A first class production of one of my favourite Savoy Operas, with numerous up-to-date ad-libs regarding expense claims made by MPs and Peers, was performed by an enviable cast of principals backed by first class singing from the choruses of Peers and Fairies.

Robert Wardle gave an exemplary performance as the Lord Chancellor with all the nuances associated with the role and together with Tony Noden as  the Earl of Mountararat and John Elliot as Earl Tolloller, both of whom were in fine voice, led the claimants for the hand of Phyllis, played magnificently by Helen Fieldsend. Also in fine voice Stephen Othen gave a handsome performance as the half fairy/half mortal, Strephon.

In the title role Janice Rendel gave a brilliant performance firstly overjoyed at her release from being sentenced to live with the frogs and subsequently disclosing the existence of her husband, the Lord Chancellor, in one of the most dramatic scenes of the whole G and S repertoire.

Alison Davis was the dominant Fairy Queen in yet another great performance with Liz Betts as Fleta, and Lesley Stockley-Roberts and Bea Schouten as her shop stewards Leila, Ceilia.

I was somewhat puzzled by the omission of Private Willis from the list of principals in the programme. Had the production  been brought up to date by having him posted to Afghanistan I thought? But no, Ken Brook appeared on cue, resplendent in his guardsman’s uniform-albeit carrying his rifle on the wrong shoulder - to deliver a well sung “When all night long a chap remains” complete with further expense claims.

The Manchester Opera Orchestra (Leader John Henderson) under Steve Rayner’s baton provided superb accompaniment although it was a little overpowering during the Lord Chancellor’s nightmare song “When you’re lying awake”

An enjoyable evening’s entertainment, which was well received by an appreciative audience. - David Parkes