The Pirates of Penzance Epsom Light Opera Company (ELOC) Epsom Playhouse Reviewed by Tony Flook

After an over-long, rather constrained overture, ELOC's production burst into life and showed this Gilbert & Sullivan favourite at its non-stop, free-flowing best under Lee Power's direction.

Sally Hatton made an early impact as she revealed Ruth's misdemeanour in apprenticing Frederic to a pirate.

Pirate King Chris Evans showed himself every bit the leader of his disparate band as he set out his philosophy in Oh Better Far to Live and Die.

Ruth and Frederic (David Farley) combined faultlessly in Oh! False One, You Have Deceived Me but, elsewhere, the male lead had difficulty hitting some notes.

Steve Mackenzie creditably maintained his balance and poise as a one-legged Samuel.

Honey Rouhani shone brightly throughout as Edith, never better than in Poor Wondering One and Dear Father, Why Leave Your Bed, and Ian Lambert took every opportunity to explore the comic potential of Major-General Stanley's patter song, with meticulous timing.

There was similar talent among the cameo parts, with brief but telling contributions from Charlie Dyer, Emily Evans and Wendy Halls as three of the Major-General's daughters. It was encouraging that most of the dozen or more other girls looked young enough to be credible for their roles. Michael Zeffman's single line and outlandish pink garb established him as more of a pirate queen than king.

Sergeant of Police Chris Watkins and his team exuded bravado as they boldly proclaimed Tarantara, Tarantara, then stamped their authority With Cat-Like Tread.

Ensemble work made a vital contribution, as in the finales to both acts and Go And Do You Best Endeavour, while Helen Parker's imaginative choreography and grouping always caught attention.

Musical director David Edwards supported the on-stage performers by allowing every word to be clearly heard and never drowned out.

Gilbert & Sullivan doesn't come brighter than this.