THIS exhilarating double bill of Gilbert and Sullivan favourites was staged in style by New Rosemere AOS.

The evening started with an hilarious version of Trial by Jury in modern dress and with a jury of Morris dancers.

Patrick Unsworth played the Defendant as a hip-swivelling pop star while the Bridesmaids hand-jived to the beat of the music.

The unorthodox approach did not detract from some excellent singing from Unsworth, Claire Dewhurst as the Plaintiff and Tom Leyland as the learned and lecherous judge.

In this, as in HMS Pinafore, which followed there was excellent chorus work.

Unsworth took centre stage again in Pinafore as Ralph Rackstraw and continued to be in superb voice.

Bernard Killeen was an outstanding Sir Joseph. His diction could not be faulted and he displayed a clever comic touch.

Lisa Murphy as Josephine sang and played the part beautifully.

In the role of Little Buttercup, Ann Smith displayed considerable acting talent as did Eric Cheetham as the malodorous Dick Deadeye.

Tim Henshaw did sterling work as Captain Corcoran.

The set of HMS Pinafore was exceptionally good - even for Rosemere's high standards - and costumes could not be faulted.

Stage Director George Taylor was clearly intent on presenting thoroughly entertaining and swift-moving productions and he succeeded admirably.

Choreographer Audrey James used the cast to imaginative effect and Musical Director John Balshaw's contribution added immeasurably to the success of the two productions.

Altogether an outstanding evening of theatre. And don't think you have to be a G and S devotee to enjoy it. DOREEN CROWTHER

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