The Gondoliers

This production, the 11th of the operettas by Gilbert &Sullivan was well staged by this company, and set, unusually in the 1920's.

Gary Gentle (Marco) and Ian Askew (Giuseppe) led the company well as the two 'Gondoliers'. They were well supported by Ann Simpson (Gianetta) and Sue Rogers (Tessa). All four sang and performed well together. These four main principals were supported by Mac Hammond as the Duke of Plaza-Toro and Jill Hatton as the Duchess. Good support from Liam Simkins as Luis and Ruth Shelley as Casilda.

I also enjoyed the performance of 'mafia' looking Brian Marshall as the Grand Inquisitor. I was impressed by the strong chorus, not only their singing but their movement. You could hear every word said. Good to see such a large cast. I enjoyed the 'cachucha' and seeing not just company members but members of Spotlight Youth Productions joining in. The orchestra sounded good and the cast performed on a well-lit set. Costumes looked good. A well-rounded production which all G & S fans would have enjoyed.

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