Review of The Gondoliers by Aireborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society at Yeadon Town Hall - runs from February 10 to 13 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee 2.30pm.

THE Gondoliers set in Venice will surely be one of the most popular and best loved of Gilbert and Sullivan operas. It is full of lilting and delightful music and opened at the Savoy Theatre in London, December 7 1889.

The production from the Aireborough Society is quite different from the one intended by the writers. The idea is clever and original, at times confusing. This production I would think is set in the 1950s and perhaps it would have helped if the programme had been more informative in this respect, however, with wonderfully bright costumes and hats, put together by Janice Summers and Jane Clough, the talented duo of Paul Dennison lighting and John Trenough sound, also an effective stage set, the show glides along.

There is an extraordinary amount of talent in the cast this year both male and female, but particularly the men. Edward Thornton as Duke of Plaza Toro impressed with faultless diction and singing.

Luiz the Duke's attendant was played by Steven Greenwood who has the most captivating tenor voice. Two duets with Stella Whitehouse, a superb soprano, were a joy. An elegant and accomplished performance came from Joan Kay as the Duchess of Plaza Toro. She possesses a lovely singing voice and an excellent stage presence. Donald Stephenson is once again on stage with the Aireborough Society as Mafia style Grand Inquisitor. He gives an exceptional assured performance. His voice as strong and pleasing as ever.

Perhaps the song Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes is the most loved tenor song of all G&S operas and it is splendidly sung here by Paul Richmond who together with the excellent Michael Fawcett are the main two gondoliers. Andrew Baxter, Phillip Hill and Chris Clough are the remaining three.

Elaine Richmond, Gillan Fawcett and Elvira Suess, wives of the gondoliers all add excellent singing and vitality.

This Gilbert and Sullivan Society is know for its chorus singing and once again they excel. The music of Gilbert and Sullivan in not easy to sing, it is fast and tricky and as musical director Maureen Earl is brilliant. She is sympathetic to all the singers and worked very hard to get the best out of them.

Michael Lofthouse is directing his first show for the Aireborough Society and has given the audience something different and entertaining.

The 2017 production is to be HMS Pinafore.

by Val Pennett