THIS hilarious Broadway version of the Gilbert and Sullivan favourite delights from start to finish. And the linchpin of the production is the hugely talented Paul Nicholas who doesn't miss a trick as he swashbuckles his way through the role of the Pirate King with more than a nod in the direction of pantomime. I almost expected him to slap his thighs - and appealing they were in purple tights - while he strutted his stuff with panache.

The joke is that he is sending himself up throughout the show with a twinkle in his eye and a cut-glass accent that is completely over the top.

His timing is impeccable and he brings the show together with a polished professionalism which is as subtle as it is seductive.

He sings with strength and charm and his delivery of the often complicated lyrics cannot be faulted. This may be a more mature Pirate King than we remember, but he's lost none of his sexy magnetism.

Nicholas Smith (Mr Rumbold from Are You Being Served) is an excellent Major General and Norman Bowman - who has an attractive singing voice - makes an appealing Frederic.

Beverley Worboys as Mabel has a beautiful soprano voice and does full justice to such songs as Poor Wandering One.

Leonie Wilde as Ruth interprets the G & S songs with style.

Chorus work is inventive and often very funny. Full marks to director/choreographer Christopher Robinson. The staging of With Cat-Like Tread is a joy.

But it's Nicholas's show and how he relishes it. One not to be missed. DOREEN CROWTHER

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