Review

Carry On Gilbert & Sullivan

Traditionalists beware! If you are offended by a company called the Oily Ph 'Arte, or object to anyone tampering with Gilbert's hallowed texts, then Carry On Gilbert and Sullivan is not the show for you. But if you can handle an affectionate send-up of the Savoy operas, you couldn't fail to be entertained by Opera Anywhere's outrageous, hilarious and ingenious tribute to the famous comic duo.

Carry On Gilbert and Sullivan follows the fortunes of the Oily Ph'Arte Opera Company as it prepares to stage a new opera, The Pirates of Titti Poo. The motley assortment of misfits and wannabees who present themselves for audition would strike a chord with anyone who has ever been involved in casting a production - it is certainly enough to plunge the Oily Ph'Arte director into despair. The somewhat tenuous plot is a glorified excuse to roll out a pot-pouri of popular G&S hits, all appropriately adapted. You don't have to be a G&S expert to enjoy the show, but it certainly helps if you want to fully appreciate the humour.

Highlights include Sad is that woman's lot from Patience performed as a striptease, Poor Wandering One given the John Travolta treatment by a cleaning lady, and The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring sung by a particularly joyous ensemble.

The enthusiasm and talent of this mainly Oxford-based cast ensure that the pace never falters, and there are, inevitably, opportunities for audience participation. It all adds up to two and a half hours of pure delight, and Saturday night's audience clearly enjoyed every fun-filled minute.

Nicola Lisle, Oxford Times, 19/9/03