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Review

The Sorcerer, Bournemouth Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society, Lighthouse, Poole

I have seen – and taken part in – this show many times, and I can honestly say that it has never seemed so fresh and original as in this production, which is well up to the society’s usual high standard.

The director, ex D’Oyly Carte performer Alan Spencer, has wisely kept to tradition whilst adding elements that enhance the story. That the chorus, for example, are in clearly defined social groups makes the effect of their unwittingly imbibed love potion all the more humorous when they inevitably fall for unsuitable partners. And if that brief filmed glimpse of Sir Marmaduke’s mansion was, as it seemed, W S Gilbert’s former home, Grim’s Dyke,  we now know that Ploverleigh is near Harrow Weald – not too far a journey for East End wide boy John Wellington Wells (John Gerken in fine form) to bring his bag of tricks.

The society has a real star in young tenor Rossano Saltfleet, whose assured and beautifully sung Alexis is a joy, well matched in quality with Jemma Truss’ confident Aline. Ian Metcalfe is a delight as Dr Daly, while the roles of Mrs Partlet and her daughter Constance are given an unusual but very welcome touch of humour by Cathy Murray and Charlotte Deverill.

Linda Kirkman

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