HMS PINAFORE

Corn Exchange, Dorchester

THE comedy works of Gilbert and Sullivan are a good way of introducing the public to opera and the Opera Anywhere company ticks all the boxes for bringing professional productions to small scale venues.

A cast of ten singers, an accompanying pianist and a flautist make the most of the comic possibilities in this musical romance that pokes relentless fun at Britain’s posh people and the ruling classes.

Founders of the touring company, Mike and Vanessa Woodward each have leading roles in the production which maintains a high standard throughout in spite of the staging and scenery being very basic, the emphasis wisely concentrating upon the vocal abilities of the performers.

There are excellent performances by the young singers which are led by Andre Refig as a naval captain and Ellie Neale as his daughter who makes the mistake of falling in love with a low-life sailor although of course it all comes out right in the end.

With a full programme of varied shows taking place at the Corn Exchange in the coming weeks, local theatregoers have plenty to choose from, thanks to the Dorchester Arts group who have gathered together a fine collection of productions ranging from music, comedians and Christmas celebrations.

MARION COX