Princess Ida

Over the past three years Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateur Operatic Society has grown into its new home. Exchanging a traditional curtained stage for an amphitheatre-like church room certainly called for radical changes.

But the challenge was met admirably by a society already confident in the quality and originality of its productions. Princess Ida makes the most inventive use yet of this first-floor carpeted auditorium.

The audience looks down on an Edwardian drawing-room complete with tables, sofas, fireplace, rug, and pianist in the corner. As Robin Terry played the overture, a butler and two maids fluffed the cushions and adjusted the paintings.

Then the cast entered to present a typically convoluted story of rival kings, men in women's clothing and execution thwarted by true love.

Musically Princess Ida is not one of the strongest G&S operettas and the middle section goes on too long. So it is mainly Michael Lofthouse's production and the strong solo and chorus performances that make this show shine.

They certainly makes the most of the interesting plot, witty lyrics and scope for verbal and visual humour.

Robin Terry's playing is flawless, the cast's movements are fluid and at times the voices resound around the hall with a rare power.

If you think Gilbert and Sullivan is stuffy and outdated, you should taste the vitality, intimacy and immediacy of Haworth's interpretation.

* The show continues tonight and tomorrow at 7.15pm. Phone 01535 618014 to check ticket availability.

David Knights