This is a
splendid night at the operetta with sustained performances from Anne
Diack (soprano), Greig Hill (tenor), Helen Brown (mezzo soprano) and
Neil Mudie (bass)
The first
half is devoted to a selection of songs, some well known and others not
so well known. They are drawn from the works of Lehar, Dvorak, and
Sullivan naming a few examples. Even the Flanders and Swann’s Madeira
song makes an appearance.
Following
an interval, David McBain joins the four principals as the waiter in a
short musical farce set in a Parisian restaurant with the music taken
from several Offenbach operas. Two couples having an illicit assignation
with the other’s partners meet up. After the discovery of each
infidelity, there is an unusual twist to the ending.
The
emphasis in the show is on food, wine, women and song with a large
measure of boisterous humour thrown in. Strictly Songtime’s production
is a most enjoyable experience.
****
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