The Gondoliers

Well, congratulations must go to Sandra Bamber for producing such an excellent show, which began when the curtains opened up to reveal 3 independently set vignettes. The set design had been done by Sandra and it really brought the Piazzetta, Venice to Hornby. It had the nice little touch of adding a `Bistro` where Annibale the owner served his guests brandishing an oversized pepper mill.

The Contadine opened the show with some fine singing, which was well matched by their Venetian Gondoliers.  Marco, Guiseppe, Gianetta and Tessa played by Matthew Bradley, Tom Ledsham, Sue Richardson and Helen Bullen were equally impressive in their singing and acting.

The Duke, Duchess, Casilda and Luis made an imposing entrance. Tony Hindle playing the Duke of Plaza Toro really made this part his own especially when he emerged as a powdered up pompadour with his King Charles wig in the second act. His diction was excellent. He was ably foiled by Ann Wodeman, playing the Duchess. I especially liked the Gavotte in the second act where they were joined by Casilda, Marco and Guiseppe. Casilda played by Lorna Sherrin and Luis played by Derek Bamber were well matched as the lovelorn pair and sang some lovely duets.

Special mention must go to Ron Eadington who took over the role of the menacing Don Alhambra the Grand Inquisitor when Graham Beevers was taken ill. He was really very sinister.

All the other principal parts were well cast and supported by the chorus. I liked the movement in the `Dance the Cachucha` number, where everybody was really enjoying themselves.

The costumes were very colourful, and special attention to detail had been paid to all the finishing touches, down to the ribbons that the girls had in their hair.

The musical accompaniment was safe in the capable hands of Richard Bromley and the accomplished orchestra.

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