“Stunning sets, wonderful costumes and a richly talented cast and orchestra ensured a sparkling evening of sheer delight and laughter of a captivated Theatre Royal audience”

“A sprightly soprano, a lively mezzo with reserves of power, an ardent tenor in sparkling form and a fine baritone give life to the leading roles, all vocally at their ease whether in solos or ensembles… energetic in perpetual motion, the chorus brings out situations with full tone and energetic attack. Under Richard Balcombe, the orchestra has power and colour, the capacity to bring out moments of grandeur as well as to convey a sense of romance and the equally important ability to pipe down, so that the singers can be hard clearly.”

“Their new production of The Gondoliers has much to recommend it. The designs are rather gorgeous – a meticulously painted backcloth, in the style of Canaletto, for the Venice of Act 1; a sumptuous interior for the palace of Barataria in Act 2; several extra, totally gratuitous scene changes; and two elaborate late-Victorian costumes for every member of the case. It makes for quite an eyeful.”