Possibly a bit of a shock for the local G&S traditionalists, this was an excellent show in content and execution and it is the first time I have seen it performed in Region 4.
A difficult score was tackled confidently by Jim Tait and his merry band of six players with not a string in sight.
Gilbert's libretto has stood the test of time and adapts surprisingly well as do Sullivan's melodies, but the score is radically different.
Alan Graham was in fine voice as Nanki-Poo with Molly Bryce well cast as Yum-Yum. Her handmaidens were Leigh McDonald as Pitti-Sing and Carol Craig as Peep-Bo. The part of Pish-Tush has been beefed up a bit and was well sung and played by Paul Galbraith. Chris Gavin caught the humour in the role of Ko-Ko with some good business with Katisha, played by Karen Carey. The title role was played to a high standard by Alistair Darling, who imposed his will on the community on his briefly announced arrival.
Once it had been accepted that this was no standard version of the show, the merits of the revised book and score taken together and removed from nineteenth century versions proved to be very entertaining and I am sure very rewarding for the talented cast and quite a treat for unbiased members of the audience