Theatre review: Aireborough Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Yeadon Town Hall, February 7 and 8, 7.30pm and Saturday, February 9, 2.30pm.

THIS talented society with a host of wonderful singers in their midst were afraid last year that they might have to finish giving shows at the town hall.

The society wanted to keep going but didn’t want to do a full scale production and did not wish to become a sit and sing choir either so they came up with the concept of Songs of Love and Marriage, the setting to be in a church.

This worked well at dress rehearsal with interweaving music from The Gondoliers, The Sorcerer, HMS Pinafore and The Mikado.

However, the new musuical director Jim Newby gave the impression he was about to conduct a symphony rather than the galloping gaiety of Gilbert & Sullivan’s captivating music.

Costumes were colourful, the ladies with baskets of flowers and flowers in their hair looked delightful. Barbara Matthews was in charge of makeup, sound John Trenouth, and once again Paul Dennison on lighting. Directors of the performance were Margaret Barnes and Heather Field.

After the interval the society performed the quite short opera Trial by Jury. This has no spoken dialogue but sparkling music which is not often heard. Soloists all contributing. Martyne White was piano accompanist. This show will be a challenge for the society but it will be so good for them to be back on stage again.

*The society has chosen Yorkshire Air Ambulance as their charity this year and have been raising funds by selling cakes at rehearsals for their show. A bucket collection will be held at each performance.

For tickets book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/agss or telephoning 0333 666 3366.

by Val Pennett