The Gipsy Baron, Lowton Civic Hall. Runs until Saturday. THE Three Towns Operatic Society have changed their style this year, deviating from their usual offerings of Gilbert and Sullivan, to give a splendid performance of this colourful opera by the master of the waltz - Johann Strauss - directed here by Barbara Worrall, and adapted by Ronald Hanmer.
The story centres around a band of gipsies and their newly proclaimed leader the Gipsy Baron, Sandor (Derek Jones) and his love for their princess Saffi (Susan Bradley).
But it is not all serious and heavy-hearted. The scheming town mayor enthusiastically played by Colin Magenty injects humour at every possible opportunity.
All the songs are perfectly executed by both the large cast and the superb orchestra - under the skilful direction of Nigel Jay. The tunes however, are unmistakably Strauss. From start to finish this was a high quality performance with superb solos by members of the cast in particular Joan Ashcroft as the Queen of the Gipsies and soprano Susan Bradley.
If you don't quite know whether opera is for you go along and sample the delights at Lowton this week, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article