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Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society Regent Centre Christchurch September 2005 A first-class orchestra does great justice to Sullivan’s score too, and singing from principals and chorus is strong – although a little more volume from the altos would balance the ladies’ chorus rather more. Principal characterisations are all good. Brian Morgan’s interpretation of the snobbish Sir Joseph Porter works well despite his slightly irritating and frequent tendency to wave his white-gloved hands about Jolson-style, and Brian Oliver gives a finely judged performance as the more down-to-earth Captain Corcoran. Robert Eshelby and Ruth Hastings are suitably love-struck as Ralph Rackstraw and Josephine, Mark Ward’s ‘triangular’ Dick Deadeye is delightfully malevolent, Christine Eastwood’s Little Buttercup splendidly round and rosy, while Matthew Stevens makes quite an impression too as Bill Bobstay. On the down side, perhaps the second act’s moonlight effect is not quite bright enough – there are times when faces are in shadow – but a great set and bright costumes add super finishing touches to what is overall a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo 
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