<<  -- 4 --  Malcolm Miller    MUSICAL BANQUET

The three remaining protagonists were admirably portrayed, Strephon, a rich toned Jeremy Carpenter, Phyllis, lyrically rendered by Mary Hegarty, and a convincing Iolanthe, a resilient Ruth Peel who looked the part.

The incisive choruses reflected the high calibre of the vocal ensemble, with some notable solos from chorus members. Sullivan's music abounds in parody yet also conveys its own dramatic intensity and lilting charm, and Robert Dean's intrepid pacing throughout elicited expressive and gripping colour from the responsive orchestra, notably the woodwind, as well as all the singers.

The enterprising conductor-manager Wafsi Kani has plans to expand Grange Park Opera to a second venue in Leicestershire with, one hopes, promise of similar success on next year's horizon.