Aireborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s Pirates of Penzance at Yeadon Town Hall until Saturday.

IN December 1879 Sullivan wrote a letter to his mother about the new opera he was working on in which he said he thought it would be a great success and that ‘the music is strikingly tuneful and catching’.

That opera was Pirates of Penzance and how right he was. The show was a huge success and is definitely full of the most captivating music written by this unique duo.

I am constantly overawed by the singing talent of this Aireborough society. Long may they reign. Signing of this calibre is not easy to find these days. Modern day shows which most societies seem to want to put on mainly call for a microphone and belting vocals.

However, it did my heart good to wallow in the lilting, wonderful music sung by a chorus of 14 men, 12 ladies plus ten principals. The large orchestra was excellent and never intrusive. MD Maureen Earl’s love of G & S always evident.

The society are so lucky once again to benefit from the expertise of Judith Smith. She has performed herself in all 13 operas written by G & S and has taken leading roles with Savoyards.

There were eye catching groupings and stage pictures all beautifully lit at times and good movement of chorus and principals alike.

Costumes were so colourful, particularly the pirate costumes which looked super. The two sets looked very effective and had been used at the Opera House, Buxton, They were designed by Paul Lazell, who is connected to the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company.

The audience are treated to rousing chorus numbers such as When The Forman Bears His Steel and the beautiful Recit Hail Poetry.

There were many delightful solos and duets, Rachel Warren in particlular singing beautifully as Mabel the lovely Poor Wandering One with the ladies chorus and the duet Stay Frederic with the dashing Paul Richmond.

Donald Stephenson with his powerful baritone voice gave a stirring performance as the Pirate King. Michael Fawcett as Samuel added some pleasing singing. The part of Ruth the muddled, confused nurse is a splendid role and Liz Kelley treats it just right and it included some delightful duets and well thought out trios.

General Stanley is also a great role and is another of the G & S patters matters parts - precise diction, quick thinking and the ability to be in control of the character and in particular the words is essential. John Colston rose to every requirement and gave a polished and excellent performance.

In exchanges of dialogue with the Pirate King these two gave a lesson in how to project. A Policeman’s Lot is always a hit with the audience and Andrew Baxter and the men did a great job with this amusing number.

General Stanley’s daughters were well played and sung by Jane Bewell, Gillian Fawcett and Lyndsy Lines. Essentially, and best of all, this is a team effort the company coming together in some glorious singing. Go see it, you will come out smiling.