation to be loved. Their adoration was bestowed on the ’wonderful’ seemingly poetic Reginald Bunthorne, played ably by Adrian Cooper. The leading maidens excelled themselves, The Lady Jane being exceptionally good in her acceptance of no longer being young.

The Dragoon Guards and their rousing choruses, brought a great deal of colour and humour, ultimately to requite the lovesick maidens Gemma Dunster as Patience was a delight, a wonderful voice and convincing in her ’unselfishness’. Opposite her was Michael Ladomery in his role as Archibald Grosvenor, An Idyllic Poet, a conceited, perfect and affected man, later to become ’human’ and her eventual suitor.

There were many memorable duets and a very amusing threesome of would be aesthetics including the toga clad Lieut. The Duke of Dunstable played by Allan Bennett.
The choreographer is to be congratulated for all the dancing and movement and the eleven piece orchestra excelled themselves.