If you fancy an evening’s entertainment that is full of fun and frivolity, then the English Touring Opera’s performance of The Gondoliers is definitely the show for you. From the moment the curtain was raised, the stage was filled with colour, energy, humour and joy.

First performed in 1889 and widely considered Gilbert and Sullivan’s last great success, our two gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe Palmieri, discover that one of them is the long-lost heir to the fictional throne of Barataria, and so begins one of Gilbert and Sullivan's ever-popular musical tales of wit, satire, privilege and cronyism.

Robin Bailey (Marco) and Samuel Pantcheff (Giuseppe) were fabulous as the gondolier brothers, each complementing the other perfectly throughout the performance, and possessing vocal clarity and comic charm. This was especially so during the scenes when they were jointly ruling their kingdom of Barataria, sharing everything, including their clothing, their throne, their bed and their meals.

The Duke of Plaza-Toro (Phil Wilcox) along with his Duchess (Lauren Young) and daughter Casilda (Kelli-Ann Masterson) contributed a further injection of fun and humour into the evening with their character portrayals, and not least their colourful and extravagant costumes and wigs. A mention must also go to Luiz (George Robarts) whose bare chest had all the females swooning! Of particular note was Don Alhambra del Bolero, Matthew Siveter, the Grand Inquisitor magnificently clothed in red and black and whose characterisation was (to me) so very reminiscent of Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder.

Marco and Giuseppe’s chosen brides, Tessa (Beth Moxon) and Gianetta (Natasha Agarwal) made the perfect partners for our two gondoliers. Equally strong was the supporting ensemble, who, together with the principals, completed the colourful and lively production.

Director and choreographer Liam Steel has returned to the ETO for this production and has been supported by a strong and talented creative team. The set design by Michael Pavelka was ingenious, being of a Rialto-shaped bridge that was manoeuvred around the stage as required and perfect for a touring performance. The costumes designed by Laura Jane Stanfield were colourful and allowed for the range of movement demanded by the choreography (although I’m sure I spotted the odd wardrobe malfunction or two, but extremely well managed nonetheless)!

Similarly, Jack Ridley, as conductor, led a very capable orchestra that complemented the vocalists throughout in a score that is jam-packed with unforgettable musical highlights, including such well-known numbers as Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes, Regular Royal Queen and the Cachucha.

The Gondoliers is an entertaining satire of the aristocracy and political systems as relevant today as ever. If nothing else, it prompts the observer to reflect on human frailties which in turn create, or destroy, a flexibility within any ruling system, effective or otherwise.

If you prefer a more formal evening of opera this is not the show for you, but for a light-hearted evening’s entertainment, this production of The Gondoliers would be a great choice.



Sheffield Lyceum
On Tour: Buxton Opera House Sat 18th April 7.30
Storyhouse Chester Wed 29 Apr, 7:30pm
Gala Theatre, Durham Thu 21 May, 7:30pm