London Omnibus

The first half production of ‘The Zoo’, a seldom performed short operetta with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by Bolton Rowe, contained snatches of music from Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas but with few melodious or memorable tunes which we associate with G & S. Nevertheless it is entertaining and fun. Set in London’s Zoological Gardens where a young man, “Carboy” John Davidson, is threatening to hang himself because the father of his beloved “Laetitia” Christine Davies, will not accept him as a suitor. Meanwhile “Thomas Brown”, Mike Faulkner (really the Duke of Islington)) enters the gardens looking to win the heart of “Eliza Smith”, Paula Potter, a virtuous young lady in charge of the refreshment stall. ”Mr Grinder” Laetitia’s  father James Dohnau turns up and after a mix up with potions and prescriptions all is satisfactorily resolved. The experienced cast excellently conveyed all the humour of the piece both verbally and vocally. The Narrator was Colin Potter.

The second half was fully costumed and staged with twenty five members of the chorus and principals containing twenty songs of solo’s, choruses, duets, trios and quartets all reminiscent of London’s bygone ages which for golden oldies in the audience brought back many memories with songs such as London Pride, Birlington Bertie, Let’s All Go Down The Strand, and a rousing Rose Of England with a powerful solo from Rebecca Fearnly and chorus and a finale Lambeth Walk. This was a most enjoyable evening, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. 

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