The Gondoliers, The Albert Halls, Bolton. Until Saturday.

AS New Rosemere Amateur Operatic Society enters its 80th year, it seems only fitting that they celebrate by staging Gilbert and Sullivan's most frivolous play, The Gondoliers.

Set in a Venice that is lushly represented by New Rosemere's breathtaking stage design, The Gondoliers is the tale of two brothers, three wives, and one disputed throne.

The play may be over 100 years old, but it is still as amusing now as when it was performed for Queen Victoria - as it turns out, on that occasion Her Majesty was very amused indeed.

The action centres around the two gondolier brothers, Marco and Giuseppe, played by Jim Lancaster and Rob Peace.

Together they are the very epitome of Republican ideals, but when it is announced that one of them has inherited the kingdom of Barataria their ideals are put to the test.

But which one is the king? Unfortunately no-one can remember!

To further complicate matters, the brothers are married to the feisty sisters Gianetta and Tessa, played by Ann O'Shea and Kate Rothwell. Both actresses are witty and clever, and more than a match for the boys.

But their happiness is threatened when it turns out that the king (whose identity is still uncertain) was married as a child to Casilda, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro, played by the superlative Liz Tatlock. Confused?

Of course, the plot isn't really the most important thing about The Gondoliers.

This is a frothy play that disguises social satire in layers of fluff - no wonder it has never been popular in America, where they take their Republicanism terribly seriously.

The New Rosemere singers are on top form, trading repartee as deftly as fine swordsmen.

Clive Green and Ann Smith, as the Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro deserve special mention for their comic turn, as does Clive McCoy, who was truly menacing as the Grand Inquisitor Don Alhambra Del Bolero.

Truly a magical evening.